He may be impossibly busy, but even the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato, has to eat. We caught up with him at the Wimpy in St Georges Mall and quizzed him on his culinary preferences in and about town.
Are you a regular at the Wimpy?
I love this Wimpy, in particular, because it’s so central and it has a lovely vibe, especially in the afternoon. I am very partial to Wimpy coffee as well: it is very flavourful. When I was based in Wale St, when I was Minister of Community Safety in the Western Cape Government, I used to pick up a take-away coffee here quite often, or my staff would get it for me. From time to time, I’d come down for lunch, too. I am also fond of the Sunrise Breakfast. Unfortunately I am too busy now to enjoy breakfast here, but on a Saturday morning, I sometimes pop in. I also love Mariams Kitchen – there is nothing like a good curry-and-rice meal or a good rooti. I am also rather partial to Snoekies.
Was Wimpy a feature of your childhood?
I think Wimpy is a feature of everyone’s childhood as it is such an iconic South African restaurant. But my mother’s home-cooked meals were really a feature of my childhood. To this day, I still love her braaied chicken, which she always serves with roast potatoes and vegetables.
What’s usually on the menu for breakfast?
I don’t have time to eat breakfast before leaving home. I am up at 05h00, arrive at work at 06h15 and then I have my first cup of coffee. I read the newspapers between 06h15 and 06h45 and listen to the radio to get a gist of the news of the day. I am also briefed by my staff, who keep me informed. Then my first meeting usually starts at 07h00. When I have a moment, I will have a bite to eat, and I usually have my dinner from the previous evening! I often get home after 22h00 when it is too late to have a big meal, so I bring my supper in to work and have it for breakfast. If I am too busy, I will have it for lunch!
Favourite Central City restaurants?
Bukhara Cape Town and Mint at Taj Cape Town. They win hands down. Do you have a sweet tooth? Oh yes. It’s my downfall! There is nothing better than a good pudding, baked or fridge. I am not fussy. I also like sweets … there are always sucking sweets in the mayoral car.
Are you a dab hand in the kitchen?
In the Plato family, we are all fish lovers. I can make a good fish potjie. I use whatever fresh fish I can find – snoek, hake, yellow tail – and then add shellfish like crayfish tails, and calamari. I then add seasonal veggies. I also like to fry or bake fish in olive oil. It imparts a great flavour. My trick is this: 10 minutes before the fish is due to come out of the oven, I smear yoghurt over it. Try it. It’s delicious!
IMAGE: Scott Arendse (CCID Online Coordinator)