Cooking with Heart: A Glimpse into the Jackie Cameron School’s Mission
Images by Richard Edwards Photography
“At the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, our mission is more than simply teaching recipes; it’s about instilling a passion for culinary craftsmanship and South Africa’s rich food heritage in the next generation of chefs. From the beginning, my vision has been to create a space that merges technical skills with a deep respect for local culture and ingredients, encouraging students to honour South Africa’s culinary identity. When Richard Edwards visited my school in 2015, he experienced this commitment firsthand and shared his reflections, beautifully capturing the essence of what we strive to achieve here at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.”
Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine
The Journey from Hartford House to Hilton
My career began as head chef at Hartford House, a prestigious boutique hotel in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, where I learned to merge fine dining with local flavours. In 2014, I took a leap to start the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, nestled in Hilton, with a vision to shape aspiring chefs into future culinary leaders who would carry forward a love for our nation’s flavours, history, and food traditions. Richard’s visit was a significant milestone; his presence and perspective validated the values and goals that define our school’s mission.
Richard Edwards’ Reflections: Cooking with Heart
In his second blog post, "Cooking at the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa", Richard shares his experience of witnessing this mission come alive in our classrooms and kitchens. He describes the cooking demonstration he attended, noting the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and the pride we take in honoring South African food traditions. Richard's reflections truly resonate with the school’s ethos – respect for food, a sense of community, and a passion for craft. His words echo what I strive to impart to each student, the importance of understanding the stories behind each ingredient and the care involved in every dish.
To read more about Richard’s experience, visit his blog:
Building a Culinary Legacy Rooted in Tradition
Hosting Richard was a reminder of the significance of our mission. Each class, each dish prepared, is a step toward a culinary legacy that respects South African heritage while looking forward to the future of cuisine. This vision – blending tradition with innovation, community with expertise – guides the curriculum at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine and every interaction with our students.
Thank you for being part of our story. We invite you to continue following our journey as we nurture the next generation of culinary talent, committed to ensuring South Africa’s culinary heritage thrives.