15 questions for Kobus van der Merwe

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15 questions for Kobus van der Merwe

THE chef and owner of Wolfgat restaurant in Paternoster originally wanted to be a concert pianist. Now he seduces the world with his country and regional food. LAUREEN ROSSOUW asks the questions.

Image: ANGELA TUCK

1. If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Spaghetti in all its forms. 

2. What drew you to the West Coast?

There are places like “Tietiesbaai” and the “Panty Bar”. 


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3. Do you think you would have been able to do the same as you are doing now if you'd ended up in a different region?

Wolfgat is very site-specific. But I could get a different type of inspiration and a different result in a different environment.

4. What food do you find sexy?

Intelligent, simple food. I want to know what I'm eating.

Image: © JAC DE VILLIERS

5. Your favourite takeaway?

Peri-peri chicken. 

6. What do you like to serve when you invite people over?

In the summer, standing rib. In winter, stew.

7. What is your favourite word in Afrikaans?

Nee. 

8. Who are your favourite chefs?

Louis Leipoldt. Topsi Venter. Julia Child. Michel Bras. Magnus Nilsson. Richard Carstens.

9. What do you listen to when you're alone?

Rachmaninoff. Bach. PJ Harvey. Nina Simone. The Kills. Aldous Harding. Miles Davis. Perfume Genius. Wet Leg. Dry Cleaning.

10. Describe your idea of ​​a feast?

An oyster braai in Tietiesbaai. 

Image: © JAC DE VILLIERS

11. Would you be able to live in another country? And why?

Namibia. Mozambique. Malawi. Tanzania… Southern Africa is the most beautiful place on earth.  

12. What is your favourite ingredient and why? 

Seagrass. It's versatile, sustainable and completely underrated.

13. What are you reading?

The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis. 

14. Who would you really like to meet?

Leipoldt. 

15. What are you looking forward to?

Wild oysters at the Arniston Hotel.

Image: © JAC DE VILLIERS

♦ VWB ♦


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