The Art Of Appreciation

With Food & Home Entertaining’s credo being akin to the late civil rights activist Cesar Chavez’s, who said, “The people who give you their food give you their heart,” we spent a special day paying homage to some of our country’s artistic talent, whose creativity enriches our souls

- Andrea Pafitis-hill

We weren’t there to debate whether food is art. No, despite our elevated location – the Darwin Room at Everard Read’s CIRCA Gallery – highfalutin debates had no place at the table that day. What we, as the country’s longest-running epicurean magazine, were there to do was pay tribute to a group of inspiring local artists represented by South Africa’s oldest commercial gallery in the best way we knew how: by creating and serving a heartfelt meal with a little of their hearts and heritage involved too…

Our lunch invitation to these artists had been delivered with a small request: to tell us which flavours and ingredients light up their lives and palates. Francki Burger didn’t hesitate. “I particularly love Lebanese and Turkish food; anything from that side of the Med. Then, I am also a good Afrikaans girl and love a leg of lamb on Sunday when I normally have friends or family over. I marinate the lamb overnight in rosemary, lemon peel and garlic, and then later cook it with pomegranate molasses, and onions. When I was growing up we consumed large amounts of Mrs Ball’s Chutney – we still do!”

Angus Taylor’s feedback was succinct: “‘bunny chow’ Penang curry” and “jongmanspoeding”. Finish and klaar. Phillemon Hlungwani was emphatic about his penchant for peanuts; while Blessing Ngobeni told us he’s more of a cashew nut man, specifically cashew-nut tart. For Nicola Taylor, local cheeses and baked guavas rank among her favourites. “My grandpa always had game biltong in his house, so that’s very nostalgic for me,” she added.