Pairing Wine and Fast Food with Chef Bertus Basson

Even serious and respectable restaurant critics eat a “wors” roll, Chinese take-out, or pizza — they just don’t write about it. The same can be said for professional chefs. Most of them love a good nosh at a fast food joint, possibly due to their fast pace lives, and the long hours that comes with the job.

Chef Bertus Basson

One chef who has no shame when it comes to his love of fast food is celebrity Chef Bertus Basson. When he’s not at the helm of the Overture kitchen, Bertus happily indulges in greasy hamburgers and messy pizzas when the mood takes him. His favourite fast food meal is a hot dog, which might explain the reasoning behind his other business venture, Die Wors Rol, a food truck, emblazoned with a saucy lady called Betsie, that sells gourmet sausage rolls at festivals, private functions and office parties.

Apart from food, Bertus’ other passion in life is wine. By applying the same wine pairing techniques normally reserved for steaks, lobsters and smoked mozzarella, to Steers ribs and a McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese, Bertus guides us through the perfect methodology for classing up an average week night.

 

Flameros Chicken Burger 

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These chicken burgers from Flameros in Strand are available in ”hot”, ”extra hot” and ”dynamite”. A  rosé wine can work but a dry riesling is a better match. That being said, we all agreed that a beer will go down extremely well with these potent little burgers.

Flameros Grilled Chicken

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When it comes to sticky BBQ chicken wings its best to stick to a cultivar that is proudly South African. Pinotage all the way Jose!

KFC Drumsticks & Thighs

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Save that finely made chardonnay for one of the worlds most popular fast foods. Make sure it’s wooded and expensive. It will improve the taste of  the drumsticks in the bucket!

Jo Marlin Fish & Chips

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Chenin Blanc really compliments a freshly fried piece of hake. The calamari from Jo Marlin can be enjoyed with the same style of wine. Don’t be afraid to pick a wooded chenin blanc. It’s a great combo!

Wok This Way Spicy Chinese Beef

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Another Chinese hidden gem in Somerset West. When it comes to spicy chinese take-out, reach for a tropical Sauvignon Blanc.

Wok This Way Sweet & Sour Pork

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We all know local is lekker but sometimes it’s good to venture into foreign land. This German riesling was a winner with the sweet and sour pork with noodles on the side…

Soo She Sushi

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Lets face it, sushi is by no means the cheapest take-out so show it some respect and go for the best! Californian Rolls with crab are without a doubt the best with Chardonnay.

Ciao Bella Pizza

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The Cabernet Franc stood up surprisingly well against the spiciness of the pizza. Cabernet Franc wines might still be a bit of an underdog but it’s well worth a try, especially with a well made wood fired  pizza.

Burger King Cheese Burger

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Whether the cheese burger is from McDonald’s, Steers or Burger King, we suggest that you go for a syrah. If you are looking for a bit more upfront fruit flavours in your wine opt for a pinotage. It’s a good option, especially with the Whopper Burger from Burger King.

Steers Spare Ribs

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We all agreed that the syrah worked best with the ribs from Steers.

So there you have it! The ultimate indulgence paired with the ultimate indulgence. We dare you not to try them all at once!