Last week, singer J Something hosted a dinner using Distell brandy. We chat to him about his love for food and cooking with Brandy.
When did your passion for cooking begin?
I think I’ve always had a passion for food, but my passion for cooking really started as my music career began to take off. Going out for dinners or meals in general started getting a bit awkward, I would be biting into my favourite pizza and someone would ask for a picture, something I don’t mind, but no one likes a cold pizza.
Who taught you how to cook?
Both my parents have worked in the hospitality industry and are incredible cooks, they never really taught me but I picked things up from just watching them and seeing what they do. A lot of what I know is really based on trial and error, I’m not scared to try different things in the kitchen.
Tell us more about last week’s event. How did you come up with those recipes?
The whole idea around the night was for people to actually be in my home and experience my home cooking. With these recipes, I didn’t want to do anything fancy. I wanted to cook food that I would make for friends or family. The main course was something I only really would make for people close to me, as it is a recipe from my great grandmother. It is called Carne Assada da Avo.
When and how did you learn how to cook with brandy?
Growing up in a Portuguese home, cooking with brandy has been a regular thing. My mom and my gran both use it in their cooking. My mom makes the most amazing prawns using brandy, lemon juice garlic and chili. So delicious! Back in Portugal, one of our favourite things to do is flambé chorizo with brandy.
Which is your favourite brandy?
Oude Meester Demant
What meal would you make for a date you are trying to impress?
I think there is nothing more impressive than making your own pasta. When done well, it can be a very seductive skill. I would make a delicious authentic creamy pasta carbonara.
What is your signature meal?
As clichéd as this may sound, I make the best piri piri chicken on the braai. It’s a definite winner when I host braai’s at my house.
