Kamini Pather

Having had followed her journey for a good few years, we couldn’t help but find a way to bring her into the Jack Black family. And now that it’s official, we sat down with her to learn a bit more about who she is and what gets her out of bed in the morning (or back into bed, but more on that later).

So Kamini, tell us a bit about yourself, starting from the top! 

Hey, I’m Kamini, pronounced like harmony with a ‘k’ (extra beer for anyone who can say it three times quickly). I’ve always believed that you truly understand a person when you share a meal with them, but since winning Master Chef, my ideas around food have changed...

It isn’t about bubbles and canapés any longer; it’s now about being able to fuel me to achieve my goals on the streets! No, no, reel it in - I’m a road runner. I found running in 2017 when I was invited to be an ambassador for the Cape Town Marathon, and I’ve never looked back.

I believe that less is more, that there is no heart purer than that of an artichoke, and that dogs give the best advice.

How would you define yourself in one sentence?

‘A grapefruit was a lemon that saw a chance and took it’ - Oscar Wilde 

Can you tell us about your journey into the world of food and cooking?

I really wanted to be in the food world, and I didn’t know how to do it. And then I entered MasterChef South Africa and won...

The whole experience was incredible, and it changed my life for sure. I don’t think I’ve ever been as creative as I was during the shoot because life was centered around cooking. That was all that mattered. During the breaks, we had a library of recipe books, and I had a Moleskin journal in which I made notes. It was completely immersive - I got to be my best food-nerd self.

How do you approach the process of creating and developing recipes?

You’ve gotta set the scene. Who’s the dish for? What time of year is it? Is it an occasion? What feeling do you want the people at the table to have? Then I will think about the flavours I want to use, and consult The Flavour Thesaurus, google a few recipes, and maybe watch some content that others have created with the key dish or idea I have in mind. And then I play. 

Can you discuss any upcoming projects or ventures you're excited about?

I’m busy writing a cookbook! Utilizing my Health and Nutrition Coaching knowledge, it’s a book that features healthy, Indian-inspired recipes that are quick to make, high in flavour, and mood-elevating. (Yes, these recipes will all go perfectly with beer). I want to share my health and nutrition coaching with my community because I think that eating healthily can be simple, affordable, and damn good tasting. There are easy swaps to be made and small tweaks that can turn a staple dish into something that supports longevity and lifelong swag.

Last but not least, what’s your favourite Jack Black beer?

Again, depends on the context. I’m banking on the fact that this is a judgement-free zone, but even if it isn’t, I regret nothing. I’ve been known to get back into bed after an early morning long run with a cold beer. Sometimes it’s a Brewers Lager; sometimes it’s a Super Crush...I like to keep things interesting!

Join us in raising a pint to Kamini, whose journey into the world of food and approach to cooking, is as fun as it is flavorful. Welcome to the family, Kamini - we're excited for the adventures ahead!