Meet Clement Pedro, the chef, food stylist and presenter whose picture-perfect culinary creations grace the small screen. We catch up with the foodie, to get a taste of what he likes to eat.
“Having two chefs living under one roof is more than a privilege, it’s a passport to mouthwatering deliciousness. Whether we’re cooking up a storm, or on the road finding the next foodie hot spot, we’re always planning and thinking about our next meal. Simply put, we live our lives, one meal at a time.”
Breakfast
“Without a doubt, breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. Having breakfast for lunch or dinner wouldn’t be strange in our house, especially over the weekend if we’re staying in. There’s nothing better than free-range eggs, fried to perfection with that glistening golden runny yolk, toasted farm-style bread, generously buttered, thick-cut bacon, and homemade smoky breakfast beans. And if it’s past 11 am, mimosas or bubbles tend to feature on the menu as well.”
Snack
“Cape Town is a food-lover’s dream destination, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. There are more than enough restaurants and wine farms to have you wining or dining out in a different spot for each day of the year, and it’s our duty to explore them all. My ideal snack would be a selection of small plates, be it an Indian thali or tapas spread, this is food that has gees and has to be shared with friends and family. Even if its a weekend in, we still make an effort to create some finger-licking food that is shared around the table with a few cocktails and a lot of laughs. The humble mielie makes for the perfect shareable snack when quartered and roasted to create these corn ribs, finished with feta dust and spicy salsa.”
Lunch
“I’m always on the hunt for the perfect burger, it’s a passion that’s become slightly obsessive. I’ve traveled the country searching for the best that the country has to offer. Burgers are easily the most perfect food. Quality beef, superbly seared and nestled between buttery toasted buns, maybe with some pickles and a slice of cheese, what more could you want. As much as I like visiting my favourite burger eateries, I LOVE preparing burgers at home, experimenting with different sauces, cheeses, and cuts of beef. There’s honestly never a wrong time to have a burger.”
Dinner
“Family dinners are always a special occasion, and with a family of amazing cooks, you can imagine that dinner becomes a culinary affair. Cooking is our meditation and we never need a reason to cook together, and yes it gets loud, very loud. Sunday roasts are our favourite, it’s when we go all out, duck fat roasted potatoes, beef roast with the most luxurious gravy, lemony green beans, ultra-creamy cream spinach, and the most decadent roast duck, slowly roasted to release all that rich duck fat, cooking it until pull-apart tender then glazed in soy and honey.”
Dessert
“When it comes to dessert, I’m easily pleased, and the answer is always chocolate. Chocolate fondants, ganache tarts, Black Forest gateau, chocolate mud pudding, cupcakes, decadent chocolate mousse or my easy go-to chocolate love-in-a-mug, which is perfectly cooked in the microwave in under a minute. If chocolate isn’t an option, I’m equally pleased with a delicious piece of cheese, something strong and funky like a veiny blue, creamy and silky like a soft mature Brie and then something firm and sharp like a mature piece of cheddar, happiness is only a slice away.”
Follow Clement Pedro on Instagram
Photography by Megan Daniels