What’s the Difference? A Woolies Food Podcast

Set menus, anxiety and secret snacks: Alex and Eloise Windebank reveal life behind Farro restaurant

What happens when a chef and a bartender fall in love, open a restaurant, and build something that guests love so much they name their children after it?
Meet Alex and Eloise Windebank, the husband-and-wife team behind Farro, one of Cape Town's most intimate and beloved dining experiences. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run a restaurant together: from the anxiety of working in an open kitchen to the art of creating wine pairings that evoke nostalgia, not just tasting notes.
They chat about: 
Farro's journey from Johannesburg to the Winelands and back to Cape Town.
Why they champion a guest-first philosophy over chef ego, and the benefits of a five-course set menu. 
Eloise shares the infamous "chilli gate" controversy that landed her hate mail, while Alex confesses his secret behind-the-scenes snack of choice: cheese slices dipped in mayo.
Plus Woolies Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Latiefa Behardien, explains how packaging decisions are made in the business, and whether Woolies would consider selling Jaffa cakes.
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by Woolworths Produced by POP24
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true 
Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKux
Website: farrofoodandwine.com
Instagram: @farro_foodandwine

Is wine still cool? Leanne Beattie, The Wine Girl Cape Town, on Gen Z, canned wine and the future of SA's wine scene

She's visited over 800 South African wine farms, and she's just getting started. Leanne Beattie, better known as The Wine Girl Cape Town, has made it her mission to make South Africa's wine scene accessible, exciting, and deeply human. No snobbery allowed.
In this episode, Leanne joins us for an honest, playful and deeply informative conversation about what's really happening in South Africa's wine world. She speaks on: 
The regions quietly producing world-class Chardonnay (yes, really!) to the polarising rise of jalapeños and frozen mango in Sauvignon Blanc.
How Gen Z is changing the wine industry.
What it takes to build a loyal audience as a wine content creator in a world that loves a good story
Plus, Rene Grownewald, Cape Wine Master and WCellar Senior Product Specialist, joins the conversation for a live tasting session and pulls back the curtain on how your favourite wines actually make it onto the Woolworths shelves. 
 
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by Woolworths Produced by POP24
 
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true 
Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKux
Wines of South Africa (WOSA): wosa.co.za
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thewinegirlcapetown/

The chef who tells her students: Do what I say, not what I did. Jackie Cameron reveals what it takes to become a great chef.

What does it take to truly transform the culinary industry not just from the plate up, but from the people up? Jackie Cameron has the answer, and it starts with one unforgettable moment when a hotel owner told her to stop doing the work and start teaching others how to do it.
In this episode, Jackie, one of South Africa's Top 10 chefs and founder of the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine gets refreshingly candid about why she walked away from award-winning restaurants to build something far more meaningful: a culinary school in the KZN Midlands that is quietly revolutionising how young South African chefs are trained, nurtured and set up for life.
In this episode: 
Jackie speaks on what’s broken in traditional kitchen culture
Why mental well-being and physical fitness are now as important as knife skills
How Jackie's students are learning to put their heritage on a plate and tell their stories through food
Plus, Marli Roberts, Woolworths Head of Product: Central Sensory Quality and Innovation, shares the opportunities Woolies has for culinary students. She also explains Woolworths culture of constant improvement and innovation. 
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by Woolworths Produced by POP24
 
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true
Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKux
Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine: https://www.jackiecameron.co.za/
Jackie’s instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jackiecameronincolour/?hl=en
Woolworths Graduate program: https://careers.woolworths.co.za/applicant/index.php?controller=Listings&method=view&listingid=972922b0-a14d-421c-a7d6-09d9d8fd0b89 

Elevating everyday ingredients: Mmule Setati is making affordable food simple, sexy, and soulful

