Introducing Seaton Haynes - Class of 2023

Seaton Haynes / Photo: Kathy Pitout Photography

Seaton Haynes

1. What inspired you to enroll at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?

It was the way Chef Jackie treats and inspires her students, past and present, to achieve their best and also those who supported me to go into this industry. My parents made my dream a reality. 

2. What are you hoping to achieve here?

I hope to gather the knowledge and wisdom that Chef Jackie shares - and to grow as a person.

3. Explain what you are prepared to give of yourself?

I am willing to give as much as possible and do everything to the best of my ability.

4. What is your long-term goal?

I aim to eventually own and run my own restaurant.

5. In how many years do you hope to achieve this

Hopefully between 10 and 15 years.

6. Are you aware the pressure you’ll be placed under during the course will help you achieve your goal? Elaborate on your ability to cope with pressure.

I am aware of the pressure, and I think that I cope well under most stressful circumstances.

7. Do you shy away from hard work?

No, I don't. I think hard work is part of the journey towards learning something new.

8. Are you willing to perform all tasks assigned to you? Give a reason for your answer.

Yes, I am. I believe that in order to gain knowledge I must do the tasks assigned to gain an understanding.

9. Are you aware that the hospitality industry requires you to work weekends and holidays while guests `play`? Comment on this.

My comments is that it is very true for some it is a challenging field to go into and some don't agree with the guest 'playing' in a sense.

10. Who is your favourite international ‘foodie’?

My favourite international foodie is Marco Pierre White.

11.  If food had a personality, what dish would be most like you and why?

The dish that would be most like my personality would be a piece of apple crumble. It looks quite rough around the edges but it’s quite soft and gentle once you take a bite and it can warm you up. 

12. Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal - in Pietermaritzburg. 

13. Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy playing rugby and going to the gym.

14. What dish do you find least inspiring? Explain your reason.

Bangers and mash. Potato mash and sausages are wonderful but together as a dish it can be a bland and mediocre meal.

15. Name four celebrities you’d like to have at your dinner table and explain why?

 I would have Arnold Schwarzenegger, Keanu Reeves, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy because they inspired me to be who I am.