Despite his gruff exterior, star chef Jaco Truter knows how to make culinary magic. At the tender age of 26 years, Chef Jaco has been appointed Executive Sous Chef at Time Square in Menlyn Maine where he gets to be creative, show off his culinary prowess and be part of some exciting projects such as the second Appetite Fest taking Place in September 2019.
This star chef started as Commis Chef at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton in 2012. He then left Sun International to broaden his horizons, working at various destinations in America including Florida, North Dakota and Arizona. He then made his return to his roots – The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, with the wealth of knowledge and experience he gained during his travels.
In March 2017, Jaco joined the Time Square opening team as the Sous Chef of Something’s Cooking by J’Something, the restaurant by Mi Casa’s lead singer, Joao da Fonseca, more popularly known as J-Something. Just a couple of months later, by the end of 2017, Jaco was promoted to Banqueting Chef at the Time Square complex.
Jaco’s initial dream was not to be in the kitchens of any restaurant or hotel however. “I had a dream of becoming a rugby player but due to a serious injury, I had to find an alternative” he explains. “Being unable to sit still for more than 10 minutes combined with the ability to function under pressure and a keen interest in economics cooking class was what steered me into a culinary career path.”
Jaco then decided to study at the Capital Hotel School in Hatfield, Pretoria, and this is where his love affair with food took off.
“One always has to be open to learning new things and I am truly grateful for the massive role Sun International has played in my growth and development.”
Jaco is constantly setting achievable one to two year goals for himself and then works toward achieving those. “To me there are no limits and no ultimate objective. I am just pushing to be the best I can be.”
This talented, energetic young chef says that he has a hunger for challenges and is motivated by his drive to prove himself to disbelievers. For now he is part of the charismatic, eclectic cast of culinary artistes in Time Square’s food team and enjoying every moment.
