Which part of Johannesburg did you grow up in and which school did you go to?
Originally from Zim, I came to live in Johannesburg in 1984- we lived in Sandton – I matriculated at King David Linksfield
What do you love most about Johannesburg- five places / things to do / areas etc?
I love EVERYTHING about Johannesburg (ok, not the crime) I love the people, the food, the culture! Johannesburg is unique – it is so 1st world, in a 3rd world country. Jozzies can be proud of the incredible city that they live in – it is like any major cosmopolitan city in the world – with soulful people and tastiest food! I love going shopping in Parkhurst and Melville, have to eat at Bellini’s, taking drives to “Cradle of Mankind”, walking around Sandton City and Melrose Arch and being with my family and best friends!!
Where do you live now?
I live in Los Angeles – have been here for almost 11 years!
How different is it from South Africa?
LA is completely different to Johannesburg – the people, the culture, the traffic,the way of life – it’s all different. It really took me a LONG time to settle down and find my feet. But once you do, you realize that you can create your own world and live your life the way that you choose to – no matter wherever you are!
What do you do?
I worked in advertising and foodservice marketing up until I had my two precious children as I wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom! I started doing marketing, pr, sales and distribution for a couple of different companies. Every summer we go down to Laguna Beach and my husband and I always make a special date night to go to Mozambique Steakhouse and Lounge. Once I saw that they had started producing their own peri-peri sauces and spices, I convinced the owners to let me try and market their brand, distribute their products and integrate the brand into various events.
The Mozambique, what makes it so special?
Mozambique is the most incredible restaurant – firstly the location is incredible – the restaurant looks is like a mediteranean villa and is across from the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach. The restaurant is owned by Ivan Spiers, originally from Durban and has been living in the US for over 20 years. Ivan is a remarkable gentleman who has incredible vision and has created a culinary landmark in Orange County that feels and tastes just like South Africa.
Mozambique Restaurant and Lounge has been around for 5 years and is extremely successful amongst the local communities, tourists and ex-South Africans. Their upscale menu features many Peri-Peri specialities, like Peri-Peri Chicken, Peri-Peri Prawns, Grilled Kingklp with Lemon Butter , Grilled Sole, Boerewors etc not to mention the fantastic cocktails served in the Shebeen which overlooks the Pacific ocean. We also have screenings of any sporting event that involves the South African rugby team where fans come from near and far to watch the game and cheer on the Bokke!
The sound stage and recording equipment at Mozambique is something to see, many artists, including Just Jinger have performed at this multi-million dollar venue.
Because of popular demand, we actually started bottling our own Peri-Peri sauces and spices which we not only sell to our customers, but we are also selling to many specialty gourmet food stores around the country who are loving the peri-peri flavors.
What do you get up to on weekends?
We love going down to the beach and riding bikes on the bike path. We love having people over, barbecuing, drinking wine and hanging out at our home!
