RealRestaurantRevelations: Kerin “I like to braai” D’Offizi.

After countless attempts to get a table at the young stallion of an eatery, What’s On, I was finally awarded a table for two on the 28th of April. I accepted gracefully/graciously.

I began salivating at the thought of finally being able to come together (in a moment of pure, irresistible pleasure) with Chef Kerin D’Offizi’s speciality – food. Good food.

Kerin, 30, hails from our big village by the sea, Cape Town and proudly claims his undying love for the city. He trained at the well known Cape College at a time when women still wore bonnets and Cavendish was but a square of cattle grazing territory, thirteen, yes 13, years ago. Kerin still refuses to divulge information of his life as a dinosaur whisperer and a comrade of the VERY late Shaka Zulu despite ongoing attempts by numerous archaeologists and historians (and Julius “Juju” Malema). Selfish, at the very least.

His career as a food dude blossomed during an 8 year stint, 5 of which as head chef, at the accomplished Harbour Rock restaurant in Hermanus, where he spent day and night over cookers, stoves and microwaves preparing himself for the inevitable break into Cape Town’s booming restaurant industry. Thanks Harbour Rock, you’re the best.

Towards the end of 2010, Kerin’s moment had arrived when restaurateur, Trevor Jordaan, called on his expertise in order to launch the highly anticipated What’s On Eatery. Kerin Obliged… and the rest is history.

Kerin enjoys candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach. Weirdo. On a slightly more realistic note, Kerin loves braaing a good A-grade beef fillet and spending time with his family and wife to be – he wasn’t sure which one of the two came first.

Awkward.

That might just make his wife-to-be, wife-not-to-be. He explained, understandably so, that to spend time in a kitchen on off days is like an accountant going into the office on Saturday. I, in turn, explained to him that accountants do do that and enjoy lifeless lives. We both agreed not to pursue a career in accounting and sealed the deal with a high “thank god we’re not accountants” five. Nonetheless, Kerin enjoys being outdoors and taking it real easy when not slaving away at What’s On.

Useful Kerin Facts:

Favourite ingredients: