by Justin Bonello and Helena Lombard (Penguin)
World-renowned cook, Justin Bonello, is known for his amazing adventures, cooking in different parts of South Africa.
I’ve met him a number of times and each time I hear a story that has me longing to visit this place of wonder and salivating at the amazing dishes he prepared while there.
In his latest adventure Bonello and his crew embarked on a two-year journey off the beaten track and into the heart of the Karoo.
Admittedly my only experience of the Karoo is revision of my son’s geography notes where plateaux and escarpments are explained.
It certainly did not have me champing at the bit to jump into a 4x4, throw caution to the wind and go out on an adventure.
But as soon as I opened this book I knew it was special – even the paper (not your standard cookbook type) exuded the feeling of the Karoo – dry, dusty… but filled with hidden beauty.
Pulled together by a number of recipes, anecdotes and photographs, this book is a feast for anyone.
I’ve never read a book by Bonello for its recipes – I, after all, am allergic to my kitchen. I truly am.
But his easy writing style and wonderful descriptions of the areas he visits to put together these dishes are enough to get me reading.
Add to that the beautiful photographs that make the pages explode with light and suggestion, this book is one I will treasure. – Meneesha Govender