One of the charming SA food bloggers that I met when I spoke at the South African Food Blogger Conference in Cape Town in March, was Janice Tripepi.  When you read her blog, the energy and enthusiasm just seems to fizz from every page – and when you meet her in person, you find that she is just as bubbly in "real life".  So if you are in the mood for some Italian inspiration with a stop over in Durban, let's have a chat to Janice!

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

I am based in South Africa – but loooove travelling and have no aversion to change … so today it’s Durban, South Africa ….. tomorrow, who knows!!!

2. How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging since September 2009 – so over 6 months already

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

I really enjoy telling my stories – my food is totally contextual – it fits my lifestyle and mood and always reflects my inner workings.  I invent many of my recipes – following my paritcular desires and fancies on the day.  I will also structure a particular meal around the people who will be sitting at my table.  So blogging for me is primarily a Story that has an accompanying meal  – I love writing – cooking and above all eating.

4. Any downsides or frustrations? 

Not really – I get a bit frustrated with the technical aspect of it all – for instance – badges!!!^&##  a function that I simply cannot fathom.

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

I am  inspired by  ingredients – generally I go shopping and find either a piece of meat or veggie in season – and the meal builds from there.  I do also get inspired by recipes – I am a voracious recipe book reader.   Sometimes it’s The Occasion that inspires me – a birthday dinner etc.  Oh me oh my – I guess I have many different inspirations ……. This is not an easy question to answer.  I reckon I could write an entire book on this.
 
6. Where and when do you like to blog? 

I looove to blog in my study in the early mornings after my swim – my mind is sharp and alert and the whole household is still sleeping.
 
7. What's your signature dish or favourite wine? 

I am known in the extended Tripepi family for a number of dishes – Mario loves my panetone bread and butter pudding.  Silvana loves my Oxtail, Ricardo my Mediterranean Cabbage Rolls, Crayfish Cardinale, Roast Silverside with mushrooms, Stuffed Fillet, Massimo – my Veal Marsala. Daniele – cotolette ripiene.  And so the list goes on.

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

Everyone’s – I just looove Nina’s My Easy Cooking, her recipes are awesome as are her pics – Mint Tea & Tagine's photographs transport me to Morocco -  I am inspired by Less of Me’s courage, oh gosh here I go again,  I love to read Caro’s wine blog – I am an avid wine drinker but a bit of a plonker with regards to wine knowledge and Browniegirl's – cos I attended the Bloggers Conference in Cape Town in March ….. very very exciting!!!

9. Favourite restaurant?

Well now – I have many – again it depends on my fancy for the day – Ille Maurice – Spiga d’Oro – Harveys – Wakame – Balducci’s – Baia – Sarocco ….  

10. For my last meal on this planet I would order…  
 
A starter that combines foie gras and caviar
A pasta dish – taglietelle with white truffle and butter
A fish course of scallops and crayfish
A meat course of oxtail and sweet breads
A dessert of chocolate – dipped in chocolate – served on chocolate and meringue and a raspberry coulis.
A cheese board – gorgonzola – straccino and parmesan with mustard fruits and grapes.
 
Well – if today was my last day – this is what I would order ……. Tomorrow it will probably be totally different.