I have the best job, it might not always be the easiest, but it’s the best by far! And yes, I can cook too. Over the past few months I, together with my fellow Eat Out judges, have been searching for the top restaurants in South Africa, and we still have a few more months to go.

But the first step in the process is narrowing down rather a large list to the 20 nominees for the Eat Out Restaurant Awards . The search is all about building relationships, sharing emotions and discovering new chefs’ philosophies and how they are interpreted on the plate. For me it’s the emotions that trigger the flavours and experience of a dish. We’ll announce the winner in November at the Eat Out awards ceremony.

I am very honoured to be working closely with three highly respected judges – Arnold Tanzer, from Johannesburg, Cape Town-based chef and restaurateur Pete Goffe-Wood, and chef and food anthropologist Anna Trapido.

As we travel around the country finding new gems, we look forward to tasting menus, new combinations, the classics and the sheer element of surprise. And, just a small heads up, I’m searching for the most sublime dessert ever!

All the best to everyone who makes eating out so unique in South Africa. Good luck and let’s make it a true adventure.

Happy eating!
Abigail