Showcook organises two big competitions annually, one of which is the Reaching for Young Stars, where they pair up candidates from Leading Culinary Academies in the Western Cape with wineries. The Taj Hotel is hosting the competition and we were treated to an incredible Indian lunch on Thurs 7th May where the wineries showcased their 3 wines selected for the competition. Indian chef Rakesh Pawar kicked off with a rocket of a starter - an amuse bouche with a difference, the Dahi Bhalla - a mix berry relish and Kala Chaat Masala. It was incredibly impressive, a real smoke and mirrors performance! The candidates, the wineries and the culinary academies for 2026 are : Katherine Hudson & La Motte Wines - Emeris Chelsi Louw & Cederberg Wines - International Hotel School Blayze Morris & Simonsig Family Vineyards - CTIA Chefs Training & Innovation Academy Tafadzwa Mupotsa & Constantia Glen - Capsicum Culinary Studio Ntando Vilakazi & Kleine Zalze - The Silo Internship Programme Tawananyasha Kaliyati & Zoetendal Wines - Cooktastic Luke Watkins & Laborie Wines - Superyacht Culinary Academy This initiative provides students with a valuable platform to excel and gain recognition within their chosen field. As these rising stars compete for top honours, their skills will be on full display, with the winners set to be revealed on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the iconic Taj Cape Town.Organised by Showcook.com in partnership with renowned culinary expert Annette Kesler, the programme goes beyond celebrating culinary mastery — it is a holistic platform aimed at developing potential.