CARDIFF LIVES
Q&A
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est-known around these parts for his Kitchen Clonc food blog (‘clonc’ is colloquial Welsh for ‘chat’), Cardiff dentist Imran recently made it to the final ten of BBC One’s MasterChef. Hugely passionate about food, he describes himself as a ‘culinary magpie’ – his cooking is inspired by his Asian background, classic British dishes and friends’ food from around the world. Read more about his culinary exploits below... Where’s home, and what makes it special? Pontcanna. We’ve lived in the area for the last 10 years and instantly fell in love with it. There are beautiful parks on our doorstep, the food and drink scene is great, and it has a real village feel. Congrats on reaching the final 10 of this year’s MasterChef! How did you find the experience? No-one can prepare you for the immense pressure of cooking in that kitchen. As you progress through the rounds, the pressure just increases. What was your standout moment on the show? I was over the moon with the comments food critic Amol Rajan gave my Thali dish, as that’s the food I grew up eating. But my standout moment was in knockout week when I got praise from both judges for my trio of desserts. Where does your interest in food stem from? Food was always at the heart of family life. We sat around the dinner table in the evening and there was always something going on – people visiting, extended family and everyone needing to be fed. Following your MasterChef adventures, any local food-related plans in the pipeline? I launched my first HOME supper club recently and was so happy that both nights sold out. That means a lot, as all the profits will go to three charities: The Wallich, Huggard Centre and UNICEF – Syrian refugee fund. I hope to host another supper club in June, and I’ll also be doing a cooking demo at Tafwyl (1 July, Llandaff Fields). Most famous person you follow on Twitter? My brother-in-law, comedian/actor Elis James, and his partner [comedian/actress] Isy Suttie. How do you relax? Going for a long walk from my house, through Llandaff Fields, down to Pontcanna Fields then along the Taff, to the castle and back. Great for clearing the head and getting in some exercise. Proudest moment so far? Being the first in my family to go to university – all my parents wanted was the best for my brothers and I when we emigrated from Kenya. Becoming a husband – it is so rare to find ‘the one’, and I was lucky to do so in Carys. And becoming a father to my son, Osian. Nothing prepares you for fatherhood but you instinctively have this overwhelming sense of love and pride when they do something for the first time. I’m very lucky. 82 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
IMRAN NATHOO The MasterChef finalist talks food adventures, favourite local eats and being a proud dad When did you last cry? Since becoming a dad, I’m a mess whenever I see anything to do with the plight of children – Comic Relief, Sports Relief and Children In Need. Dream dinner party guests? Stephen Fry, Dr Dre, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and The Queen. If push came to shove, what would be your final meal of choice? The most perfect gin and tonic, followed by crispy, seasoned calamari, and fillet steak with triplecooked chips and béarnaise sauce. Dessert would be tiramisu and then the finest British cheeses, all washed down with champagne, malbec and port. Who would play you in a film about your life? Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The body transformation alone would be Oscar-worthy! Guiltiest pleasure? Listening to BBC Radio 1Xtra and Babybel cheese.
chorus gets me every time. And Feel My Love – our good friend, actress Elin Llwyd, sung it at our wedding, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Must-watch television programme(s)? MasterChef, of course! Great British Bake Off, Saturday Kitchen – there’s a pattern forming here... Best thing about Cardiff? The people. I’ve had such amazing support on social media and positivity from people coming up to me in the street. Favourite shops in Cardiff? I love fine watches – I can often be found gawking in Crouch Jewellers or Watches of Switzerland. Locally, where do you like to eat and drink? Asador 44 is just nailing it on all fronts, with some of the best steaks I’ve ever tried. And Blue Honey Night Café – Korean fried chicken and waffles, and a banging choice in music.
Most important lesson life has taught you? There is no ‘right time’ to do something – life’s too short. If there is something you want to do, just do it.
Secret or favourite Cardiff spot? Dusty Knuckle at The Printhaus is my happy place – best pizzas around. I’m always in there, usually standing by the oven.
What’s on your bookshelf at the moment? Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama and Mo Farah’s autobiography.
Surprise us with a little-known fact... I had a very short stint doing stand-up comedy in my late teens.
Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine? Two Billy Joel songs: Piano Man – that rousing
For more: kitchenclonc.blogspot.co.uk, @KitchenClonc