Barbara Joubert
“Kostalgie”, roughly translated as the “sweet memory of food”, is Sarie magazine food editor, Barbara Joubert’s, third cookbook. Part travel memoir, part beautifully photographed recipe book, it’s a collection of delicious flavours found on her travels through Portugal, Britain, Italy, France, Turkey and in Africa.
As always, she’s added her own cooking style and character to traditional recipes, giving them an irresistible new energy. We asked this icon of the South African food writers’ world a few questions.
What is your favourite local ingredient?
Waterblommetjies, definitely.
What would you cook when the days are dark and everybody needs a lifting of the spirits?
I would braai and make lots of braaibroodjies.
Your favourite “hartskos”?
My Karoo lamb curry.
What is your family’s favourite everyday food?
Steak, chips and salad.
What would you eat in Paris if budget was not an issue?
Oysters and foie gras.
Your favourite dish from “Kostalgie”?
Duck with port-cherry sauce and the Osso Bucco.
Which local chefs do you admire most?
I love Raymond Blanc and I have always admired Peter Veldsman since I was small.
Where do you “hang out” in Cape Town – your favourite eating spot?
This is not a fancy restaurant, but we love going to Dias Tavern, a Portuguese restaurant. They serve the best baby kingklip.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you have your dream job, or is there more?
Haha! In 5 years’ time I would love to be retired. I will travel and do more cookbooks.
Do you grow your own vegetables?
No, I don’t have the space for it.
Who is your favourite food blogger?
I don’t have one.
Your greatest achievement?
Becoming food editor at Sarie magazine and starting Sarie Kos in 2007.
If not cooking, what are your “hobbies”?
I love crossword puzzles and (please don’t laugh), I’m a bit addicted to playing games on my iPad.
Who is your favourite author, fiction?
Don’t have one.
Who is your favourite cookbook author?
Raymond Blanc.
What is your absolute pet hate in the SA foodie business?
Arrogance. Arrogance. Arrogance.
What do you see as the most underrated ingredient in local cuisine?
Rice.
Barbara’s “Kostalgie” is now available at all bookstores. It sells for R450 and is distributed by Quivertree. It is only available in Afrikaans.
