Five Minutes With... Zintle Ntshikila

It’s been five years since the Instagram sensation – and current chef in training – started a journey that saw her lose 56 kg. Over a lunch at Bon Amis at Bloemendal, she reveals it’s all about loving the food that’ll love you back

- Annette Klinger

Why the love for Bon Amis?

It’s incredibly child friendly. What I love about it is that my daughters Unabanthu (9) and Afika (5) don’t get that cooped-up, edgy, cabin-fever feeling kids sometimes do in restaurants. You know, acting like you haven’t taught them any manners! So, while the food is being prepared, they can go and play outside; it’s really beautiful. Plus, it’s only about seven-and-a-half kilometres from our home, and about three kilometres from their school, so on sushi Fridays I just pick them up from school on the way here.

Did you say sushi Fridays?

I don’t want to share all my secrets, but yes. The kids love the tuna and-prawn crunch rolls. And, because I’m such a regular here, the chefs are really accommodating, making me sushi without rice when I ask. Oh, and I always have to have a glass of Bloemendal’s Waterlily Shiraz Rosé. I mean, can you think of anything better on a Friday?

It’s been five years since you changed your food lifestyle. What spurred the change?