I became friends with the owner, Allesandro Khojane, when he was the manager at another Italian restaurant I loved in Joburg. He lived and cooked in Italy for over 14 years so he knows his stuff.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE PLACE?

It’s cosy and friendly, and the ingredients are always fresh – they don’t even have a freezer! The fillet with creamy mash is done to perfection and the fresh seabass with baby potatoes is delicious.

ANY RITUALS BEFORE DOING YOUR DRIVE TIME SHOW ON 947?

Before a show, I always stop by the Woolies near my house to pick up snacks. I’m addicted to their salami sticks dipped into cheese spread.

ANY RECENT BLOOPERS?

The other day, I accidentally left my mic on and was caught chewing on air.

DO YOU LIKE COOKING YOURSELF? IF SO, WHAT’S YOUR SHOWSTOPPER DISH?

When I’m cooking to impress I make Heston Blumenthal’s sherry chicken. You braise the chicken in stock and sherry before adding cream, mushrooms and bacon bits. It’s so delicious that my vegetarian producer ate some once!

COFFEE OR TEA?

Tea, definitely – rooibos and green tea. I wish I liked coffee though, because it seems like all the cool people drink it.

WHAT REMINDS YOU OF YOUR CHILDHOOD?

My mom’s lasagne. It was more like a pasta bake, really, made with penne, mince and veggies. She seasoned it with a bit of paprika and chilli, and used loads of cream and cheese.

YOUR GUILTIEST INDULGENCE?

Slap chips with lots of vinegar and salt. And if I’m feeling really naughty, the lamb chop and spare rib combo at Turn ‘n Tender steakhouse.

Catch Anele on Clash of the Choirs SA, Sundays at 5:30 pm on Mzansi Magic, channel 161 on DStv, and on 947 between 3 pm and 7 pm on weekdays. Follow Anele on Twitter.

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