Firstly, I am indebted to my family, who raised me and always supported my radical ideas, and who always try to understand where I am going, even when it doesn’t make any sense at all! My father, especially, who by heart is the most understanding and creative spirit I have ever known. My sister Rindie for taking care of the farm and the people while I am not there – not a day passes that I don’t think of your efforts and hard work to keep things going. I also want to thank ‘Oupa Jan’, who is such an adventurer on every level, from his Second World War stories to eating my strange concoctions and always loving them.
To Grandmother Hester for being the strongest, most unselfish person – I admire your endurance and thank goodness I’m your grandson! Grandma Wes, you helped shape me with your countless lunches during my school years – thank you for that. My mother, who is by far the most important person in my life – thank you for believing in what I do and, most of all, how I do it.
I must heartily thank everyone at Random House Struik for their patience, meticulous editing and for believing in every page. Thanks Fred Viljoen for the amazing task of layout and design – I am honoured to be working with you.
To the very important people in Cape Town – Laurie, Tanya, Sarena, Henna, Lalla, Frans, Daniela, Henrietta, Bobby, Eileen, PJ, Rachel – you are like family and I will always be grateful for the inspiration and friendship we share.
To my best friend Leon for your continuing love and support, and for pulling my strings shorter when they want to fly loose. We share so much, especially the beauty of being Leos. A big thank you to Jackie, who inspired me from day one to live big and for all our special visits in Paris.
To Marlene van der Westhuizen and Jan Marais for taking me on a journey to France, which shaped every way I look at it today. The inspiration from your travels extends as far as this book.
Profound gratitude and respect to the Holmström/Sinclair family for taking me on board your beautiful yacht and for opening up so many unknown doors. I am truly thankful.
To Captain Chris, Steve and Sarena for coping with my temperamental galley mood swings when the waters got rough and for convincing me that writing a book would be a good idea. Rosa, thank you for showing me around my new grounds and for sharing my love of food, markets and wonderful energy.
And finally, I would like to thank my partner Pascal for his patience, advice and encouragement. It is only because of his support that I have been able to finish such a massive, beautiful project.
Visit my websites at www.janhendrik.com and www.restaurantjan.com