We already know Mi Casa’s J’Something can sing. Turns out this man knows his way around a kitchen, too. Proving that his amazing foodstagrams are more than just for fun, Joao da Fonseca is inviting everyone to tag along on his cooking show as he discovers new ingredients and cooking styles, while letting us in on his tried-and-trusted faves. J tells Grazia about where this love of food first began, whether it’ll inspire music and why toasted sarmies will always be ‘boss’
Has cooking always been a passion? What was the spark?
Always. I grew up watching my mom run a restaurant. I always thought serving food was a schlep, but to her it’s a gift to serve people and see their reaction when they taste her creations. Cooking just became a lot more fun when I started making more time for it.
So how did Something’s Cooking first begin?
About two years ago I posted the first picture of a dish I cooked using the hashtag #somethingscooking. I wanted an escape from music. That happened to be food. The more I posted, the more “likes” I started getting, and the more people started saying that I should create a cookbook or present a cooking show.
What have you enjoyed most about filming the show? Did expectation meet reality?
It was as if we were all family. I didn’t want to be put under pressure in front of everyone, so prior to shooting we all met up a hundred times. I cooked for them. I laughed with them. We shared memories together. I would say the reality was much better than the expectation.
We all know that food trends come and go. What is the most underrated food in your opinion?
Toasted sandwiches. We grew up viewing them as just toasties. But, for me, a grilled sandwich is such an amazing meal. Wait until you see the grilled sandwiches I make…
How do you balance having a love of food with keeping the kilos off?
To be honest I’ve been training hard. I run about 45km a week, go to gym twice a week and play football once a week. I perform a couple of times a week too. I also eat clean. That’s the best thing about cooking for yourself – you can make everything and anything, from scallops, prawns and chouriço to pasta and pizza. You can eat all of these things too, but you have to remember portion sizes.
Do you ever cook for your bandmates?
All the time. I make them a really tasty and comforting chilli con carne. They love it. Also, for Duda (Mi Casa’s producer), he loves a good mixed grill.
Have you EVER been inspired by food in your songWriting FOR mI cASA?
Not yet. But I’m sure it’s coming soon.
Don’t miss Something’s Cooking, every Wednesday at 7pm on Mzansi Magic.