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Written by Aubrey was born in 1984, in KwaZulu Natal’s lower south coast. He is a proud Zulu man with a love for all things British.
At the age of 2 he was ‘adopted’ by an English family – whose hospitality businesses in the UK have earned many accolades. It is through this that a love for good food – and a little later – good wine, was instilled in the enthusiastic young Aubrey’s heart.
Early memories of cooking can be traced back to making a cheese soufflé with his father’s executive chef who was visiting South Africa. The soufflé is now a staple recipe in the repertoire. These early experiences were accompanied by regular stints in the kitchens of the flagship restaurant of Milsom Hotels; where every aspect of a professional kitchen was taught to him. A passion for the meticulous and professional preparation of food was born here.
Having had the privilege to eat in some of the UK’s best restaurants and meet some of the finest chefs and cooks, it is no wonder that the passion to continue preparing and expecting good honest food has been the minimum standard for Aubrey to this day.
In recent years, cooking has become a serious hobby and every opportunity to enjoy some of Cape Town’s more exciting restaurants is a feature of Aubrey’s diary. With the intention of pursuing a career in hospitality, this can only be good. Sharpening one’s palate and experimenting with different flavours, textures and styles is something most cooks call a day’s work. Aubrey is no less a believer, moreover, converting young people to cook good food at minimum cost is a passion which he dedicates a lot of time to. A cookery show online is further evidence to that belief. ‘Dinner With Aubs’ is fast-becoming a platform for re-education on simple culinary techniques and ideas which can be adapted by the viewers in their own kitchens. A blog: ‘dinnerwithaubs.blogspot.com’ accompanies the show.
The love for good wine is un-diminishing and having been lucky enough to taste some of the world’s finest wines has ensured that no bad wine will pass his lips. He is a passionate opera fan and a classically trained tenor. Every session in the kitchen is accompanied by enthusiastic singing of his favourite arias. A truly colourful affair: the singing Zulu cook with an English accent!
Great ingredients, good technique and an open mind are essential to the enjoyment of food and wine. Ensuring that entertainment is made as easy and fun is a major driving force behind all his endeavours.
He is a recipient of the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Distillers London, one of only two South Africans to be so honoured by this centuries-old guild to date.
Aubrey resides in Cape Town
Reproduced with Aubrey’s permission
Follow Aubrey on Twitter DinnerwithAubs on Facebook Dinner with Aubs or his blog aptly named Dinner with Aubs.
More: Aubrey Ngcungama Recipes
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