While Joao da Fonseca – J’Something to his fans – is best known as the charismatic vocalist and songwriter of award-winning house band Mi Casa, this Johannesburg local is causing a stir with the launch of his new cooking show, Something’s Cooking. The show, which premiered on Mzansi Magic Channel 161 on 22 October, is a perfect example of how a magnetic personality and a chronic food obsession make for the perfect pairing. We caught up with J’Something to find out his favourite haunts for burgers, beer and impressing the betties.

My favourite place for:

Take-away coffee before work

Father Coffee in Braamfontein. It’s a great joint with some good coffee!

A lazy Saturday morning brunch

I prefer to make my own: I bake some brioche in the pizza oven for some killer French toast with crispy bacon, grilled banana and maple syrup. But if I’m not home, I’d pop by Life Grand Café in Waterfall!

Life Grand Cafe interior. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

A beer with the boys

I don’t really drink beer, but a good experience for someone who doesn’t generally sip on beer is Foundry in Parkhurst. They have an amazing selection of beers with some additional characters that can actually get you hooked.

Burgers

The Wolfpack interior. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Wolfpack, hands down. You must also have their chilli-cheese fries and a milkshake.

Pizza

Sorry, but I have to say my house. I have a pizza oven and nothing tastes like my homemade pizza…

A business lunch

Either tashas in Rosebank or Mezepoli. Great variety…

Pre-drinks before a night out

Normally at home, but there’s this cool bar at the Fire and Ice Hotel in Melrose Arch.

A quick weekday breakfast

Nice in Parkhurst – the bomb!

Sunday lunch with the family

Other than home, it would have to be at Joe’s Butcher in Alex for some proper shisa nyama.

Impressing a date

Cube Tasting Kitchen in Parktown North.

A blow-the-budget celebratory dinner

Five Hundred at The Saxon… What an experience!

A table at Five Hundred. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Takeaways

Schwarma Co. in Norwood makes the best ribs ever!

Market-style shopping (a deli or market)

Definitely Rio Douro and Super Sconti.

For a magnificent view

Umi in Camps Bay. They also serve incredible food!

Food at Umi. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Something’s Cooking airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on Wednesdays at 7pm. Follow J’Something on Twitter @jsomethingmusic and Instagram @JSomethingMusic.