Chef Mynhardt Joubert
Mynhardt Joubert was, with his cooking partner Chef Tiaan Langenegger, the winner of kykNET’s first Kokkedoor reality cooking series back in 2013. Mynhardt can be seen in his quaint kitchen in Paarl where he enjoys cooking extraordinary four course dishes paired with popular wines for large groups of people. His message: “Cook simple, from the heart and with love” and the people will come to eat your food. Spekko sat down with Mynhardt, here’s what followed:
Spekko: What is your favourite local ingredient?
Mynhardt Joubert: That would depend on where I find myself in the country:
West coast it would be oysters and fresh mussels;
In the Eastern Free State where I grew up it would be cherries and asparagus;
Karoo, definitely karoo lamb;
Natal Midlands it would be fresh water trout;
and so the list goes on…
SP: What would you cook when the days are dark and everybody needs a lifting of the spirits?
MJ: I have always been a firm believer in a good Green Thai Curry with fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, it warms and lifts the soul.
SP: What is your family’s favourite everyday food?
MJ: Definitely something prepared on an open fire, braaivleis is in my blood and I do not know anybody opposed to the idea.
SP: What will you eat in Paris – if budget is not an issue? (That is Paris France)
MJ: I would walk into a restaurant and ask the chef and staff to give me an authentic Parisian experience and then sit back and enjoy as they have free reign over my taste buds.
SP: What is your favourite recipe?
MJ: Pork Feijoda, a South American dish made with 4 different cuts of pork, tequila, oranges and black beans.
SP: Chefs you admire: local?…….International…..? Why?
MJ: I admire all passionate chefs who have the courage to getup every day, work 18 hour shifts and still manage to put their hearts on a plate.
SP: What is your favourite restaurant?
MJ: I love Savoy Cabbage in Heritage Square in Cape Town, they have been around for years and still manage to produce authentic seasonal food made with exceptional ingredients.
SP: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you have your dream job, or is there more?
MJ: I would love to own a small holding and farm my own produce with a farmhouse kitchen where people can come and enjoy homegrown, seasonal produce.
SP: Do you grow your own veggies?
MJ: My space unfortunately does not allow it but I have nurtured beautiful gardens before.
SP: Who is your favourite food blogger?
MJ: Errieda du Toit.
SP: What has been your greatest achievement?
MJ: Making it this far…(Laughs)
SP: If not cooking, what other hobbies do you have?
MJ: I am a movie fanatic and study and watch great directors, producers, actors and script writers.
SP: Who is your favourite author – fiction?
MJ: Laura Esquivel: Like water for chocolate.
SP: Who is your favourite author – cookbook?
MJ: Jamie Oliver.
SP: Your pet hate in SA foodie business?
MJ: Selfishness!
SP: The most underrated ingredient in local cuisine?
MJ: Stampmielies.