Wandile Mabaso

Chef Wandile Mabaso is a creative food artist full of global experiences. He has a vast international experience and has worked with internationally renowned Chefs in Michelin star restaurants in New York and Paris.

Classically trained in French cuisine, he currently specialises in contemporary French haute cuisine, where only the finest luxury ingredients are used and treated with extreme perfection in the most bespoke settings.

Today, Chef Wandile Mabaso is the owner of Les Créatifs Restaurant, which is shaking up the Johannesburg food scene with its unique offering; an experimental form of dining that takes guests on an exciting gastronomic journey.

Renee Blackman

Born and raised in Barbados, Renee Blackman has always had a passion for food and culture. Growing up her inspirations were her mother Colleen and Grandmother Hazel, sparking her fascination with food. Renee decided at an early age to become a chef, wanting to combine bold flavors to create deeply satisfying dishes. At the age of 16, she attended an early culinary program in New York where she excelled quickly. Exhibiting extreme interest in technique and presentation, she was deemed the lead chef amongst her peers. After discovering her niche of combining food and art, Chef Renee began creating elaborate dishes for friends and family members. Chef Renee believes in using the freshest ingredients and constantly seeks out seasonal finds to enhance her dishes.

Michael O’Hare

Michael O’Hare, a chef from North Yorkshire, transitioned from studying ballet and aeronautical engineering to pursuing a culinary career. He gained recognition at The Blind Swine in York and later became famous for his distinctive style on the BBC’s Great British Menu. In 2014, he opened The Man Behind The Curtain in Leeds, known for its avant-garde, Spanish and Asian-influenced dishes. Michael describes his restaurant as a space for bold culinary expression. In 2016, he became Creative Director of GG Hospitality and opened The Rabbit in the Moon in Manchester. A 2024 refurbishment of his restaurant introduced new tables, DJ decks, and a refreshed menu. His TV appearances include The Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen, MasterChef, Yes Chef, and Cooking With The Stars.