Daniel Driemeyer

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

I have always enjoyed cooking and baking. They are my passion, and I know that Jackie Cameron is a renowned chef, so enrolling here has made me want to reach the success Chef Jackie has achieved.

2. What are you hoping to achieve here?

I am hoping to graduate with a qualification to work in either a restaurant or bakery.

3. Explain what you are prepared to give of yourself

I am prepared to give my best as I am a hard worker, and I never give up. I am prepared to put my time and effort into the work we are going to be doing.

4. What is your long-term goal?

My long-term goal is to own either my own restaurant or bakery.

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

Within the next 5-10 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.

Yes, I am fully aware that the pressure I will be placed under will help me achieve my goal. The reason I chose Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine was because I will be pushed beyond my limits, and through hard work and long hours comes success.

7. Do you shy away from hard work

If something is really complicated, I tend not to volunteer, but I have learnt that you have to help out wherever you can, because you learn through practice, and practice makes perfect. I intend to give of my best, and to, no longer, shy away because you can’t learn by doing nothing. You can only learn if you participate.

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

Yes, because I want to learn as much as I can.

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

Yes, I am aware. I will dedicate all the time that’s needed to be a successful chef - as well as improve my communication skills because I will have to wait tables, accept food critiques, take others’ advice and learn from my mistakes.

10. Who is your favourite international ‘foodie’?

I don’t have just one specific favourite, but one of the people that inspires me is Nadiya Hussain.

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

Pasta, because I love Italian flavours, especially the cheese sauces that make the pasta delicious - rich and creamy.

12. Where were you born and raised.
I was born and raised in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

13. Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
Swimming, listening to music, tennis, watching movies, bird watching, running.

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

I don’t enjoy very hot foods with lots of chillies because I don’t like hot spices. I prefer food that is mild.

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

Jennifer Aniston, because she has persevered in life, and she is now famous. This inspires me to push myself to give of my best.

Brendan O’Carroll (Mrs Brown’s Boys) as well as Tyler Perry (Madea) because they make me laugh when I am feeling down or having a bad day. Laughter really is the best medicine.

Elvis Blue, because his music encourages me. In one of his songs, he says that you should never give up.

Nadiya Hussain, because her food is very good, and she inspires me to be like her, and to produce the best quality food.

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