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Private chef Neill Anthony shares his fail-safe restaurant favourites in Cape Town

Chef Neill Anthony

Chef Neill Anthony

If you live in Cape Town you may have noticed the film cameras and branded Renault Clio4s driving around. (Well, more so than usual.) They’re all part of a new cooking show being filmed in the city, hosted by chef Neill Anthony.

Neill Anthony – The Private Chef provides a glimpse into the world of exclusive catering for socialites. The 13-part series is scheduled to premiere on SABC 3 on 15 March 2015.

Chef Neill Anthony spent 10 years in Europe honing his skills in the professional kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Alyn Williams, Jérôme Henry and Marcus Wareing before returning to the Mother City. Neill now works as a personal chef, cooking fine-dining extravaganzas for prestigious clients in the comfort of their own homes.

Each 26-minute episode begins in Neill’s loft apartment in the heart of Cape Town before he heads out to source the freshest local ingredients for that night’s event. “Food is what I do. Keeping it local, seasonal and rustic but refined,” says Neill.

The series promises to take viewers on a colourful journey through the bustling streets of Cape Town and surrounds as Neill shares tips and cooking secrets. (Tune into SABC 3 on Sundays between 4.30pm and 5pm from 15 March. Repeat broadcasts are scheduled for Fridays at 3pm the following week.)

We asked Neill to share his favourite eating spots for when he’s not in the kitchens of his high-profile clients.

My favourite…

Burgers

That’s an easy one: there’s no better place for a burger in Cape Town than Clarke’s Diner in Bree Street. Best buns, best beef and you have to have it with cheese and a beer. Go big or go home!

Asian restaurant

My favourite would have to be The Pot Luck Club. Although it’s not the most traditional Asian type of restaurant, the flavours and ingredients lend themselves very well to that style of cuisine. It’s really great food – if you can get a table.

 

The Pot Luck Club interior. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Pot Luck Club interior. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Sushi

For good and consistent sushi in Cape Town, nothing beats Takumi. I wouldn’t describe it as traditional sushi, but it’s a winner every single time.

Steak

Easy answer – I make it best at home!

Takumi. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Takumi. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Pizza

I’m not a fan of travelling far for a bite, but when it comes to pizza, Massimo’s in Hout Bay is simply the best. Their Fat Tuesdays (all-you-can-eat) is a super treat, too.

Takeaways

I’m not a big takeaway kind of guy, but if I had to choose it would probably be Indian food from Maharajah.

Chef Neill Anthony

Chef Neill Anthony – The Private Chef

Restaurant for a special occasion

It depends on the crowd, but Chefs Warehouse and La Mouette are possibly my two favourite restaurants. I have never had a bad meal there!

Cookbook

Simply French: Patricia Wells presents the cuisine of Joël Robuchon its an all-time classic.

La Mouette. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

La Mouette. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Market

The ever-popular Neighbourhoods Market at the Biscuit Mill is a winner for me. I like to get there early, grab an Everson’s Cider, chat to mates and then head inside to source local fresh seasonal ingredients for a nice lunch or early dinner.

Food store

Wellness Warehouse is becoming my one-stop shop these days. Their wide variety of healthy, interesting and fresh produce is why I love to visit their stores.

Dish to cook at home

Scallops aren’t always easy to get, but when I can get my hands on them they go down a treat.

Want to know where other chefs have their night off? Read the personal recommendations of David Higgs, Marthinus Ferreira and Minette Smith.

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