New book: West Coast Wander by Georgia East

From spekboom tzatziki to toast slathered with bokkom butter, the recipes in Georgia East’s West Coast Wander are a celebration of the flavours of the small towns perched along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean

Why the West Coast?

The West Coast has always been a source of fascination for me. My parents met there and most of my childhood memories involved me splashing in the green shallows of the Berg River or having my photo taken in a riot of colour during wildflower season.

I didn’t want to delve too deeply into the history of the West Coast, but rather concentrate on the people currently making a living through food. From finding artisanal cheese in Velddrif, organic produce markets in Hopefield and singleblock Sauvignon Blanc in Lamberts Bay, to pasteis de nata in Yzerfontein and seaweed-infused sourdough in Saldanha Bay, I discovered that there was so much more to the West Coast than fish and chips.

What was it like living in Velddrif to write the book?

Life in a small town is challenging – you’re not spoilt for choice and often the simple act of buying bread takes a little more effort than a visit to the supermarket. Lengthy drives along dirt roads, knocking on farmhouse doors because there was a sign a few kilometres back for waterblommetjies, getting to know who makes cheese in the neighbourhood, when the fishing boats come in with fresh harders and which markets sell the best sourdough, all adds to the experience. I was a good deal younger than most of the folks who call Velddrif home, but that didn’t stop dinner invitations, recipe exchanges and introductions to a world of knowledge, history and experience.

What are your favourite restaurants in the West Coast?

I’m a massive fan of what Kobus van der Merwe does at Wolfgat, but at heart

I love a proper retro seaside eatery. I’m a fan of both the Elands Bay Hotel and Weskus Kombuis – be sure to order the fried Cape