[imagesource:instagram/jamieoliver]

British culinary legend and TV chef Jamie Oliver caused quite a stir when he landed in the Mother City not so long ago, getting eagle-eyed Saffas all salty with excitement after spotting him dining out at various restaurants.

Oliver first made his meteoric rise through his hit television series, The Naked Chef, and even 25 years on, his recent culinary crusade through Cape Town ignited a social media frenzy.

He visited the iconic brunch spot, Our Local, on Kloof Street, and the renowned La Colombe’s PIER at the V&A Waterfront. Oliver was equally captivated by the meticulous and delicious creations of the chefs and front-of-house staff at the Test Kitchen’s TTK Fledgelings in Woodstock.

“I’ve been blown away by the food I’ve eaten while I’ve been here; every meal has been world-class. I can honestly say I’ve had some of my favourite meals in a long time right here in Cape Town over the last 72 hours. I’m super impressed,” he says.

But was the healthy food chef really just here to eat all our best meals? Well, now that the cat is out of the bag lobster is out of the pot, the real reason he was here was for something a little more noble.

In an exclusive interview with News24 Food, Oliver revealed his secret mission. As a staunch advocate for healthy eating and making better choices, Oliver recently joined Checkers in launching the retailer’s partnership with Discovery Vitality’s Healthy Food benefit.

So yeah, in between sharing the exciting meals he enjoyed in the city, he was also filming an advert announcing Checkers as a Discovery Vitality Healthy Foods benefit retailer.

Oliver has boldly taken on the entrenched norms of unhealthy diets and processed foods in the United Kingdom, using his cookbooks, television shows, and campaigns as powerful tools of change. He has passionately advocated for the value of home-cooked meals, fresh ingredients, and balanced diets. His contagious energy and practical approach to cooking have inspired millions across the globe to pursue healthier lifestyles – and now that hand is extending to us here in South Africa.

In an exclusive interview with News24 Food, Oliver says, “Everything I do is about helping people to live happier, healthier lives through the joy of food. Knowing how to cook is a huge part, but the journey begins with your shopping basket.”

As of 1 September, Checkers and Checkers Sixty60 will join Discovery Vitality as a Healthy Food benefit retail partner. The Discovery Vitality Healthy Food Benefit incentivises healthy eating by rewarding members who buy specific dietician-approved healthy foods from vetted retail partners.

“I think it’s super important for big players in the food industry to lead the way, making changes that will positively impact customer behaviour,” he says.

The chef thus confirmed that his visit tied into his mission to make nutritious food accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone, from children to adults.

“I was excited to come to South Africa and participate in their new partnership launch,” says Oliver.

“That’s where supermarkets like Checkers come in: if they can encourage and enable shoppers to make healthier choices, that will help them create more nutritious meals for their loved ones.”

Image: Checkers

Ag, that’s nice, hey?

[source:news24]