CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE – What happens when food becomes more than something on a plate? When does it become a doorway into culture, travel, wellness, storytelling and meaningful connection?
That question took centre stage this past week as Jetsetting with Janet officially introduced its new immersive culinary experience, Beyond the Plate, at the International Hotel School (IHS) in Salt River, Cape Town.
Hosted by travel and culinary storyteller Janet Pillai, the intimate media launch brought together guests and industry voices for an experience designed to challenge the traditional idea of dining and explore where food, travel and culture intersect.
Rather than simply introducing a new concept, the launch offered a glimpse into the thinking behind Jetsetting with Janet: that some of the most memorable journeys begin around a table.
Beyond the Plate
Pillai took guests into the heart of the new concept with a conversation titled “Why Beyond the Plate Matters: Culinary Tourism is the Future.”
The discussion explored the growing role of culinary tourism and the way food can become a powerful lens through which travellers experience destinations, people and cultures.
For Jetsetting with Janet, Beyond the Plate brings together food, culture, storytelling, wellness, travel and connection to create experiences that extend beyond the meal itself.
The launch then moved from conversation to experience with The Tasting Table, featuring Lynn Naidoo and Peter Badenhorst, whose wine presentation added another layer to the relationship between food, drink and storytelling.
Guests were also introduced to The Marlene, a signature cocktail developed by Pillai paying homage to the spirit of Dr Marlene Roux.
Where Food Meets Connection
The afternoon was ultimately about more than tasting.
During the networking and cultural conversations, guests shared meals, experiences and insights while connecting with others across the industry. The setting encouraged collaboration and highlighted the role that food can play in bringing people together in a way that feels natural, personal and memorable.
It was this balance between experience and conversation that captured the spirit of Jetsetting with Janet.
Taste. Connect. Be Inspired.
The launch demonstrated how culinary experiences can become a starting point for deeper conversations about destinations, heritage, creativity and the stories that live behind the food we eat.
The event also reflected the importance of creating spaces where the next generation of hospitality and culinary professionals can engage with evolving ideas within the industry.
A New Chapter for Jetsetting with Janet
With Beyond the Plate, Jetsetting with Janet is opening the door to a different kind of culinary journey, one where the destination is not simply where you arrive, but what you discover along the way. All food experiences have curated tours which take you to the source, so literally a farm to table experience. The tours and annotated cooking experiences are being marketed to local and national tourists.
Food becomes the introduction. Culture adds depth. Travel creates context. Stories give the experience meaning.
And connection brings it all together.
This launch marked the beginning of this new chapter, giving guests an intimate first look at an experience created for those who believe that the best journeys are often the ones that leave you with more than a memory of what you tasted.
They leave you with a story to tell.
About Jetsetting with Janet
Jetsetting with Janet is a culinary and travel storytelling concept founded by Janet Pillai, bringing together food, culture, travel and meaningful experiences. Through immersive experiences such as Beyond the Plate, the concept aims to create opportunities for people to discover destinations and cultures through the stories, flavours and connections that bring them to life.
About Janet Pillai
Janet Pillai is a Cape Town-based business executive, entrepreneur, board member, tourism advocate and the host of Jetsetting with Janet, a travel platform celebrating South Africa’s destinations, heritage, people and experiences.
Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Janet has built a distinguished career across business development, corporate governance, heritage preservation and tourism. She is passionate about creating opportunities for others and is a strong advocate for mentorship, ethical leadership and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Her contribution to South Africa’s heritage sector includes spearheading the Liberation Archives Project, which culminated in the establishment of South Africa’s Liberation Archives repository. Her work has also been strengthened through international fellowships with institutions including the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Michigan, as well as her association with the University of Fort Hare.
Through Jetsetting with Janet, she brings together her passion for travel, storytelling and tourism, shining a light on South Africa’s hidden gems while celebrating local tourism entrepreneurs, communities, cultures and heritage. For Janet, travel is more than discovering a destination, it is an opportunity to connect people, share stories and create meaningful economic opportunities.
With her experience across business, governance, tourism and heritage, Janet brings a distinctive perspective to conversations about leadership, legacy and purposeful growth. She is particularly passionate about supporting women, sharing knowledge and creating spaces where others can grow and succeed. What they hope to achieve is to tell the story of South Africa through its food and offer visitors a uniquely South African gastronomic experience.
Social Media links:
1. Jet Setting With Janet:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jetsettingwithjanet?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetsettingwithjanet1/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jetsettingwithjanet3337
2. Janet Pillai
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Janet-Pillai/100007752796668/#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_janetpillai/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpillai/
3. MLT Car Hire & Tours:
