BLOND, BUT NO BARBIE
Hilary Biller met Hayden Quinn for a chat at OR Tambo as he jetted into South Africa, surfboard under one arm, for the launch of his new TV show
An Australian hosting a South African food/adventure show? SA is like a second home to me. I’m more recognised here than I am in Australia. I’ve worked on various projects in SA and recently became an ambassador for the WWF. While doing this show, which is all about adventure, travel and food, I’ve seen more of SA than I have of my own country! What led a marine biologist and professional lifeguard to cooking? I’ve always loved cooking. I took a chance by entering MasterChef
Australia in 2011 and was so surprised by how far I made it. Many doors have opened since then. Of all the places you visited in SA, did one stand out? The Northern Cape was surprisingly beautiful and the small town of Prieska was amazing. The people were so hospitable and friendly and we spent an evening listening to a man playing the accordion. So special. As a surfer, your first love is clearly the sea. What about climbing and mountains? I’m absolutely terrified of heights and get sweaty palms just thinking about it. I was supposed to abseil off Table Mountain in one part of the show and I just couldn’t do it. While filming, you must have tasted a smorgasbord of local food. Which flavours or dishes were the most memorable? I have three: In Lesotho I met up with a woman who prepared a simple meal of pumpkin leaves with water and salt, served with samp and beans. It was an eye opener, like stepping back in time. In the Karoo a farmer taught me to make a lamb neck potjie which had so much character and flavour. The fresh Knysna oysters were amazing and very different to the rock oyster found in Australia. Nothing beats the combination of champagne, oysters and good friends. Apart from the beauty, the delicious food and the interesting people you met, is there a serious side to the show? It’s a story of sustainability. As an ambassador for WWF, I explore the country, highlighting issues of traceability, the environmental impact of food production and farming with a conscience.
Catch ‘The Hayden Quinn Show’, brought to you by Woolworths and WWF SA, on SABC 3, channel 193, every Monday night at 9.30pm.