For the first time in SA television history an exclusive food series will explore the work and world of SA’s first Michelin-star chef Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen. In Jan, this award-winning chef and culinary genius will invite DStv viewers to watch how he combines French and South African cooking in his restaurant, JAN, in Nice, France. The programme kicks off on Tuesday, October 24, at 19:30 on the Afrikaans lifestyle channel VIA (DStv channel 147) and will simultaneously be available on Showmax.
This programme gives viewers an intimate look into the life of a creative artist, and also the processes that inspires Jan-Hendrik to create his award-winning culinary creations. We discover how his childhood on a dairy farm in Mpumalanga prepared him for opening his restaurant in the capital of the culinary world, and why he received the highest accolade in the restaurant business three years later.
“Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen is one of South Africa’s exports that fills us with pride. It is a great honour to be able to explore his inner world through the camera lens,” says Izelle Venter, VIA’s channel head. “The programme is in Afrikaans, English, French and Italian, but the entire series has English subtitles, so everyone can watch it.”
The programme begins in his restaurant on the French Riviera, where Hollywood stars, international sportspeople and other VIP guests queue for a table. The cameras then follow him to the small Italian village of Apricale, where he goes to recharge his batteries and to explore distinctive ingredients in the company of local characters. Each episode ends off with a spectacular dish inspired by the episode’s characters and ingredients – usually accompanied by a robust South African touch.
“Guests at my restaurant should not only say they enjoyed eating there – they must say they had a great experience. The same goes for the series: we are taking the viewers on a visual and sensory journey. If viewers feel that the programme was an experience for them as well, then we have done good work,” says Jan-Hendrik, who is visiting Cape Town especially for the show launch.
New episodes of Jan will air every Tuesday at 19:30, with repeats on Sundays at 20:30. The programme is simultaneously available on Showmax. The programme consists of nine episodes of 50 minutes each in Afrikaans, French and Italian, with English subtitles. Caesarstone is the broadcast partner for the programme.
The programme is produced by Carien Loubser of Brainwave Productions, well known for TV programmes such as Bobby en Karlien: In jou skoene, and the kykNET hit Die Republiek van Zoid-Afrika.
Guest appearances in first episode
Duane Vermeulen (Team: Toulon) - also a Springbok
Juandré Kruger (Team: Racing Métro 92) - also a Springbok
Julia Stiles (Actress)
Kevin Grobler (Head Chef at JAN) from Bloemfontein, Free State
Rutger Eysvogel (Chef at JAN) from Saldanha, Western Cape
Photos by Anelia Loubser
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