Since its debut in 2020, The Taste Master SA has cemented itself as one of Mzansi’s most appetising culinary reality series. The show puts bakers to the ultimate test as chefs and foodies alike whip up some scrumptious creations in a bid to be crowned champion. After two successful seasons, the search officially returns in 2022 in partnership with Royal Baking Powder.
Returning for another stint as judges are Zola Nene and Fritz Schoon. The duo will share their culinary wisdom and advice with the contestants as they push them to their limits while creating mouth-watering dishes inside the kitchen.
This time, the judges are looking for baking connoisseurs who aren’t afraid to rise to the occasion and show the country that they are, indeed, a legend in the baking. “We all know that baking is a science, but more than that, it’s an opportunity to showcase immense creativity! In this season of The Taste Master SA, we’re looking to be wowed by impressive technique as well as elaborate designs,” celebrity chef Zola Nene says. “We’re in search of a baker who is adventurous and thinks outside of the cake box while tantalising our taste buds! “
Artisanal baker Fritz Schoon adds “The Taste Master SA will challenge every aspect of your baking skill set. It will reveal your character, your grit and your desire for success. It will refine your vision in the process. We can’t wait to put a new batch of bakers to the ultimate test.”
The winner of The Taste Master SA will receive a cash prize of R50 000 and contestants will be able to win kitchen appliances to the value of R50 000 throughout the season.
Entries for the upcoming season are now open via www.thetastemaster.co.za. Those interested in participating simply need to fill in an online application form and upload a video explaining a little bit more about themselves and their love for food as well as showing off a culinary creation they baked using tried and trusted Royal Baking Powder. Entries close on 25 April 2022.
“We’re excited to see the creative entries as potential contestants show off their talents while Baking More Memories with tried and trusted Royal Baking Powder. This season is going to be an incredible journey for our contestants to build their baking careers but also stand a chance to win amazing prizes,” Tamryn Seopela, Senior Brand Manager at Royal Baking Powder says.
“There is nothing that beats the smell of freshly-baked cake or bread in any home. During lockdown, many South Africans took to baking as way to while away time and to reduce their anxiety levels brought about as a result of the pandemic. Baking is an age-old art that not only allows for creative expression, but it is also a wonderful way of expressing one’s feelings towards others and SABC 2 is delighted once again to partner with Cardova Productions and Royal Baking Powder for season three of The Taste Master. Warm, colourful and gentle in tone, this season promises to be bigger and better as 12 contestants will showcase their talent and creativity through the weekly rigorous challenges that will undoubtedly test their skill, nerves and patience as they battle it out looking to be for crowned South Africa’s next Taste Master. Each week, viewers will be treated to mouth-watering baking delights and will be inspired to try out some of the baking recipes at home whilst rooting for their favourite contestant to win the cash prize and title,” Jacqui Hlongwane, Head of Programming SABC 2 adds.
“We are absolutely delighted to be the sponsors of The Taste Master South Africa, Season 3. At AEG, our mission is to reinvent taste, inspire and contribute to the creation of better experience for our customers. We want to challenge conventions and set new standards in baking and what better way to do it than with The Taste Masters,” adds Michelle McGowan, Head of Marketing Electrolux South Africa.
Speaking about the success of the series, Cardova Productions MD Patience Stevens explains “It is great to see just how much South Africa has connected with The Taste Master SA. It is an honour and a privilege to be able to shine the spotlight on exciting new talent in the world of baking. South Africa is blessed with such bright young achievers – and to be able to reflect their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence is a joy. The upcoming third season of The Taste Master SA will be filled with twists, turns and delicious creations.”
The third season of The Taste Master SA premieres on 7 July 2022 on SABC 2. For more information, visit www.thetastemaster.co.za
About Zola Nene:
Zola Nene got her big break as the resident chef on the SABC 3 breakfast show Expresso. Zola’s journey with food started on a trip to England where she found a job in a brasserie in Cheshire for two years, first as a hot section chef and then as the head pastry chef.
After her two-year stint in England, Zola returned to South Africa and enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch. She specialised in Food Media in her third year of studies and subsequently worked at Top Billing magazine as a food assistant. In 2010, Zola started her career as a celebrity chef by joining the Expresso Morning Show. She released her first cook book Simply Delicious in 2016 and has a stint of other impressive hosting and judging spots on her CV.
About Fritz Schoon:
Fritz Schoon has always been passionate about food but his appetite for baking, specifically artisanal breads, has made him one of the most sought-after bakers in South Africa. Fritz’s career officially began after he completed an apprenticeship with a fifth-generation Austrian master baker. It was then when he built a wood-fired oven at the back of the old bank building in Stellenbosch in 2010 which eventually turned into the popular Oude Bank Bakkerij.
Fritz’s obsession with bread and pastries has catapulted him into a household name. The baker owns a number of SCHOON Cafés around the Western Cape. His knowledge and passion for baking makes him the perfect addition to The Taste Master SA.
Image Courtesy: Supplied
