Young and talented, Jason Whitehead is best known in Cape Town as private chef to celebrities and the rich and famous.
With 15 years in the industry Jason is no newcomer to the restaurant scene. He has worked with some of Cape Town’s best known eateries, both in the kitchen and front of house. His good looks, confident outgoing personality and experience in marketing and branding lured him out of the kitchen and onto the floor as the face of many up market restaurants. Jason has also consulted to struggling restaurants, reviving their menus and creating marketing strategies to get them back on the map.
When asked about his cooking style, Jason says: “I am big on keeping it simple and uncomplicated, but presenting it beautifully. As much as Ferran Adria fascinates me, I don’t think that cooking should be performed in a lab. I love unusual combinations, but try not to complicate things too much. I like to show people that cooking should be fun and not intimidating.”
Jason’s favourite chef is, among others, without a doubt Anthony Bourdain. “Not only is he a great chef, but a brilliant writer too – you must read his book Kitchen Confidential! I can so relate to his life story… it has many similarities to mine. Don’t quote me on that!” he laughs.
When Jason is not cooking for his star-studded private clientele, he consults to the restaurant and events industry, offers fun and quirky interactive cooking demonstrations to corporates, and is busy working on his own television cooking show… watch this space.
Favorite Color:
White
Favorite Book:
Cookbooks (obviously), biographies, Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Favorite Food:
Raw food, Italian, French, Indian, Fusion
Favorite Quote:
Changes daily, but today:
“If you want to drive yourself crazy, try to figure out what other people want you to be. And then try to become it. A perfect recipe for self-destruction!”
- Susan Jeffers
“It was a very brave man who ate the first oyster”
- Unknown
Hobbies:
Eating out, DJing, partying, gym, cooking, reading, eating, drinking, eating some more…
