Francois Pienaar

Call me Frankie; I’m not one for titles [when we asked him what his title is].

My body tells me I’m getting on in life when I wake up in the morning, but after Nerine’s [his wife] first cappuccino I’m 47 again.

The thing I love most about living in Cape Town is that the most beautiful things are free. You just need to look around you, put on your walking shoes. Bliss!

When out-of-towners come to town, they will probably be invited home to break bread with the family. I’m kind of a foodie, I love concocting things in the kitchen.

The best meals are usually at friends’ homes, with a crisp glass of vino or three. Our mates always put so much effort into preparing the best meal they can, so enjoying it is the best compliment. That second plate of food is not good for the girth, but great for the chef.

My favourite restaurants are The Pot Luck Club, The Duchess of Wisbeach, Grand Café & Beach, La Perla, Il Leone Mastrantonio, Willoughby & Co, HQ, Bizerca Bistro, The Test Kitchen. And that’s not including the winelands! How much space do you have? Cape Town cuisine is world-class and there’s so much variety.

I usually ask the waiters what to order; they know the secrets.

Annual Cape Town events I always attend are the Make A Difference Charity Golf Day, Chefs Who Share, and Ellerman House ArtAngels. I like to support people and organistaions who are making the world a better place.

I hardly watch TV. I tend to pick a series when it’s in Season 3, which is usually where the story starts to taper, then watch it from the beginning. If it’s not gripping after, say, Episode 3 then it’s not for me.

My current favourite TV series is True Detective. Matthew Mcconaughey and Woody Harrelson – what a combo?

I don’t like the concept of “a bucket list”, it’s so negative. I prefer the notion of an in-tray. I have done most things in the Cape, it’s time for round two, as Cape Town is very much in my in-tray

In my spare time, I listen to music and cook.

The best coffee in Cape Town is Nerine Pienaar’s cappuccino in the morning, and a Vietnamese after lunch.

My best after-work drinks spot is the Bascule Bar at the Cape Grace. Wynand Wilsenach has done a fabulous job with the architecture. Sitting outside, you could be anywhere in the world. Pity you can’t have a cigar inside anymore.

There are so many fabulous walks in the Cape: anywhere around and up Table Mountain, Tokai forest, Noordhoek. If you are a jogger, park your car at Bakoven and jog to Sea Point (or as far as you can) or vice versa – it’s stunning early in the morning. I strog – a combination between a stroll and a jog.

The best wine for a special occasion is the wine in your glass, a wise man once told me. I’m currently reading Life at the Bottom by Theodore Dalrymple. I find it fascinating how people can blame circumstances for bad decisions.

The best movie I’ve seen recently is Stand up Guys. Al Pacino and Christopher Walken are just brilliant. It’s a good combination of action, lots of laughs, and points to ponder.

I’m currently busy with Phase 3 of my life.

On Sundays I listen to music and cook with Nerine. I’m currently compiling a playlist, Blah Blah Café, a work in progress.

Straight after this, I’m reflecting on my life.

One day I hope that I have sucked the marrow out of life.

Make a difference Check out how you can get involved in Francois’ MAD Charity.