This is the second time I've had Lance Littlefield on the show. Back on Episode 77 he was an absolute mine of information on the craft of baking sourdough bread. We were introduced to 'Alfonsina' his starter, and the wonders of Motherdough Bakery. Almost a year later, he and partner Willem van Schalkwyk have had their Stellenbosch store running for 6 months, and there are plans for another venue. In this episode though, with the upcoming Food Indaba in mind, I spoke to Lance about the use of AI in running the bakery. AI and the Food System is the theme of this year's Food Indaba so training a bot to make the production of a bakery more efficient and saving 25% or more on waste is a relevant conversation. Thanks so much for sharing your dabbling in these dark arts Lance.

Get a fair Price. Get a HeadsUp.

Order your Wagyu beef directly from the farmer at Zuney.

• www.rwm2012.com
• On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner
• Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson
• All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited
• Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

I've known Christophe Dehosse for over a decade. The incredible bistro, deli and butchery he runs with his wife Susan is just round the corner from the site of my first Winelands restaurant. He was always good for a loooooong natter about the industry when I rocked up at Klein Joostenberg looking for ingredients, and some of the chefs I hold in high regard (like George Jardine and Rudi Liebenberg) consider him a bit of a legend. It was only when I interviewed Matthew Gordon from Franschhoek on the show recently, that I discovered that his trail of culinary crumbs and influences runs right back to the early beginnings of the Western Cape food miracle. We had a wide-ranging and fascinating chat about his adventures and his thoughts about the industry now. The original recording ran to 1h33 - so I had to chop it a bit. Truly a giant on the local food scene.

• www.rwm2012.com
• On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner
• Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson
• All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited
• Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay

In this episode I speak to Melanie Stewart who is the farm manager of Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF). The farm and her Tea With A Farmer farm tours are part of the two week programme for the Food Indaba happening in Cape Town from 7th to 20th of July, 2025. The Food Indaba explores the possible impacts and benefits of AI on African food systems. We spoke about this and about the use of AI in an app that helps OZCF with crop rotation. We also spoke about their allotment system, public participation, and the produce boxes available weekly from the farm.

OZ City Farm website

Food Indaba website

reach out and tell me who you'd like to hear on the show or let's make a podcast together.

• www.rwm2012.com
• On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner
• Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson
• All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited
• Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay