June 22 - Jhb South East

Martin has always had a passion for food and creating things in the world that
people can enjoy.
‘Creating dishes and moments that bring people together is my passion.’
Today he is an owner of two restaurants, Dros New Redruth and Dros Kyalami,
with 20 years of experience behind him. He loves making dishes that include
bread, pastries and meats.
‘Every day brings new challenges and that is my favourite dish. If I need to
choose, it is different sauces, it’s like getting dressed for your wedding. Sauces just
light up different meals and bring the best out of different dishes.’
He is always up for a challenge so there has not been a meal he doesn’t enjoy
cooking.
Some of his proudest moments as a chef were being able to be part of local
cooking shows on TV.
‘I am the happiest at work when I need to rush, when everyone comes out to eat
there is just something about that.’
One of the challenges he faces as a chef is dealing with the country’s load-shedding.
‘Other challenges are finding the correct products. Sometimes your main ingredient
can be out of stock and then you have to make a plan,’ Martin explained.
The chefs he admires are Gordon Ramsey as he is a real go-getter and he never
gives up.
He said that the best cooking tips he ever received were at family gatherings.
‘Once again food brings people together, if there is any tip that would be to
spend time making food for your family. Get everyone in the kitchen.’
It is all about family
Martin met the love of his life Jackie 27 years ago in Bethal. They have three
beautiful children, two girls and a boy.
Off the cuff:
• Do you prefer food, travel or art?
Travel and food.
• Braai or cooking?
Braai.
• Rain vs sunshine?
Rain.
• City life vs outdoors?
Outdoors.
• Your ultimate spoil
Going on holiday.
• What’s your regular comfort meal?
Peanutbutter sandwich.
• Favourite drink?
Olof Bergh and coke.
• Your best movie ever?
Pearl Harbour
• Currently on your playlist?
Afrikaans music, music from Riaan Benade.
• Your motto in life?
Be all you can be.
• If you could do one thing before you die, what would that be?
Tour the world.
• What do you like to eat when you’re at home?
My ma se kos and braai.
• You’re stranded on a desert island. What five foods would you
want with you? What would you make?
Fruits, meat, veggies – a full buffet
You are entitled to
do whatever you
want to, as long as
you are happy
and take the
responsibility
‘We all have different love stories and
timing of doing things in life, but our
love story is my favourite. We went to
the same school and then I moved
away. Seven years ago in October,
I found Jackie on Facebook, and I
decided to send her a message. We
met up for coffee, and we just never
looked back,’ he said.
The couple tied the knot on March 19
this year.
Martin loves being a father and to
him, fatherhood means the world and
beyond. ‘I never had sisters and now I
have two daughters. It amazes me to
see them grow and become someone
or something you prayed for. My
‘laaitie’ is just the most adorable thing
in the world. He is very fond of his
mother and his grandfather.’
He added that he felt that a father
plays an important role in life because,
at the end of the day, your father
needs to make something out of you.
‘A father will separate the earth for his
children. My father, Charles, always
tried his best and I will try to do the
same if not better. I think a father
makes or breaks you and in my life my
father made me.’
Being able to accomplish what he
and his wife started is the best part
of being a father. ‘To see their faces
enjoying moments in life with you and
to spoil them or surprise them with
something they wanted badly.’ he said.
‘Whatever they become or whatever
they do in life, just enjoy it. I will always
love them, and that will never change.
You are entitled to do whatever you
want to, as long as you are happy and
take the responsibility,’ is his message
to his children
Text: ELZAAN PIENAAR. Photo: ELZAAN PIENAAR
June 2022 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 13
GIS0603_012_1279650046.indd 13 2022/05/19 08:08:19