Introducing Mikha Sabatta - Class Of 2023
Mikha Sabatta / Photo: Kathy Pitout Photography
MIKHA SABATTA
1. What inspired you to enroll at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?
From a very early age I have had a passion for food. I have memories of cooking with my grandparents and parents and have always wanted to be involved in the process of cooking delicious meals.
2. What are you hoping to achieve here?
I am hoping to gain an experience with food which I have never had before. I hope to be able to live up to my future dreams and aspirations.
3. Explain what you are prepared to give of yourself
This career path requires 100% dedication in order to achieve success. I want to be a top chef and will not sacrifice this goal. My full attention, dedication and perseverance will be my focus.
4. What is your long-term goal?
My long-term goal is to gain as much experience as possible and to open my own restaurant where I can showcase my passion.
5. In how many years do you hope to achieve this
In 8 - 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 aware that pressure will help me achieve my goal. Nobody has achieved success without pressure and perseverance. I have learned that when I am under pressure the best method is to concentrate on one task at a time, to get it done properly and move to the next.
7. Do you shy away from hard work? Elaborate on your answer.
Absolutely not. The only way I will learn and become an exceptional chef is through hard work and dedication. Mistakes will be made along the way, but hard work will get the task done and that is where perfection stems from.
8. Are you willing to perform all tasks assigned to you? Give a reason for your answer.
Yes, because this occupation is something that I am passionate about so I will do anything to prepare and advance myself as a chef - as much as possible.
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 of this. Fortunately, I attended a school that does not follow the public holiday system and has Saturday school every week. Due to this I am already equipped to deal with this factor quite well because it has been my reality for the past five years.
10. Who is your favourite international ‘foodie’?
So many to choose from, but Marco Pierre White and Heston Blumenthal are the top of my list.
11. If food had a personality, what dish would be most like you and why.
I think a trifle would represent my personality. The different layers represent my structure, self-discipline and methodical thinking. It is topped with whipped cream representing my loving nature and playfulness.
12. Where were you born and raised.
I was born and raised in Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal.
13. Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy going to the gym and going on walks. I love spending quality time with my friends and family and enjoy playing team sports such as hockey and paddle tennis.
14. What dish do you find least inspiring? Explain your reason.
The dated favourites such as chicken a la king and cottage pie. Although they are delicious, people have a perceived expectation, and it is difficult to be creative without changing the dish too much.
15. Name four celebrities you’d like to have at your dinner table and explain why?
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen – South Africa’s first Michelin Star Chef. He has been an inspiration to me because he has made a brilliant name for himself. This shows how dedicated he was. He began at the bottom and worked his way forward to being the owner of many restaurants, including a restaurant that has earned him a Michelin Star.
Chad le Clos – a South African Olympic, world and commonwealth champion. Le Clos has shown dedication to his swimming since he was a young boy. He is adamant about working to the best of his ability to achieve something that truly inspires him.
Jennifer Aniston – an actress in many films including the popular series, Friends. Aniston enjoys her career and thinks of it more as a hobby and not a job. It, of course, is extremely hard work but because of her passion she enjoys doing her job. She loves being in the studios and loves being an actress. This is why she views it as more of a hobby and I find that inspiring.
Taylor Swift – a singer and songwriter who produces incredible songs. She will not allow anything to stop her and will continue with her work no matter what. She is inspiring, talented, artistic and beautiful.