In this week’s interview we feature 18 year old Tyron Pretorius, Durban’s latest Big Favour winner who has spent three weeks at restaurants Plum and Jam on an internship courtesy of the Signature Life Hotel group and East Coast Radio, check it out…

Tyron said that his dream was to become a chef as he loves cooking and when he paid a visit to the East Coast Radio studio to see Damon Beard he had no idea what was in store for him.

Signature Life Hotel’s CEO Allen Vels and head chef Jason Turner were also in studio and after chatting with Tyron about cooking and his future plans they surprised him with an offer to stay with Jason and his team for three weeks, to experience the life of a chef.

Young Tyron is living with Cystic fibrosis and has had to adapt his lifestyle, it has not stopped him from living life and is an avid sportsman as well as enjoying going out with his friends and whipping up a Thai chicken curry one of his greatest recipes he now prepares thanks to his dad’s influence.

“My father does most of the cooking at home and he’s best known for his curries” says Tyron. “The hotter the better and so far his best one is a Thai chicken curry which I love making too” he says.

“I really had no idea, it was a big shock but a really nice surprise to have got this opportunity to stay at the hotel and work at Jam and Plum, I’m really thankful to everyone involved” says Tyron.

Jam restaurant has made its mark on the Durban dining scene and has garnered the respect and loyalty from many a guest and patron. Situated in the leafy suburbs of Avondale road the gorgeous eatery is located on the Quarters Hotel property where patrons are offered a variety of food offerings. One can indulge in the freshest organic items to a selection of modern dishes with a twist all found on the al a carte menu.

The Socialite caught up with the Pietermaritzburg-born 18 year old to find out more about his stay at the Quarters hotel in Avondale with chef Justin Kotze and what he would recommend to readers on the menu which includes Jam’s infamous ice-cream cakes.

Tyron’s recommendation lies with the Chorizo spring rolls and fishcakes on the Jam menu which he says is ideal for a light lunch or for a snack with friends. “For dessert I would have to say guests should try the crème Brule and ice-cream cakes” he says.

“So far my favourite thing on the menu has to be the ice-cream cakes and it seems quite popular with the guests here at Jam” says Tyron. “Although I haven’t actually had a chance to taste one, I’ve just been so busy in the kitchen so I hope I am making them okay” he says with a laugh.

Pop in to see Jam chef Justin and Tyron in action at the Jam restaurant at 101 Florida Road and let us know about your experience, we’d love to hear from you…

Also check out our Video Showcase on Plum restaurant featuring Head Chef Jason Turner as well as Tyron Pretorius as the Socialite crew pays a visit to the kitchen and checks out the latest venue and menu offerings at http://thesocialite.co.za/?p=5485