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CHEF, AUTHOR AND AVID CYCLIST DAVID HIGGS NEEDS LITTLE INTRODUCTION. THE GUIDING HAND BEHIND GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS SUCH AS MARBLE, SAINT, ZIOUX AND PANTRY BY MARBLE, HE’S AS COMFORTABLE GUIDING A FULLY STAFFED KITCHEN AS HE IS NAVIGATING THE CAPE EPIC. WE FIND OUT WHAT KEEPS HIM BUSY DURING HIS TIME OFF

WORDS MATTHEW MCCLURE

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF LUXURY? A weekend at home is a bit of a luxury for me. I always try to keep Sundays for myself, starting with a bike ride or some coffee with mates.

YOUR FAVOURITE INGREDIENT TO WORK WITH? Coriander. It’s a herb that you either like or dislike. It’s a chemical thing, but it transforms dishes. Curry is an obvious one, but if you are making salsas, you can’t do without coriander.

WHAT DOES A WEEKEND AT HOME LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? When I get the chance to be at home on the weekend – which isn’t too often – I’ll definitely make sure I spend some time on my bike. When I get home, one of my favourite meals to cook is breakfast. I like to make myself a proper fry-up and then put my legs in the pool. Then I do one of two things: order Uber Eats, or I have a lovely souvla braai. Also, I enjoy a glass of good whisky, wine or water, depending on my mood. I love coming home; I love my house. I’ve worked hard to get it, so I enjoy spending time there.

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME? It’s always been Namibia, where I grew up. I go to Swakopmund to reconnect with special friends, and it’s the one place I really feel at home. I get to do things that remind of my childhood, like fishing. It brings me peace.

THE ONE THING YOU DO AFTER WORK TO HELP YOU UNWIND?

I snack a lot when I get home. I’m quite an anxious person at work, but when I get home, that all goes and my hunger sets in. I also train quite hard, so I literally have to leave the fridge empty, otherwise I’d just eat everything. I have to get creative because there’s not much in there; maybe a rice cake with some Emmenthal cheese, and then always Rooibos tea with collagen powder.

THE BEST REASON TO SWITCH YOUR PHONE TO AEROPLANE MODE? I don’t need a reason, it’s lovely. We literally run our businesses from our phones, so whenever I know myself and my business partners are away and I can safely turn off my phone, that’s a very special time for me. It doesn’t happen often, though.

DREAM FOODIE DESTINATION? A place I really want to go to is Japan. I’d like to visit for about three months. I also love the Mediterranean countries like Spain

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and Italy. I’ve always eaten and lived so well when I’ve been there.

YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? I’d probably buy a nice bicycle – the latest one with all the tech and bits. Or maybe a good whisky if I find something special.

THE BEST HOLIDAY YOU’VE EVER HAD? It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific one, but a holiday for me is when I do things that I love, like riding my bicycle. When I’m near water I’m so relaxed, so anywhere close to the beach is great. I’ve spent incredible summers in Spain and Italy, eating amazing food with special people. This year I’m heading to Sardinia, and I’m really looking forward to it. The best holiday is when there is good, simple food near the beach with sunshine –and obviously where I can ride my bike.

Your go-to leisure outfit: Without a doubt, jeans and a t-shirt. I love not wearing any shoes Your happy place? Definitely my home. I love my home. My dog Carlos is there and it’s my comfort zone. A song you’re listening to on repeat? The cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams by Lanie Gardner. It’s quite incredible. Have a listen. A hidden gem you love? It might not be a hidden gem anymore, but Salvation Café in Joburg is a constant for breakfast. It’s run by a special friend of mine – I’ve known him since we were about 13 or 14 years old. A hobby you’d like to get into? The one thing I would really love to get into (which sounds ridiculous because I’ve been cooking as a chef for 34 years) is the art of making bread properly. One luxury that’s actually a necessity? For me, luxury is time, especially in this industry. I also have a soft spot for watches and I have a great relationship with Breitling. It’s really interesting to see the brand with Georges Kern at the helm and the amazing things that they’re doing. I’ve also been a part of the Mercedes-Benz family for the last seven years; a brand that is luxurious indeed. ■ yourluxury.africa