CapeTownMagazine.com

10 Questions For: Stephen Mandes

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

10 Questions For: Stephen Mandes

This Cape Town-based chef is a culinary virtuoso. After winning the title of SABC3’s Ultimate Braai Master in Season 3, Stephen went on to become the Head Chef at the V&A Waterfront’s illustrious Mondiall Kitchen & Bar.

1. How would you describe what you do for a living?
I am like an [army] general leading soldiers through a busy service each and every day, constantly having to motivate and teach, and in this learn more about myself as a person and as a chef.

2. What is your most vivid childhood memory?
I remember having a swimming pool at my childhood home and my dad would wake us up early for a morning swim before school.
 
3. If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
Auguste Escoffier, Nelson Mandela and Albert Einstein. My philosophy is, surround yourself with great people, and when they say great things…nod your head in agreement.
 
4. If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?
Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York’. It’s just such a catchy tune.
 

5. How would you complete this sentence?  The South African cabinet should include a Minister of ______________
All things delicious!

6. What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
People may think being a chef is glamourous - it ain’t! It’s hard work, long hours and a lot of sacrifice.

7. What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town?
It’s so beautiful! People are ALWAYS ON THE GO. It’s such a cool place to be as a young professional and in terms of food - in my opinion it’s the food capital of South Africa.

 
8. What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?
I am, and probably will always be very shy. I’ve overcome it somewhat having been on TV and having to meet new people every day. I handle that kind of pressure way better now.
 
9. What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die?
I would like to have a flourishing restaurant of my own and have it become one of the country’s best.
 
10. Which well- known South African personality would you , without a doubt, be able to beat in a one-on-one dance-off and why?  
Trevor Noah, I don’t really think he can dance, hey! Well, neither can I - it might be a stiff battle.
 
---

ABOUT #CapeTownMag10Q:
CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates.

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions for Foodie and Chef Claire Allen

10 Questions for Internet Entrepreneur Vinny Lingham

---

Need some cooking tips for dining solo? Don't fear! Jenny Morris, Nicolas Charalambous and Siba Mtongana are here to help.

---

Check out our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City

Cape Town Events Calendar
March 2024
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31

Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko MuseumOnce-in-a-lifetime exhibition of Esther ...

On from February to August 2024; 100+ artworks

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Escape rooms Cape TownPossibly the best escape room in the ...

HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”

Comedy on Kloof comedy shows on TuesdayAffordable, weekly comedy show in Cape ...

Comedy on Kloof brings the city’s funniest

Mardouw Country HouseHow to have an unforgettable 40th, 50th ...

Private chef and 3-course meals at a 5-suite manor

Amina Boutique Hotel You can now book out this entire hotel ...

Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

GiveawaysTravel Tips