Sharing kitchen space with Peta-Gay and Mark McDonald, along with parents Adolph and Cynthia Brown, brings back memories of the couple’s wedding almost nine years ago at Strawberry Hill. Doting parents, Cynthia and Adolph found it hard to hold back tears as their only daughter stepped out on the arms of her dashing, oh-so-confident husband Mark. Today, Mark is still a tad nervous in the presence of Adolph, Peta-Gay’s tall, imposing father (we understand, since we felt that way too nine years ago), but totally confident as a husband and father of three absolutely adorable children: Nasiv, Thandiwe and Yared. With Mother’s Day a mere three days away, this working couple successfully juggling family, careers and in the process of completing their home are, we feel, the perfect fit.

Supper preparations are made in between putting children to bed, catching up with family and friends and filling Thursday Food in on all that we’ve missed. Like, for example, how Peta-Gay’s mother Cynthia manages her three grandchildren at one time. An understandably daunting task, since for years there was only Peta-Gay. This evening in the kitchen, Mark – having made the salad – catches up with father-in-law Adolph over an interesting concoction of Absolut Vanilla Alley (the wonderful warm smell of the Absolut Vanilla alone becomes a conversation piece).

Peta-Gay and her mother are in perfect harmony working together on a dish they both love to make, notably smoked salmon with linguine pasta and cream sauce: “It’s a great quick meal for a working couple,” explains Peta-Gay. Indeed it is, along with a fresh tomato bruschetta topping, a great-looking salad and a Chantilly aux fruits gateau made by family friend Amilea Rodney. The house might very well be a work in progress, but the kitchen is almost exactly as Peta-Gay envisaged. “We went to Michael Johnson of Customs Furnishing & Joinery to achieve a spacious kitchen with lots of storage space.I’m particularly pleased with the stove that comes with a griddle as I’m able to make pancakes for the children. In addition, the kitchen affords a view of the garden so I’m also able to monitor the children at play.” The view through magnificent sheets of glass also affords relaxation after a full day at work. “I use the kitchen for quick and easy meals, pasta, lots of vegetables and fish and chicken (the only meats they cook),” Peta Gay explains.

As we settle into an easy camaraderie, the nine years flash across the mind and it all seems absolutely incredible. The kitchen might very well be a place where all cultures meet, but it is first and foremost a place where families are nourished and personalities formed. We look forward to Peta-Gay and Mark’s 10th anniversary and will naturally bring you the valued personal and culinary markers as they develop their culinary skills.. and the family bonds. See Page 30 for recipes.