To get into the spirit of this column, I am sipping some rooibos (see list of words on opposite page). Everyone who is close to me knows that I am nuts about football. It’s a big joke as I am known to be quite soft and lady-like, but two things bring out a different, wilder side of my personality: driving and football. Adrenaline rushes excite the senses and nothing gets me going like the beautiful game.

I religiously watch the English Premier League during the season on Saturday mornings and also enjoy the Italian and Spanish leagues occasionally. I have visited famous stadiums, the Camp Nou in Barcelona, and Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Tennis is my other love and I quite enjoyed the recent French Open and eagerly look forward to Wimbledon, but for now, it’s all about the World Cup in South Africa which begins tomorrow.

I pray it goes well for South Africa; so much is at stake — their fight to preserve the country’s image due to the crime stigma and being the first African nation to host this prestigious event. South Africa is a racially mixed nation with 11 official languages. On my last flight from London to Kingston, I met a South African FIFA official who was quite charming and who regaled me with stories throughout the journey. He shared the background on the buzz and thechallenges they faced to put on a world-class show. This kind gentleman offered me tickets, but the downside was that I lost his card and I could kick myself now because I am dying to go, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be so I am saving up for 2014 if my life is spared.

Childhood memories are still strong of South Africa’s Apartheid system, and I remember taking part in numerous activities such as petitions and meetings to free Nelson Mandela, global icon. I’ve always had a strong political streak and love for international relations, which led to my studying diplomacy. The South Africans have a lot to be proud of and have made tremendous strides, which can be a lesson to us here in Jamaica. I have a particular fondness for the continent and Africans in general, having gone to school with many. There are certain stereotypes about Africans, but the ones I know are some of the most sophisticated and intellectual people I have ever come across, with these strong and intricate family bonds, not to mention deeply spiritual philosophies.

One of the things I most enjoy about the Motherland is the food. Moroccan, Senegalese and Ethiopian are some of my favourites, hearty, spicy fare. I have experienced amazing times bonding with others over these cuisines. I really want to return to Morocco, but I have made a promise to myself not to repeat countries until I have completed my dream list. African food is as varied as the people who inhabit the diverse landscape with many influences affecting the dishes consumed. Like everywhere else, habitat, whether it be coastal, desert or mountainous; economics and history of colonisation and nomadic influences are crucial elements contributing to the taste factor. Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Next week I will tell you a bit about my trip. It was so intensely personal; I was toying with the idea of whether to write this column during my time there as I had done when I was in Europe, but I didn’t. Europe is my second home… this was different. Fortunately, I kept a travel journal, so while I will not delve into everything, I will share some of my food moments.

As you can see, food and geography have been on my mind since last week with my feature on Italian dishes. In 2008, I had shared with you the cuisines of Peru, Thailand, England and Morocco. I have shared many French recipes because France was my home for three years. This month, I will share the dishes of Africa and last but not least, end on a culinary tour of Jamaica, so June, as you see, is my food and travel month.

Many of you are planning trips and getting into the summer mood, so I thought it would be a good theme. Some of you are even en route to South Africa despite the fact the Reggae Boyz did not qualify to play in this tournament. South Africa has a vibrant culinary culture and its food is aptly named “rainbow cuisine” to reflect the heritage of the native ethnic groups such as the Zulu, Tswana and Xhosa people as well as Indonesian, Portuguese, Dutch, British, Indian and French influences. The wine industry of South Africa owes a great deal to France. The French Huguenots escaping from persecution brought their grape vines with them and today South Africa has some of the most stunning wine territory in the world in the Cape region and is one of the top 10 wine producers. Their most popular exports are Chenin Blanc for white wine and Pinotage for red.

Durban is famous for its Indian population mostly descended from Gujarat and beautiful curries. The most popular street food in that city is the bunny chow — bread filled with any assortment of curried meat or vegetables. Johannesburg has everything from local dishes to international cuisine and the Cape is famous for its wines and Cape Malay cuisine. South Africans are meat lovers and enjoy a good barbecue. South Africa is definitely a must-do destination from safari to beaches mixed with cosmopolitan cities showcasing both ancient and modern customs.

Enjoy the World Cup over the next month!! Contact me at info@juicychef.com

Thanks, Megamart!

Bon Appétit!