MasterChef SA's Kamini Pather eating every chance of success

07 February 2016 - 02:00 By ANDRIES MAHLANGU

MasterChef South Africa winner Kamini Pather speaks about season two of the food and travel TV show ‘Girl Eat World’, her business plans and filthy money What is more important to you: fame or fortune?There's a delicate balance: the amount of fame one has is directly proportional to how much fortune one has. Having said that, fortune definitely allows a person more freedom, so maybe that's my choice ...Which celebrities are the most influential and why?Within the food world, people like Jamie Oliver have been hugely influential in equipping viewers with the confidence and skills to cook.What projects are you working on?story_article_left1Season two of Girl Eat World, as well as two other food travel shows, getting back into radio, a book ... the hustle continues ...Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?As a major player within the production side of food/travel entertainment content, and with a sea of businesses.What is your source of inspiration and why?Great produce. If you are what you eat, it all starts with the best-quality ingredients.If you were fortunate enough to be the president, what would your priorities be?To stop the corruption and give South Africa a fighting chance to be a world leader. Africa has been on the lips and minds of the rest of the world for a while now, whether it's design (food/fashion/film) or tech. South Africa could be the voice of the continent if we harnessed our power with vision.What do you do when you are not working?Go running or do yoga, eat out with friends, go to wine tastings to educate my palate, respond to social media posts - this is a big one, where the line between work and leisure is blurred.How do you prefer to pay for things: cash or card?Card. Everything is traceable and cleaner.Cash is filthy, literally, because it changes hands so often. It's a hygiene issue for me.Do you invest in shares or other assets?A combination. A diverse portfolio is necessary.Do you look after your own finances?I have a financial adviser.What do you spend the most money on?story_article_right2Food experiences. I would much rather eat a dish that makes my toes curl with delight than have a new pair of shoes. But I am a supporter of South African fashion, and that is definitely factored into my budget.What irritates you the most and what makes your happy?People who put salt on their food before they've tasted it. Introducing people to new flavours and watching the delight wash over their faces.What is the best thing you've spent money on?I spend money on amazing things every day. R10 on a great cupcake or R1,000 could give the same amount of joy.Do you tip easily, or do wait staff have to work hard with you?It's simple - be attentive without hovering and be pleasant. Wait staff are usually extrovert, knowledgeable people. Treat them with respect...

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