Social media can be an odd place.  Some people pretend to be something that they are not, exaggerating their talents and achievements online while being quite unremarkable in real life.  Others maintain a demure and dignified online presence, but when you meet them, they are an explosion of sound, colour, personality and humour. And then there are those people whose true personality shines forth 100% from their online presence.  There are no prizes for guessing into which category I think Candice from the Gorgeous Gourmet falls – her boundless enthusiasm and optimism shine forth from each post she writes, and she is just as full of positive energy and fun when you meet her in person.  If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, here are some bits and pieces to help you get to know Candice:

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

In South Africa – Cape Town (Kenilworth)

2. How long have you been blogging?

Since October 2010. It’s been at the back of my mind for a while, but just seemed too self-indulgent – I couldn’t believe that anyone else would want to read what I was writing! Then with a bit of encouragement (or more like a firm push) I took the plunge.

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

Sharing my passion and food ramblings with people who understand that the anticipation of an amazing meal is sometimes the only reason I get out of bed in the morning.

4. Any downsides or frustrations?  

The only downside is that I can’t do this all the time! My goal is to eventually quit my day job, and focus full time on food (thoughts of private catering are running wild through my mind).

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

I cook for people – whether it’s my lovely man, close friends, family, or the amazing supporters I have on my blog, I want to share my passion with you. I love the excitement and happiness a great meal can bring – whether it’s merging new flavours, or simply allowing friends to catch up over a long lunch.

6. Where and when do you like to blog?  

I blog during the week, Mondays to Fridays. I ideally like to get 3 or so posts in per week. Weekends are normally spent planning adventures, recipes and meals to post the following week.

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

Oooooo….signature dish would probably have to be Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta (if you visit the blog, you’ll notice cream is a frequent guest!) and for dessert, Chocolate Ganache Tart (I warned you about the cream!). Wine..I’m a sucker for a good pinotage.

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

So many! I’m constantly in awe of the amazingly talented food bloggers out there, and they are a great source of inspiration. I love Foodgawker (great for tips on food photography, and finding other great blogs), also Canelle et Vanille, The Novice Chef, Cook Sister (of course! How can you not love someone who took South Africans to one of the Top 50 food blogs in the world!), and A Sofa in the Kitchen.

9. Favourite restaurant?  

At the moment, Luke Dale-Roberts’ The Test Kitchen, in Cape Town

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

In an ideal world, the tasting menu at Heston’s The Fat Duck! But otherwise…to start, smoked salmon, lemon cream cheese and dill on crispy rye, then chateaubriand, done medium, with the thinnest potato chips and creamed spinach. To end, my very own chocolate ganache tart, with vanilla bean ice cream.