ENTERTAINMENT
tart custard and then deep-fry that. Coco: For me, I can’ t have Christmas without homemade custard, canned peaches and jelly.
WHO USUALLY TAKES THE LEAD IN THE KITCHEN DURING CHRISTMAS?
J’ Something: It’ s usually a true collaboration. If we’ ve got my mom around, she’ s like a true captain when it comes to celebrations. She loves them, so she and Coco normally do the planning, and I’ m a big part of the execution team – getting things done, putting the pork in the oven, memory of waiting up till midnight to catch Santa in the act, and then we would receive our gifts midnight. We do that in the morning now, but we sprinkle icing sugar on the floor to make it look like snow. Coco: Growing up, we never had a Christmas tree or even exchanged gifts. For us, the time spent and the moment was the gift. To eat good food and to gather and give thanks was what it was about, and that to me is the true meaning of Christmas, so it’ s important in our home to celebrate from a place of gratitude and thanksgiving.
HOW DO YOUR FAMILIES CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?
Coco: We have two Christmas days and open that up to our family. It’ s all about togetherness, good food and lazing around. We love Christmas music.
WHEN YOU HOST, WHAT’ S YOUR GO- TO FOR MAKING GUESTS FEEL AT HOME?
Coco: Our laid-back approach to food has been an important part of allowing people to feel at home. It’ s non pretentious food; it’ s food with familiar yet exciting flavours. J always has a wonderful playlist going and we find that the right music can also set the tone for a good dinner party / lunch. braaiing, you know – cooking the dishes. And they’ re also very passionate about making it all look beautiful.
HAVE YOU CREATED ANY NEW FAMILY SIGNATURE DISHES THAT REPRESENT BOTH YOUR BACKGROUNDS?
J’ Something: A family signature would be that rissóis with a South African flavour, and the pork belly. Coco: We actually invented a really special dessert with the rissóis.
WHAT ARE SOME CHILDHOOD CHRISTMAS MEMORIES THAT STILL INFLUENCE HOW YOU CELEBRATE TODAY?
J’ Something: In Portugal, I have this vivid
WHAT’ S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AS A COUPLE?
Both: Making lasting and wholesome memories for our family. Starting new traditions and watching them become an important part of the season for us. All with the hope that our children will keep these going for generations to come.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FUN OR ROMANTIC TRADITIONS, LIKE DECORATING TOGETHER, LATE-NIGHT COOKING, OR SHARING A QUIET CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL?
J’ Something: Every Christmas Eve, we have our family pork belly, which the entire family loves. It’ s served with triple roasted potatoes and the most insane apple and pear chutney. Coco: We purchased the cutest Santa cookie jar and on the 20th of December we bake Christmas cookies.
WHAT’ S ALWAYS ON THE CHRISTMAS DRINKS LIST?
Coco: Aperol Spritz IB
26 INBOUND SA / DECEMBER 2025