We spent time with one of our favourite bloggers, Kamini Pather, a.k.a. LadyK. Armed with her camera she travels the country exploring its culinary delights. Her blog Deelishuss is set to get your taste buds working over-time. 

Tell us about LadyK
The name LadyK was actually my DJ name at some stage. Truth be told, I was a terrible DJ but the nick has personality, so when I was thinking of my new online incantation, I decide to run with it.
LadyK is about food (obviously) and exploring the world with bubbly close at hand. It’s one of my vices and I’m ok with that.

Tell us about your new Food blog persona:
The food a person eats is an indication of who that person is. My food blog is about expressing who I am through a neutral medium that almost anyone can share.

What is your favourite dish?
I’ve asked many foodies this question and like them, my answer has got to be something from my childhood. So I guess that my favourite dish is my mum’s South Indian crab curry. It’s laced with fresh coconut that makes it delicately spicy and utterly deelish!

Your favourite cuisine?
I really enjoy fusion food and eating in many small bites. So give me any cuisine in tapas format and I will be satisfied.

When you want to make something simple, quick, and delicious, what do you do?
Mildly spiced tuna with couscous is the quickest thing around! I sautee some onions, garlic and fresh chilli with some tumeric and a can of tuna, add some plump whole wheat couscous and you’re good to go. It takes all of 15 minutes to make, is low GI and full of flavour.

If you were to invite a famous person to your house, who would it be and what would you cook?
I love throwing dinner parties but one celeb does not make a dinner party make. So, my fantasy supper club would include Nigella Lawson, Sam Woulidge (www.confessionsofahungrywoman.com), Justine Drake (editor of Fresh Living), Ben O’Donoghue and Graham Norton (talk show host). They’re all well-versed foodies and party people, so dinner would be loud and glasses would be full (or empty, depending on what time you checked).

And I would serve: 

Savoury cheese cake with blanched petite pois

Soy, ginger and chilli trout with wilted pak choy

Yoghurt panna cotta with rosewater raspberries. (it’s always a show stopper) See the recipe on Deelishuss


Share 5 lifestyle tips on how to eat and live:
- ‘you are what you eat’, so be conscious, read labels and simply use some common sense.
- When choosing fruit at the grocer, smell the skin, you will be able to tell if its sweet (or not)
- Don’t be afraid to lose the fork and eat with your fingers. A rib, a prawn, a stray cherry tomato, it’s all about enjoying the good produce in front of you.
- Butter is better. If you have the choice (with anything) pick the more natural option. It will taste better and have more positive effects on your body
- The way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach.

Most essential item in your kitchen?

 I couldn't live without my Cuisipro tongs from Yuppiechef. They’re that extra set of fire proof hands you’ve always wanted and they make the most beautiful linguini twirls. 

Your favourite memories of Cape Town?
I lived in Green Point and would frequent the neighbouring restaurants a lot. I loved that there were owner run establishments with conscious buyers who made great food and served craft tequila, all within walking distance of my apartment.  

Best in Cape Town for:
Dinner: El Burro – best authentic Mexican food EVER
Breakfast: Jason Bakery - while he’s known for his bacon croissants, I have yet to order anything I didn’t love.
PS: he stocks artisan beverages, so pop by for an Eversons Cider or &Union brewskee
Coffee: Deluxe Coffee – it’s small with tons of character and sometimes they’ll put a slug of Sailer Jerry in your brew. Winners.
Beach: Café Sotano – amazing view and great cocktails with live entertainment.

So you have just moved to Jo’burg. What do you love about it?
There is something unapologetic about Jo’burg. People are who they are – take it or leave it – and I’m enjoying the frankness of it all. I’m still exploring the food scene but never fear, I will keep you updated on my discoveries.
Best in Joburg for:
Lunch: Service Station – light lunches with a ponsy, wholesome feel
Burgers: I have yet to have a burger while in jozi… any recommendations?
Sundowners: The Lucky Bean in Melville plays some sweet tunes on a Friday afternoon.

Your top 3 bloggers:
Sam Woulidge
Andy Fenner
Ilovecoffee

Favourite colour:
Grey

Gym or Yoga:
Yoga, I’m actually looking for a good studio…

Cats or Dogs:
I have a chocolate Burmese named Miso (who I adore) but I would love a jogging buddy…

Favourite book:
Five Quarters of an Orange by Joanne Harris.

Favourite movie:
Something’s Gotta Give. My love for this movie stems from the sheer sight of that beach house and the thought of freshly baked chocolate croissants – heaven!

Your favourite fashion accessory:
My rings made by Kelly B. I’ve worn them every day for the last umpteen years.

iPhone or blackberry:
iPhone ALL the way!

Sweet or Sour:
That’s like asking me to choose between cheese or chocolate- it’s just impossible! Although, I do enjoy sweet-sour, hot-sour and sweet-spicy (except for that’ lumo’ pink sweet chilli sauce).

To view Kamini's profile on neofundi

To view Deelishuss blog

and you can follow Kamini on twitter @LadyK_za