Both Gillian and Richard are chefs. Gillian is City and Guilds trained and Richard is trained through experience, and together they have designed, built and run their own restaurants. They currently own two restaurant franchises in Cape Town. Richard is also a garagiste winemaker and is very knowledgeable about the local wines, which is a large part of Cape Town's culture. Gillian is also an artist and her beautiful artwork decorates the home, accenting their lovely living area to make you feel right at home. Gillian and Richard believe in eating and treating your body well and only use the best ingredients to prepare a meal! Being in the restaurant business for so many years, they know where and how to procure the freshest local ingredients. Gillian and Richard are extremely knowledgeable not only about the local cuisine, the local region. They are happy to help plan itineraries for guests interested in doing day outings around the Western Cape. Their home has a pool so you're welcome to swim in it during the summer months. Their home is within an hour of the Western Cape Winelands, which is a major tourist area and grape growing region. The nearest winery is a 10-15 minute drive away, in case you would like to visit on your own after your Traveling Spoon experience. Food is the center of this home, with large indoor and outdoor dining tables, a kitchen, and braai. As it is with many South Africans, the braai (a fire / barbeque that is a significant part of South African culture) is the couple's favorite meal and social activity. Gillian and Richard have a fantastic outdoor braai where they often host. There are multitudes of different foods that are traditional to South Africa’s diverse culture (predominately Cape Malay, Afrikaans, English, and African) from their Dutch, British, Indian and Malaysian influences. Your meal may include traditional bredie (stew), curry, roasts including lots of braai (bbq), and salads, and will end with traditional desserts such as malva tart (sweet pudding), lemon meringue or koeksisters (a syrup-coated braided doughnut). If you book a cooking experience, join Richard and Gillian in their kitchen for a cooking demonstration and learn how to make 2-3 of the dishes you will be eating later during a 1-2 hour cooking lesson. Richard and Gillian would love to know your preference before they set the menu and would be happy to teach you dishes you are keen on learning. Richard and Gillian also offer an optional market tour add-on on Saturdays only of their local city farm market.