Blogger Kamini cooks competitors’ goose

While Indian, with an appreciation of spices and how to use them, she strays from stereotypical cooking.

When it comes to her crucial must-have ingredients, it is “always onion, garlic, really good olive oil” for the aromatics and, perhaps, a sprinkling of herbs.

Of the chefs she admires, she says: “I think on the South African front, it would be Margot Jansen and Luke-Dale Roberts. They are the two top chefs and are involved in food that is local and seasonal, which I’m an advocate for. Also, Luke doesn’t waste anything.”

This year, a restaurant wasn’t part of the prize giveaway – and it’s because M-Net wanted to be flexible to the wishes of the winner.

Pather clarifies: “From the word ‘go’, my food dream was more media-related. I wanted to show South Africa you can cook locally and seasonally. With that product in mind, I knew it would work well with a TV show. So that is the plan – at some stage.”

Now R400 000 richer, with a brand-new VW Golf 7, a five-night luxurious stay at the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa in the Seychelles, a year’s supply of Woolworths shopping to the value of R100 000 as well as a year’s supply of wine and a full sommelier course from Nederberg, Pather can certainly enjoy a bit of pampering after all those gruelling cook-offs.

What is she going to do with her winnings?

She jokes: “I thought of renting a yacht and living it up like a rapper. But I’m an adult, so I will invest it and then see how to use the money to my best advantage.

“I love Country Road stuff, so I will definitely be shopping in that department.

“And I still have to find my plus- one for the holiday.”