With all the food blogs in SA seeming to originate in Cape Town, it's nice to have a representative from Jozi for a change!  The Word Chef of Word Chef Says has a professional involvement in food, and the blog is where she lets it all hang out – so to speak.  So let's find out more about the blogger behind the restaurant reviews and recipes: 

1. Where are you – in South Africa or out in the wide world?

Jolly old Jo'burg.

2. How long have you been blogging?

Since 2005. I've had about 8 blogs, but I've only kept Word Chef Says going.

3. What do you enjoy the most about food or wine blogging?

I work in the food and wine industry, but my blog is my private creative outlet. There are things you can say in a post that you just don't want to, or can't, say out loud out there.

4. Any downsides or frustrations?

Trying to put creative posts up regularly. Some bloggers have a natural talent for always being entertaining, but others have to really try hard some days!

5. What or who are your inspirations to cook, drink and write?

I wouldn't say there's a specific person who inspires me, but there are so many interesting foods and wines out there that just NEED to be tasted. And those in turn NEED to be written about so others can enjoy them too 🙂 I watch BBC Lifestyle often, and read a lot of magazines and articles on food and wine, which inspire me to be more creative. Wine is one of my great passions, and apart from collecting, I am in the process of doing a wine degree (that of course requires a lot of tasting…for learning purposes of course! 😉

6. Where and when do you like to blog?

I generally blog during the week at work. There's nothing like a creative break between doing projects to really just relax your mind! I often blog while I'm eating lunch (reading all our bloggers amazing recipes makes me hungry!)

7. What's your signature dish or favourite wine?

Probably Italian meatballs and spaghetti, with a delicious red blend. I don't have 1 single favourite wine – I have favourites from different farms. Springfield (Methode Ancienne), Warwick, Boekenhoutskloof (Chocolate Block), Cederberg, Blaauwklippen…there are just so many. Depends what food you're drinking it with.

8. What other food or wine blogs do you read?

There are a good handful, and most of them are talented locals.  Browniegirl, Cupcake, Kingfisher2, Tagine & Tea, Wots for lunch, Jenny Morris, Nafisa….are some of my good blogging buddies who's blogs I visit regularly.

9. Favourite restaurant?

Different one every month – January is Bistro 277 on Main in Bryanston, Jhb. I also love the restaurant at the Victory Theatre.

10. For my last meal on this planet I would order.

French champagne, brie and cranberry pizza starter, a good hearty oxtail main, a white choc TV bar for dessert, good cup of coffee with an amarula liqueur……then a bottle of vodka so I won't be aware of my descent from this planet!