What happens when a trip to Croatia awakens your inner foodie? For Mmule Setati, it sparked the creation of Feed My Tribe. It’s a community that started as an Instagram page and grew into a bestselling cookbook, TV career, and a healing space for thousands of home cooks across South Africa.
In this episode, Mmule opens up about: 
Cooking in her grandmother Stella's kitchen as a little girl
The truth behind building an online food community with real heart
Why her journey through PCOS completely changed how she thinks about food as fuel and healing
Plus, Scott Parker, Product Development Manager, Culinary Innovation, Research and Development, talks about the challenges of developing the most delicious food at affordable prices. 
New episodes on Wednesdaysrought to you by Woolworths Produced by POP24
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true 
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Feed my tribe website: feedmytribe.co.za
Feed my tribe: Instagram: @feed_my_tribe
Feed My Tribe Cookbook: Exclusive Books
 

Viral food creator Wayne Chang reveals his recipe for TikTok success

Ever wondered what it takes to build a massive food following from scratch? Wayne Chang (@munchin_mash) went from making Maggi noodles with mayo and tuna in his university hostel to becoming one of South Africa's most followed food creators.
In this episode, Wayne shares the raw truth behind viral content creation, including: 
His seven failed attempts at pain au chocolat, and why showing your mistakes actually builds trust. 
How a simple fried chicken hack using carbonated water changed everything. 
His Taiwanese-South African heritage, the psychology behind recipe development, and why authenticity beats perfection every time.
Plus, Marisa Munroe, Woolworths Chief Food Product Direction and Development Officer, explains what “best in class” means to the business and the science behind tasting new products. 
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by Woolworths Produced by POP24
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true
Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKux
Wayne’s TikTok: @munchin_mash
Wayne’s Instagram: @munchin_mash

How Fehmz went from home cook to viral social media star with authentic content

What happens when authentic home-cooking meets social media? Meet Fehmz, the cookbook author and content creator who's been "in your kitchen" long before it was trendy. From humble Instagram beginnings to viral TikTok moments with her famous San Sebastian cheesecake, Fehmz proves that the most unpolished, relatable content often resonates the deepest.
In this episode, Fehmz talks about: 
Her philosophy of respecting heritage while making food accessible
Her bestselling cookbook, Damn Good Food, and bringing family stories and tested recipes to her community 
Why kids have been her biggest supporters
Plus, Fathima Paruk from the Trends, Insights & Strategy department at Woolies foods talks about how Woolies ensures cultural food is authentic and nostalgic. 
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by Woolworths Produced by POP24
 
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true 
Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKux
Buy "Damn Good Food" Cookbook: https://www.takealot.com/damn-good-food/PLID98933760?srsltid=AfmBOooT3fXZcyN6OHC9MXmX5UPTUY1NRFSTLZcT4KAVKPmVy9I8nidv 
Follow Fehmz on: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fehmz/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fehmz.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fehmz 
Fehmz Website - Recipes and content
 

World champion bartender JJ Hendricks reveals the secrets behind Cape Town’s favourite cocktails

Meet JJ Hendricks, the engineering student turned world-champion bartender who's redefining South Africa's cocktail scene. As head bartender at Cape Town's acclaimed Fable and winner of Diageo World Class Africa 2022, JJ reveals the fascinating intersection of science, storytelling, and showmanship that goes into crafting unforgettable drinks. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, hospitality professional, or merely curious about the creative process behind world-class drinks, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Africa's most celebrated bartenders.
In this episode, discover:
Why JJ believes that cocktails should be "liquid theatre"
How JJ transforms South African folklore into liquid experiences
His innovative three-tier menu strategy and the future of ready-to-drink cocktails
Why a Long Island iced tea is a boring cocktail 
Plus, listen to Katie Bailiie, WCellar Category Manager, tell us how Woolworths adopts international trends and how they look at cocktail bars to see what customers want. 
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by Woolworths Produced by POP24
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKux
WCellar: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/WCellar/Spirits/_/N-12epel9?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23252331975&gbraid=0AAAABBw-AAej8hEp8LKENur9DcFuaeAHV&gclid=CjwKCAjwnZfPBhAGEiwAzg-VzAqSLKrFVUramdXSbyPoWVL0z8qSzwI2IZhnmU06rFj9dLhL6t-NCxoCFpkQAvD_BwE 
Fable: https://fablecocktailbar.capetown/ 

