The event held special significance as it coincided with the birthday of Anele Mdoda, the show host, according to the station. To add to the joyous atmosphere, Primedia's partner Monte Casino surprised Mdoda with a birthday cake, creating a memorable celebration.

The grand finale brought together the top five finalists, renowned for their cheesecakes, to compete for the title of Joburg's Best Cheesecake.

The competition showcased the culinary creativity, skill and passion of these establishments, making it a highly anticipated event on the city's culinary calendar, according to the station.

After an intensive evaluation process by a panel of judges, including:
  • celebrity chef and cook Moshe Ndiki
  • the reputable Precious the Planner, and
  • representing 947 listeners Lesedi Moatshe who drove all the way from Mafikeng to be part of the judging panel.

947 says, "It was a battle of the most tantalising cheesecake with the last three finalists [Upcycled Café, Salvation café and Croydon Bakery] to get the last two as there was a tie in two of the top three finalists. The grand finale and decider on The Best in Jo'burg all things Cheesecake was then between [Salvation café as well as Croydon Bakery] to decided who the winner would be."

The winner of Joburg's Best Cheesecake with Anele and the Club on 947 was revealed to be Salvation Café Johannesburg after much fanfare. According to the station, their cheesecake creation impressed the judges with its taste, flavours and presentation.

947 gives a brief overview of the other four finalists:

Upcycled Cafe 
Located in the heart of the vibrant city, Upcycled Cafe embraces sustainable practices by transforming food waste into delectable culinary creations, minimising their ecological footprint. Their approach to cooking delighted the judges' taste buds and showcased their commitment to culinary craftsmanship.

DC Coffee Co
Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, DC Cafe Co has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional food and warm ambience. Their pastry chefs have mastered the art of creating visually stunning cheesecakes that are as indulgent as they are delicious, leaving a lasting impression on the judges.

Zaras Cafe JHB 
Nestled in Rivonia, Sandton, Zaras Cafe Johannesburg has become a beloved destination for food lovers seeking a delightful and memorable dining experience. Their cheesecakes, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of creativity, tantalised the judges' taste buds and showcased their commitment to culinary excellence.

Salvation Cafe at 44 on Stanley
With a rich history and a reputation for excellence, Salvation Cafe has been nourishing both the body and the soul since its establishment in 2006. Their cheesecakes, crafted with passion and infused with love, touched the hearts of the judges and showcased their dedication to creating dishes that go beyond mere sustenance.

Croydon Bakery
A family-owned establishment has been baking delicious treats for 43 years since its establishment in 1980. Located in Croydon, Kempton Park, near OR Tambo International Airport, the bakery has become a local favourite. Their signature cheesecake is a baked New York-style delight, made with the utmost care and using high-quality ingredients. 

According to the station, the Best of Joburg Cheesecake grand finale with Anele and the Club on 947 provided a platform for these talented culinary establishments to shine and celebrate their craft. Furthermore, the competition significantly boosted the income of all finalists as their cheesecakes sold out daily during the final stages.

The competition highlighted the diversity and innovation within Johannesburg's culinary scene, and the winner's success is a testament to their commitment to excellence, concludes 947.

For more information, visit www.947.co.za. You can also follow 947 on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.