Diary Entry 98: Fast Lanes, Fine Flavours at Turffontein Racecourse 🏇🍽️

Turffontein Racecourse is one of South Africa’s oldest and most iconic horse racing venues, with a history dating back to 1887 when it was established by the Johannesburg Turf Club. Located in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg, the racecourse has witnessed the city’s remarkable growth from a young mining town into Africa’s economic powerhouse. Over the decades, Turffontein has become synonymous with premier Thoroughbred racing, hosting prestigious events such as the South African Derby and the renowned Summer Cup.

Back in the Kitchen: Why the Skinny Chef Has Been Quiet

Hey Skinnies,

It’s been a minute! So, the reason you haven’t heard from me in a little while is because the Skinny Makoti has been on a roll. In fact, there are currently only two things we argue about in our household — who’s jazzing up the mogodu I bring home from work every Wednesday, and who gets to feature the blog for the week. And I can tell you right now… Shadre has been on an absolute winning streak lately! Haha! But anyways, this week your Skinny Chef is back with a bang.

Consulting at the Iconic Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg

What a week it has been! The energy has been electric, the pressure has been real, and the opportunities? Absolutely inspiring. This week, I want to take you behind the scenes of one of the most exciting spaces I’ve recently had the privilege of consulting in — the iconic Turffontein Racecourse right here in Johannesburg.

Now, many people think a racecourse is only about horses, betting slips, fancy hats and champagne glasses clinking in the grandstands. But let me tell you something… behind all that glamour is a fast-paced hospitality operation that demands precision, timing, creativity and teamwork — very similar to running a high-performance kitchen during a Saturday dinner rush.

Behind the Scenes of a High-Performance Hospitality Operation

Walking into the kitchens at Turffontein immediately gave me that adrenaline rush chefs secretly live for. Massive service expectations, diverse guests, event catering demands, and the challenge of creating memorable food experiences in an environment where excitement never stops moving. As a chef consultant, this is exactly the type of challenge that pushes me to grow and elevate my craft even further.

One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that consulting is not just about changing menus or costing recipes. It’s about understanding people, understanding systems, and finding ways to elevate the guest experience while empowering the kitchen team at the same time. Every kitchen has its own rhythm, culture and personality. My role is to step into that environment, observe carefully, and help sharpen the operation without losing the soul of the team.

The History and Energy That Make Turffontein Special

At Turffontein, I found myself deeply inspired by the rich history of the venue itself. You can almost feel the legacy in the air. The buzz of race-day preparations, the movement between hospitality suites, the coordination between departments — it reminded me that hospitality is truly theatre. Guests may only see the polished final show, but behind the curtain there are chefs, stewards, managers and service staff all working together to create pure magic.

Skinny Fact : Did you know? Turffontein Racecourse is famous for having one of the most demanding finishes in South African horse racing. The track features a challenging uphill run to the finish line, which often tests a horse's stamina and can dramatically influence race outcomes. Many racing enthusiasts believe that winning at Turffontein requires not only speed but exceptional endurance, making victories at the venue especially prestigious within the racing community.

Small Kitchen Improvements That Create Big Results

And trust me, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a team slowly begin to believe in themselves again after introducing small operational improvements. Sometimes the biggest transformations come from the simplest adjustments — improving prep flow, refining menu execution, tightening portion controls, reducing wastage, or simply bringing fresh energy into the kitchen culture.

Creating a Four-Course Menu for the Prestigious Highveld Awards

Of course, your Skinny Chef was also creatively inspired. I recently had the pleasure of executing the Highveld Awards, which took place on the 16th of May. It is a prestigious event celebrating the achievements of both equine and human performers within the South African racing community. Hosted annually by 4Racing, it remains one of the highlights on the South African racing calendar.

For the occasion, I put together a beautiful four-course menu consisting of arrival canapés, a starter, mains and dessert. And let me just say this — the Skinny Chef did what he does best, and the brigade absolutely turned up in top form on the day! Haha… that’s all I’m going to say about that.

How Great Food Brings People Together

One thing I deeply appreciated throughout this consulting experience was seeing how food continues to bring people together from all walks of life. Whether guests arrived dressed in luxury fashion or casual race-day fits, everyone connected over a great plate of food. Hospitality has this beautiful ability to create moments, conversations and memories that people carry long after the event is over.

Reflecting on a Culinary Journey of Growth

Personally, this experience also reminded me of how far the journey has come. From writing my little blogs as the Skinny Chef, to building brands, creating recipes, managing kitchens, and now consulting within iconic spaces like Turffontein — it honestly feels surreal at times. But I constantly remind myself that growth comes from saying yes to opportunities that challenge you.

The Evolving Role of Modern Chefs and Culinary Leaders

This consulting chapter has also taught me that leadership in the culinary world is evolving. Modern chefs are no longer confined to simply cooking behind stoves. We are creators, consultants, storytellers, wellness advocates and experience builders. The food industry is changing rapidly, and adaptability is becoming one of the greatest ingredients for success.

Skinny Tip : Interested in turning classical culinary techniques into macro-friendly, nutrient-dense meals that actively support weight management and optimal wellness ? Then the Skinny Chef Diaries is the perfect book for you. Click the link if you want to get your hands on a copy Today .

The Race Is Far From Over

As I left the racecourse after one of the long service days, hearing the distant sounds of the track while watching the Johannesburg skyline settle into sunset, I had one simple thought running through my mind:

“The race is far from over.”

And honestly, Skinnies… I’m just getting started.

Oh, and I’m officially just two blogs away from Diary Entry 100. Shay… it’s definitely going to be epic!

Until Next Time, Skinnies

Until next time — stay healthy, stay inspired, stay skinny and never be afraid to step into rooms that challenge your greatness.

Same time, same place.

Creative Director : Shadre Leonard