I have to mention that it was one of the easiest interviews that I've ever had to do. Apart from the fact that I'm a huge foodie and Justine is somewhat a doyenne of South African food and food publishing, the commonality of food and what it stands for was overwhelmingly more important and part of her personality so that any awkwardness that may have arisen because of my being in awe of her, was immediately swept away by her warm and engaging personality.
And as we discussed food in all its forms and representations, this is what really came to the fore: food is more or less about personality. The very idea of putting food on the table, of being a provider, not only in bringing home the bacon (so to speak) but then preparing it with love and effort and presenting it to your family and friends, is what a true foodie is all about.
This is the approach that Justine has taken in her presentation and representation of food over the years and now more especially in Fresh Living Magazine which she is the editor of and which is Pick and Pay's consumer magazine.
In addition to her magazine work Justine has published five cookbooks and produced two tv series, Just In Africa, which was aired internationally on the BBC.
Meeting Justine reminded me that while some of us choose to base ourselves in the kitchen, we are by no means stuck there and more importantly, that the task of providing a beautiful meal for our families is by no means a menial task but something that is all-embracing and life enhancing.
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