Champagne at the door, a spread including mini burgers, mini gin and tonic cakes, gnocchi with sauce – and the option of taking home either a bottle of gin or a cookbook ... J’Something’s YouTube cooking channel launch promised to be delectable.
With a cookbook and restaurant already in existence, it was only natural for a cooking channel to follow for the Mi Casa band frontman and celebrity chef.
Arriving at the Google SA offices, I felt underdressed as I was met by men in fancy suits and women dazzling in heels and jewellery. However, the feeling faded as I was greeted by J’something, who wore white sneakers and what deceivingly looked like tracksuit pants, at the official launch of his YouTube cooking channel, Something’s Cooking TV, in Bryanston on Thursday night.
To start guests were entertained with a short video illustrating some of J’s meals which feature in his cookbook.
Head of communications and public affairs at Google SA Mich Atagana tickled the guests as she quizzed J on his passion for cooking, his favourite dish and his inspirations. J’s quirky responses and light-hearted engagement with Atagana left guests in stitches and in awe as he spoke about his plans, which include a “celebrity sandwich” show.
Following the chat, we were happily directed to taste some of J’Something’s newly launched Jin Gin.
The “musician who likes cooking” ended the evening with a demonstration of how to make his Jin and beetroot-cured salmon which, I must admit, left me in tatters not only because I do not eat salmon, but also because by the end of his demonstration it was red from the beetroot. That is why I partly agreed with him when he finished off by saying: “It’s like a horror movie, but it tastes good.”