Reuben Riffel - Founder & Head Chef of Reuben's, Frankschhoek, South Africa - http://reubens.co.za The South African culinary sensation Reuben Riffel started his career in the town where he was born– Franschhoek, known in South Africa and increasingly across the globe, as a prime food and wine destination. Reuben’s first opportunity to run his own kitchen came when he was in his early twenties, working at and helping establish the Monneaux restaurant as one of the Top 10 restaurants in South Africa. The young star chef spent three years there honing his skills before making the move to Cambridge, England where he opened Bruno’s Brassiere. This was when Boekenhoutskloof (http://www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za) vintner, Marc Kent, entered the picture. Kent had purchased a property in Franschhoek for which he had big plans and he was looking for someone to partner with in creating a first-class restaurant. With Reuben in mind, Kent travelled to Cambridge with an offer. The two men seemed to think alike and, after two years in England, Reuben headed back to Franshhoek. Within the first year of the new venture, Reuben scooped top honours at the 2004 Eat out Johnnie Walker Restaurant Awards, winning both Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year. The restaurant has since become a Franschhoek fixture and continues to inspire return visitors from locals and visitors alike.