In this episode of A Table in the Corner, I chat to Justin Joubert of Southern Cross Seafood Deli, the Cape Town fishmonger and seafood supplier established by his father, Paul, in 2007. Justin joined the family business after working as a chef for eight years, bringing kitchen experience to a business that sits between fishermen, suppliers, restaurants and home cooks.
We talk about the realities of buying and selling fresh fish, from building long-term relationships with small-scale fishermen and commercial suppliers to dealing with unpredictable catches, changing seasons and fluctuating prices. Justin explains how his experience as a chef allows him to advise restaurant kitchens on alternative species and different ways of using what is actually available rather than simply supplying what is on the order.
Sustainability is another important part of the conversation. We discuss responsible fishing practices, the amount of a fish that can end up as waste and the importance of using more of the whole animal. Justin also talks about Southern Cross's relationships with restaurants and its growing home-delivery business, which is bringing restaurant-quality seafood directly to Cape Town cooks.
Finally, Justin explains how he has helped give a long-established family business a more contemporary public face through Southern Cross's website and social media, and what he would like to do next, including the possibility of a seafood deli with a small seafood tapas offering.
- www.rwm2012.comOn Instagram @a_table_inthecornerCover image sketched by Courtney Cara LawsonAll profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise creditedTitle music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay