Whatshot

2025
2024
June
April
2023
March
2022
2021
2020
March
February
2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2014
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2013
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2012
December
November
October
September
August
July

Donkerbok Cafe - Inspired By Afrikaans Kultuur

Donkerbok Cafe - Inspired By Afrikaans Kultuur

Author: Kasia Yoko
Date: 2023-07-01

Meeting Chef Jono Harrison for the firsttime is an experience, as you explore the signs and symbols permanently etchedon his face, you wonder about all kinds of scenarios that might have broughthim those permanent markings and then just as you are about to ask about hisfacial markings, the scent of sweet tomato jam bubbling on the fire hits yoursenses and you forget all about everything earthly and think, food.

"Ifell in love with authentic Afrikaans food in the Karoo." Jono tells The Bugle,"There was something about how much the people there cared about quality andhow there was just a clear understanding of what is good and what is not. Howfood must be shared and how it says everything about where you come from."

Jonois one of those special souls that lives his passion, he arrives every morningat 4am and starts the baking process, his small team of assistants are therewith him, the kitchen is buzzing, the vibe is on and the smell of sourdough andwood fire permeates every other odour in this space, it's a style of cookingthat is slowly disappearing from the world culinary stage, however Jono has avery romantic idea on how to reintroduce Afrikaans Kos, and he has a fool-proofrecipe for it.

"Throughmy cooking, I want encourage people to get back to the basics." Jono tells me,"I want to break the psyche that bread is bad for you by taking things back tothe roots. I believe that you can't substitute fresh and while our food isuncomplicated, it is also wholesome and generous and served with a big dollopof humility just like our forefathers used to do."

Jonospecialises in South African inspired cuisine, he brings his Karoo Lamb recipesto the North Coast and while his sourdough bakes are yummy and fullydelectable, he is not afraid to introduce braai dishes and fish pilchards tohis menu. Most of his cooking is done on the open fire, giving his food thatflavour-from-home element that will triggers so many memories.

"Iam inspired by the culture of sharing home cooked wholesome dishes." Jonocontinues, "I love the idea of introducing the Shisa Nyama style shared board,served on a long wooden table, where you can come with your whole tribe and beserved healthy sized platters, just as they do in the Karoo."

TheDonkerbok Café and Bakery is open Monday to Sunday 7am - 4pm in Slow Roads,Sheffield, opposite Brettonwood. Sourdough pizzas and the dinner menu is serveduntil 7pm. Local deliveries are soon to be introduced to the nearbyneighbourhood. For more inquiries contact Jono on his cell 066 0052 452.