Sammy Mashile, head chef at Granita restaurant on the Kievits Kroon country estate, has been on the team since December 2009. Starting as executive sous chef, he was promoted to the helm of the kitchen the following year. Born in Pretoria, Sammy studied at the Garankuwa Hotel School, trained at Protea Hotels and gained experience at The Sheraton, Sunnyside Park Hotel and Kopanong Hotel, amongst others.

In 2012 Sammy received a brass Blazon plaque as recognition for the estate’s superb cuisine, service and hospitality by Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

In his free time, Sammy likes to get involved with food shows on TV and cooking demonstrations for the Culinary Arts Association of South Africa. When he takes a break from the kitchen, Mashile enjoys spending time with friends and family somewhere secluded. We found out his favourites for Asian cuisine, buying wine and the ultimate sandwich topping.

My favourite place for…

A pizza

I think Debonairs makes quality takeaway pizzas. I take my boys there and our favourite is the Tikka Chicken. It’s quite hot – you should see the look on their faces when they eat it! They always ask for milk.

Asian food

Simply Asia at Southdowns in Centurion. I like the setup, which allows you to see the kitchen from the restaurant itself. I enjoy trying different things on the menu depending on my mood, but my all-time favourite is the cashew nut noodles. I like going to restaurants where I don’t know the chef because once a chef notices that there is another chef in house they tend to go all-out. I want to just be treated like their other clients.

Burgers

I’m not a burger person, but once in a while Thabo Letsholo (one of my chefs) makes me the best burger here at Kievits Kroon. There has to be lots of garlic in it, and he also puts in bacon, avocado, and some secret ingredients. When you visit us and we’re not too busy, please ask him to make you one! You’ll love it.

Sushi

Brown’s Sushi in Midrand. Chef Brown has a small catering company and will deliver fresh sushi anytime you want it. My favourite is anything with seafood and avocado.

A great view

Overture at Hidden Valley Wines in Stellenbosch has a breathtaking view. I went there when I was a delegate with Chaîne des Rôtisseurs; the food is out of this world and chef Bertus Basson is one of a kind. It has a nice open kitchen, and you can also see them working while you’re waiting for your food in the restaurant. I think the view makes it extra-special.

Take-aways

When I don’t feel like a home-cooked meal, I just grab a Nando’s takeaway. It’s healthier as it’s grilled, and I order the salad instead of chips.

Take-away coffee before work

I’m usually at work before any of the shops are open, but if I get a chance I pop into the House of Coffees in Kolonnade Shopping Centre in Zambesi Drive. It’s convenient and there’s this wonderful fresh coffee aroma when you get inside. I just love the smell of fresh coffee.

A week-day breakfast

I’m not a breakfast person; I won’t wake up especially to go have breakfast! But the best I’ve ever had was at the Palace of the Lost City. The setup of the buffet is amazing and there’s so much to choose from. You can go crazy trying to choose.

A lazy Saturday morning brunch

I don’t even remember the last time I had brunch! But I would love to be a guest at Kingsley’s Restaurant for the buffet brunch. They serve oysters and Cap Classique!

Sunday lunch with the family

I’m a big fan of home-cooked Sunday kos, and if it’s not me at the stove, then my mom does it best. I always go back to my roots. In our culture, it’s called ‘seven colours’ and they say it’s not a complete Sunday lunch if there’s no beetroot and pumpkin. My mum is the best cook when it comes to making mokekerepe and ting (home-fed chickens) and tripe.

A romantic dinner

Granita restaurant, especially when you dine outside in summer under the stars, with the lights in the garden and the view looking across the Cape Dutch buildings. It’s just so romantic.

A blow-the-budget celebratory dinner

I’ve never had one, but I’m planning one this year in September – a huge party for my birthday. I’m turning 40! It will have to be in somewhere in the bush because I love nature.

Buying flowers

Melanie Kotze and Magda Sward from Flower Genesis in Pretoria supply all the flowers to Kievits Kroon. I just love their arrangements.

Buying bread

If I’m going to be home for more than a day, I buy bread from Woolworths. The seeded one is delicious when toasted and I eat it with my homemade blueberry preserve and crushed pistachios.

Buying wine

Makro and Wine-of-the-Month Club. My favourite wine at the moment is the De Grendel Merlot 2010.

Ordering birthday cake

I have to get a special one for myself this year as I’m turning 40. I will order it from a very passionate cake specialist, Maletsema Tlolane of Khutjo Cakes and Forks.

Market-style shopping

Oriental Plaza in Johannesburg, because I love the smell of the spices, home-made samoosas, spring rolls, and the out-of-this-world traditional Indian curries, rotis and more.

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Read the personal recommendations of chef Geoffrey Murray of Zachary’s, Caroline McCann of Braeside Butchery and our winner of the best local food blog for 2013, Anél Potgieter of lifeisazoobiscuit.com.

Photographs: Sammy Mashile, Granita, Kievits Kroon, Overture, Simply Asia and Kievits Kroon.