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In this Issue
About Sophia Lindop Farm girl by birth, city girl by marriage… The only constant in my life has always been good, wholesome food, wine and company! Although I chose a variety of career paths in my life, I studied food and wine for six years before embarking on a detour that finally led me back to the kitchen, where I feel so at home! This newsletter is an invitation for you to come into my kitchen, with all its fragrances, warmth and laughter! Please come inside… Website: Blog: Feedback/Comments Contact me at contact@sophialindop.com |
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Roe and behold... I grew up in the arid beauty of the Northern Cape province, miles and miles away from any fresh fish... A keen interest soon stemmed from the longing in my late mother's blue-green eyes... You see, she was a born and bred Capetonian who had grown up eating fresh fish. Very early on I realized that the frozen fish that we could buy in my hometown, was nothing like the real deal! My Lebanese grandmother also yearned for fresh fish...so much so that she used to produce the most amazing fishcakes from the freshwater catfish in the Vaal River (which are about 92% bones and 2% flesh - boy, I used to admire her!) Memories of holidays in the Cape with my Afrikaans grandparents have been captured on film...my oupa and I, he in normal clothing, and me in my bright pink towelling bathing suit, each armed with a fishing rod, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. "Under the sea. Under the sea. Darling it's better down where it's wetter, take it from me! Up on the shore they work all day. Out in the sun they slave away...while we're devoting good time to floating under the sea!" (Lyrics from The Little Mermaid) I am sure that, from the fish's perspective, this is true. But, I must say that there are times when one wishes that the fish was left where it's wetter...take it from me! Fish that has been prepared badly is better left under the sea! 
My philosophy is, that in order to eat well, one must learn to shop well! A good fishmonger is a good starting point! When shopping, make sure fish is fresh. Here are a few things to consider:
The next thing to remember is that, when preparing fish, one should keep it simple! Mostly salt, freshly ground black pepper and lemon juice are all you need to make it a success. Never overcook fish – it turns rubbery. Start with a very hot pan, and make the cooking process short and sharp. Don’t over-handle as fish will fall apart when handled too much. I cook it on one side until it is a golden brown colour, and turn once only. Fish is cooked as soon as the flakes separate. And mostly this happens much quicker than most people think! And lastly, our marine life is being depleted by over-fishing – please make sure you ‘eat wisely’! If unsure whether certain fish species are safe to purchase or consume (yes, some restaurants do serve fish that is on the endangered list!), send a text message with the name of the fish to SASSI’s (Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) number: 079 499 8795 – they will reply immediately. This number, and service, is only available within South Africa. 
Michael Olivier, my friend, my mentor, five-star human being, renowned chef and restaurateur, and acclaimed wine writer, is back! Once again we will be teaming up, he on wines, and I on food, to present an unforgettable and fun evening! He will be guiding us through a range of wines, while I prepare scrumptious delights for you in my kitchen... Our first event was a huge success, and we are very excited to be repeating the fun once a month. Don't miss out! September course dates and details:
My fish and seafood course is causing quite a stir! We cover an array of dishes and talk about where to shop, what to look out for, and how to prepare fish and seafood. Mostly I change perceptions...many people think it's hard to prepare fish when it's actually a quick and simple task!
"There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate truffles." - Anonymous.
Make sure you secure your place now! All you need to arrive with is an excitement and a passion for good food! The rest is on me! Thank you to all who have already secured their space! Can't wait to see you!!
Until next time...hope to welcome you into my new kitchen soon!
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