Soute Studio, a Food Jams Venue — Attraction in Salt River

Too much fun! I could not rave more about Food Jams. I've literally just gotten home after our event, and have to write while these positive vibes are coursing through my veins.

We had a company team building with food jams for 8 people, at the smaller venue, and we did the 'Masterchef' version (my team won). The highlights: The staff: Enoch, Sapho, Elaine, Jade, and the others whose names I'm so sorry I did not get: they were so well-humoured, helpful, enthusiastic, funny... Just epic The menus: the food is deeeelicious (and that's not just because we are such spectacular chefs). I highly recommend the MasterChef version, as it created a fun competition without being at all being too cut throat. The setup: it's homely, cosy and comfortable but with all the ingredients and resources you could ask for and plenty of room to move about. The camaraderie: it builds it. No doubt. Having a couple of drinks helps, but it's definitely team building, for all cooking experience levels. The above and beyond: quite apart from the excellent team, a chat with one of the owners gave more info on the company and the good they do, and are planning, with training future cooks in a truly collaborative non-Gordon-Ramsey way.

Thank...

We have been numerous times and mostly always a pleasant and fun experience. I have however, noticed the quality has gone downhill in recent years. we probably wont return for our annual food jamming. In fact, the last 2 times we went, people have gotten food borne illness from them (including this recent time). A few things to also note. Asked for carrots for part of a recipe, (they used to supply everything, and found ourselves asking for many of the items) and the carrots supplied were wobbly and looked like they were in the fridge atleast a month old. - warning sign #1 as led us tp believe expiry dates are not being managed. Went to toast some almonds in a pan, and the pan had not been cleaned from previous guests, it had old popcorn kernels, oil, and A HAIR in it. Was grossed out. - warning sign #2 as led us to believe the utensils and pots and pans are not being cleaned thoroughly which can lead to cross contamination. Staff were kind and sweet, however not very knowledgeable or helpful like they had been...

Went to the Woodstock branch for a work function. Was not at all impressed. Aside from the fact that they promote excessive alcohol consumption from as early as 11am, the lack of functioning equipment was beyond annoying. Digital scales on every workbench, but none had batteries in. 4 lighters for the gas stoves, but only one worked. No where enough mixing bowls, only one set of measuring cups (between 18 people!) that didn't even have the standard measurements. No measuring spoons. Ingredients that were listed on the menus they provided were not available on their shelves. And if there is a good allergy in your group be very sure to specify every exact item that should be removed, otherwise they remove the actual seeds from the pantry but leave the oil still available, and have it listed in multiple recipes. Not to mention the fact it took them an hour and a half to figure out how to set a table. Will never go back and certainly would not recommend it to anyone. Highly...