Restaurant legend Peter Tempelhoff reveals how indigenous foraging is transforming South African fine dining

Peter Tempelhoff, the first South African chef to win three knives at the Best Chef Awards, and the mastermind behind FYN (World's 50 Best #37), as well as Ramendhead, Sushiya, Beyond, and, most recently, Arum. Peter shares the secrets behind building a culinary empire that's putting South African cuisine on the global map.
In this episode, discover:
How Peter partners with professors to rediscover wild South African plants and turn them into cultivated ingredients
His award-winning philosophy: The intentional design and team-building strategies behind his multiple restaurant successes
Why some of his staff have been with him for 15 years, and how he shares equity with his teams
Plus, Woolies Category Manager: Bakery, Nhlaka Msthali, explains the lengths - and places - he and his team go to ensure quality dishes and ingredients.
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by WoolworthsProduced by POP24
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true
Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKux
Peter Tempelhoff-https://www.instagram.com/petertempelhoff/?hl=en
FYN Restaurant  https://www.fynrestaurant.com
Beyond Restaurant: https://beyondrestaurant.co.za
Arum Restaurant: https://arum.co.za/ 
Ramenhead: http://ramenhead.co.za
Sushiya: https://www.sushiya.co.za/

Benni McCarthy wanted to import Gatsbys when playing football in Europe

Benni McCarthy loved the food in Portugal, and struggled with the Spanish dinner time. The South African football legend joins hosts Sibongile Mafu and Steve Steinfeld for a raw and honest conversation about his career, memories and his new memoir "Benni by Benni McCarthy." 
From growing up in the tough Cape Flats neighbourhoods to becoming a Champions League winner with Porto, Benni shares stories you've never heard before.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How a chance at Seven Stars led to European scouts from Real Madrid and Barcelona
 His incredible ability to learn Portuguese in just 2 months (and his unique method)
The childhood trauma that drove his success and made him into the man he is today. 
Plus, Yusuf Limbada’s daughter is the reason Woolies sells mochi. Woolies Food’s Head of Trade: Prepared, Bakery and Frozen at Woolies Food sheds light on exactly why the food at Woolies is more expensive, and why it's worth it. 
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by Woolworths Produced by POP24
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true 
Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKuxBenni McCarthy- https://www.instagram.com/bennimac17/?hl=en"Benni by Benni McCarthy" - available for purchase

Soweto-born chef, champagne creator, cacao pioneer - Chef Wandile Mabaso is a South African culinary inspiration

On this week’s What’s the Difference episode, hosts Sibongile Mafu and Steve Steinfeld take a journey through Chef Wandile Mabaso’s career. From ‘playing’ with food at home in Soweto to sweating it out in New York’s toughest Michelin-starred kitchens, he’s back in South Africa and quietly building his own empire. As the chef-owner of Les Creatif in Johannesburg, he’s doing more than changing the menu. He’s reshaping kitchen culture, mentoring young chefs, and creating space for more diversity in fine dining.
He also shares:
The unique experience of creating his own champagne brand in Champagne, France.
His cacao project that brings a deeper connection to chocolate-making and storytelling through food
How he mastered French techniques in order to celebrate African flavours
Plus, Woolworths senior development chef, Sharon Mbonambi, talks about the challenges of introducing South African dishes to the Woolies market. From amagwinya to idombolo, she’s blazing a trail to make heritage foods available nationwide. 
New episodes on WednesdaysBrought to you by WoolworthsProduced by POP24
Shop the Snack & Yap products: https://www.woolworths.co.za/cat/_/N-o3pw8w?Exact=true
Our legal team wants you to read this disclaimer: ⁠https://bit.ly/4s4MKux
Les Créatifs Restaurant: https://lescreatifs.co.za/
Chef Wandile Mabaso: https://www.instagram.com/chef_wandilemabaso/?hl=en