Barefoot Arts Meander 2026 — Lunch with Tony Jackman

Tony Jackman is the food editor of Daily Maverick and writer of the food column TGIFood.

His latest cookbook, Retro Karoo Food, brings together 80 recipes from Tony's Karoo kitchen, made with love in the spirit of the old Garob. Some are traditional, others adapted, and yet others his own invention: from skilpadjies, boontjiesop and tomato bredie to ginger chicken roasted in a potjie and parmesan gem squash, alongside Karoo ice creams and prickly pear syrup.

Jackman also revisits cookery classics by C. Louis Leipoldt, S.J.A. de Villiers and others, tracking down the histories and variations of dishes such as waterblommetjiebredie, hoenderpastei and tipsy tart.

There are no trends in this book — no spheres, blobs, smears or passing fads. It's a throwback: a cookbook that distils genuine, old South African recipes all in one place, for anyone wanting classics for a midweek supper, braai or dinner party.

Tony has lived in the Karoo for many years, researching and preparing traditional and local dishes. In every part of every old Karoo house are the memories of things that happened there — their front doors are portals to the lives that have been lived within their wide rooms and wooden floors.

Join Tony over a three-course lunch as he talks about his latest cookbook and shares anecdotal stories about his time in the Karoo. Ticket price includes the meal. If you would like to book a table, please contact Jerry's directly with your ticket numbers.