Cape Town - The lead singer of Mi Casa, Joao da Fonseca, aka J’Something, is a man of many talents. He can sing and dance, and cook meals.
In 2014, he debuted his 13-episode TV series, Something’s Cooking on SABC 3, which reached two million viewers. This was followed by What’s For Dinner.
Now the crooner, who was born in Portugal, will be showcasing his culinary skills at the The Good Food & Wine Show this weekend.
The three-day event takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from Friday to Sunday.
J’Something spoke to us about his love for cooking.
When did you discover your love for cooking?
I grew up in a home where food and cooking food was the main source of income.
My mom owned her own restaurant for more than 15 years, so I lived in a restaurant all my life.
But my love for cooking came from music and the urge to create something that would take my mind off things - I use food as that getaway. I am excited to be cooking at the Good Food & Wine show for the second time.
How would you describe your style of cooking?
Very down to earth and relatable. I am no chef - never professed to be one. Hopefully, one day I can say that I am a qualified chef, but for now I am just a musician with a passion for food.
My style of cooking has a lot to do with me and the person: I am a humble list of ingredients, not complicated and just fun.
If you could cook a meal for anyone, who would it be?
I love cooking for my mother. She means the world to me, so every and any opportunity I get to cook for her it’s great. Also for my brother who lives in Portugal, cooking for him is always an honour. Then I would love to cook for Jamie Oliver - what an amazing brand.
Singer and cook, how do you do it all?
Ahhhh, I’m just being me - and being you isn’t hard at all.
Favourite South African food?
Definitely a good braai and for a winter dish some umngqusho ne nyama (samp and beans and meat).
What is your favourite dish at the moment?
I love pasta at the moment. Fresh home-made pasta for me is such a pleasure to make.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My mother no doubt, and then from books, the internet, my travels and my heritage.
Tell us about your television shows?
Random moments, to be honest - it shows you how powerful a dream can be.
The first one, Something’s Cooking, was personal and What’s For Dinner was fun and exciting.
Both have been amazing and challenging at the same time.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I cook (ha, ha).
I love being at home, relaxing outside with my dogs, loafing on the couch and drinking coffee.
What is the wildest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Frog legs, a sheep’s tail and a retarded chicken in Zambia. Everywhere I go I always try to eat something “weird”.
What can we expect from you at the Good Food and Wine Show?
A fun time together around food. I don’t have the knowledge that all the chefs have, but I do have passion for cooking. I want to be with the people that mean the world to me -my fans. I will be cooking some delicious dishes that are simple to make, but also extremely tasty.
Any message for amateur cooks?
Cook with love - it’s the most important ingredient in your dish.
A smorgasbord of activities
Visitors to the Good Food and Wine Show can rub shoulders with other local and international chefs, including George Calombaris, Adriano Zumbo, Jenny Morris, Siba Mtongana, Sipho Mdlankomo and Claire Allen.
Another highlight is the ultimate health and wellness trends section where fitness-conscious foodies will be able to enjoy a variety of health and wellness experiences.
There will be loads to learn from the line-up of speakers and special guests in the Eat Well - Live Well Theatre. Topics will range from stress and How It Affects Digestion to The Evolution of Diet.
Guest speakers will include trends analyst and forecaster Dave Nemeth, while celebrity chef Sarah Graham, author and star of Sarah Graham’s Food Safari will demonstrate how to whip up healthy, mouth-watering meals.
l Tickets are available from Computicket and at the door.
For more information about the Good Food and Wine Show, visit www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za.
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Cape Argus