Introducing Dylan Pretorius-Spires - Class of 2021
Dylan Pretorius-Spires / Photo: Kathy Pitout Photography
Dylan Pretorius-Spires
1. What inspired you to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?
When helping at functions and on work experience, the stories the past students told me about the way the school had helped them, encouraged me to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine.
2. What is your reason for choosing a career in the culinary industry?
I enjoy finding different foods that complement one another.
3. What are you hoping to achieve here?
I would like to be able to improve on my current level of skills - and add new skills.
4. Explain what you are prepared to give of yourself.
If there is a task that needs to be completed, I will take as long as needed to complete the task, whether I'm working late into the night or starting early in the morning.
5. What is your long-term goal?
I would like to own my own fine-dining restaurant.
6. In how many years do you hope to achieve this?
I don't have a set number of years to achieve this goal because I would like to travel around the world and gain experience
7. Are you aware that the pressure you’ll be placed under during the course will help you achieve your goal? Elaborate on your ability to cope with pressure.
Yes. When in a pressure situation I like to step back, take deep breaths and get my mind into a space where I believe I can beat the pressure.
8. Do you shy away from hard work? Elaborate on your answer.
No. If there is any hard work to be done, I will put up my hand and offer assistance.
9. Are you willing to perform all tasks related to the course – even if you consider the task menial? Give the reason for your answer.
Yes. I believe that you can't be a restaurant owner or head chef - and run a restaurant - if you don't have experience in each department, no matter how small.
10. Are you aware that the hospitality industry requires you to work on weekends and public holidays while guests ‘play’? Comment on this.
Yes. I have no problem working harder and longer hours than your average person because I know that working those hours will allow me to achieve my goal of owning a restaurant.
11. Who is your favourite international ‘foodie’?
12. If food had a personality, what dish would be most like you – and why?
Curry, because I spice up every occasion.
13. Where were you born and raised?
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
14. Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy wakeboarding, skiing and working out in the gym.
15. What dish do find least inspiring? Explain the reason.
Mash potatoes, because what you see is what you get.
16. Name four celebrities you’d like to have at your dinner table. Explain why.
All these men have proven that with hard work, determination and perseverance you will achieve your goals, no matter how big they may be.
Seth Feroce
Elon Musk
Gordon Ramsay