Shane Smit is all set and ready to take the helm of the first Jamie Oliver restaurant in SA

Situated among high-end fashion stores and café cultures in the bustling hub of Melrose Arch, the highly anticipated Jamie's Italian restaurant has appointed a Group Head Chef, Shane Smit.

Alongside Shane and his team, Jamie’s Italian, which was founded by celebrity chef and healthy food campaigner, Jamie Oliver, will bring a menu full of local flavour and rustic Italian-inspiration.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Shane - who hails from Springs, Gauteng, reveals that he gave up the chance to become a lawyer to pursue his passion for food. Unlike many, his family was receptive to the idea of him trading law school for the kitchen.

"I am so blessed to have such an amazing and supportive family. Knowing that you have the full backing of your family makes it so much easier to pursue your dreams," he says.

Shane spent a year working at the first Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Oxford, which opened in 2008, learning about Italian cooking from Jamie and his team. It was just the beginning of Shane’s career and his eventual growth within the business.

"It was an absolutely life changing experience. It’s such an amazing culture. To work with like-minded individuals really does bring out the best in you!

"I worked with a fantastic team when I first joined the company and they’ve helped me develop.  Jamie’s Italian is truly a family, where growth is one of our main objectives. We want to see our family members fly!"

Shane recalls making a pasta dish as one of the many memorable moments he had during his one year stint at Jamie's Italian.

"There are actually so many memorable food moments, that it’s quite unfair to distinguish between the best moments. But one very memorable moment was when Raymond Blanc came to the restaurant and stood next to us while we were cooking his pasta dish.

"I just remember the absolute pressure of making the perfect pasta. There was also the time when Gennaro showed me how to make his signature porchetta for the first time. What a legend and absolute inspiration!"

It was the time he spent overseas that made Shane realise that the South African food industry is "up there with best".

"The food industry in South Africa compared to overseas is really up there with the best. The South African palate loves big flavours, yet still appreciates the food being fresh, healthy and ethically farmed," he says, before gushing over talented and passionate chefs in the country.

"I believe that South African chefs are truly talented and passionate about the industry and, together with amazing produce and gorgeous settings, South Africa can really be proud of what the food industry produces."

On his return to SA, Shane worked in numerous leading international five-star establishments and consulted for a variety of restaurants across the country. It was while working as Executive Chef for the illustrious Mount Edgecombe Country Club that he was offered the opportunity to bring Jamie’s Italian to South Africa

"I received the message letting me know that Jamie’s Italian was finally coming to South Africa from a former mentor I worked with, staying in Oxford. My heart nearly stopped! I feel so blessed to have been chosen to do this job and I’m happy and excited to be sharing the Jamie’s Italian experience with South Africa."

Shane says he's looking forward to inspiring and leading his team of chefs with passion in his new role as the Group Head Chef of Jamie's Italian.

"I want inspire and lead the Jamie’s Italian South Africa kitchen brigade and to create an environment where the chefs come to work inspired with a sense of belong. I believe that leading a team with passion and inspiration; you will get so much more out of the individuals collectively, rather than being  a dictator and ruling with fear," he reveals.

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