
You know how sometimes you read an About Me page on a blog and you feel as if you are reading an anodyne press release and feel no closer to the blogger in question? And then other times you read the About Me page and think "whoah – I want you for my best friend!". Here's what Lara of How to Cook an Elephant writes on hers – I'll let you guess which camp she falls into ;): "At the tender age of 10 I had already developed the temperament of a head chef (My aunt caught me chasing my brother down the passage way with a 12cm butcher's knife). My brother is now a fast runner and I learned to curb my tendencies to take my energy out on him and use knives to chop inanimate objects." How can anybody resist that intro? I asked Lara a few questions about her blog – here's what she said:
1. Where are you – in South Africa or out in the wide world?
I live in Cape Town and most probably always will. Despite being bitten heavily by the travel bug in my early twenties, and travelling all over the world, South Africa is and always will be my home.
2. How long have you been blogging?
I have been writing (to myself mainly) for a few years, and friends have always encouraged me to take it further. March 2010 was the official month of launching My blog.
3. What do you enjoy the most about food or wine blogging?
The freedom to be creative, and the chance to voice your opinions to people who are like minded. Its like a mini publication and a great sense of achievement, plus its fantastic to receive all the advice and comments from other foodies.
4. Any downsides or frustrations?
Hmmm, yes, some days I'm so knackered, I just look at my camera and groan. I take a majority of my photos outside and getting parsley to stay put in this windy City is near darn impossible. Chasing after morning light is become one of my hobbies.
5. What or who are your inspirations to cook, drink and write?
My mother started my interest in cooking from a young age, There are photos of me bedecked in a
pink apron at the age of 7 and cooking. I think my speciality then was rock cakes, because, well they always came out like rocks. When my mother realised that my talent was quickly overtaking her own I was put to good use and allowed me to cook the evening meals. Both my grandmothers are fantastic cooks, and I would spend many hours watching and gleaning as much as I could from them.
6. Where and when do you like to blog?
I blog at home, and have become a bit of a recluse, sitting on the couch and typing on a Saturday evening.
7. What's your signature dish or favourite wine?
Hmmm, Well I did kinda wow all of my friends with a batch of chocolate chilli biscuits at one stage, but funnily enough, each of my friends remember me for different things, like chocolate eclairs,
or my caramel snaps with lemon sorbet. I think I like to keep everyone guessing.
8. What other food or wine blogs do you read?
I follow as many people as I can, I am so fond of so many blogs, and especially their writers. The food24 foodies are a fantastic community, there is always someone posting a delicious recipe. Scrumptous South Africa, BrownieGirl, Shaz, Leaine's Kitchen, Janice Tripepi, Fired Up Cooking, My Easy Cooking, ChefCaro, PinkPolkaDot, Tastes&Treats, Lavender&Lime, Daily Dose of Fresh are just a few of the blogs I follow.
9. Favourite restaurant?
Ooooh, Busaba Eathai in Oxford Circus or Banana Tree West Hampstead, London, just imagine: Chilli and Butternut Asian Chicken with Cashew nuts, or Lemongrass and Bamboo shoot chicken with Peanuts, yum. I know I should be more adventurous, but I always ordered the same dish, creature of habit y'now…
10. For my last meal on this planet I would order…
Oh dear, I always dread this question. What would I order? There is so much to choose from so many amazing flavours, I would feel so sad to only have to choose one meal! Not only is this such a depressing question, because it reminds me that I'm going to be missing out on all the other things to taste. I JUST CANT CHOOSE! sob.