Chef Rino story

 

Chef Rino story

I would like to introduce Rinomazenge Rino Tjiposa-Muhuka-Muniovandu, a good cook I know.

Chef Rino teaches science at the first secondary school in Kaokoland, but today's tale isn't about her work as a teacher; instead, it's about her side gig as a cook. I'm not very good at cooking, but I can always appreciate those that are! I'll tell you about a friend of mine who is an excellent cook, how I met her, what she can make, and why I think she is so good at it. This person is one of my friends; we weren't in the same secondary school, but our schools were close by. As we've gotten to know each other better over the years, we now hang out together. She's the best baker, and when I saw her cake on social media for the first time, I asked her who made it. She replied that she did. She asked if we might have lunch at the Kaokoland restaurant one day while I was in our hometown, Rocky and Dusty town. She took me out to lunch and told me about how she first became a chef. She informed me that the Chef named Rauha Angel Hanai taught her how to bake and Chef Rino actually paid for the lesson that Rauha Angel Hanai taught her how to bake. The beautiful thing about her is that she chose to do it because she loved it, not because other people were doing it. It's fortunate that she can cook because she owns her own business manufacturing custom biscuits that are meticulously embellished with unique designs. But, she also manages a busy home and frequently prepares great, healthy meals for her family.

I assumed she was merely skilled at baking birthday cakes, but it turns out that her husband and I share the same peer group, Otjiuondo tjoNjose yOngua yaKaoko, and that we are also the same age. We were talking about various things when I started to inquire about his plans for lunch. He replied that he didn't think he would go out to eat because he already had everything he needed at home. I asked him what kind of cuisine he was talking about because I didn't understand him, and he replied that his wife can make any type of Namibian meal at any moment. My friend can cook anything, wherever, it seems! She bakes her own birthday cakes and uses herbs and eggs to instantly create a dinner. She prepares healthy meals and, thankfully for me, appears to like hosting unexpected visitors as well. She bakes incredibly delicious chocolate and orange cakes, and both her friends and customers adore her biscuits. Yet, the cake she recently prepared for my Ipi-Lu remains a favourite in my book. She informed me that she is open to collaborating with anyone who wants to do so.

I first heard about having dinner at Chef Rino's place during the Opuwo Trade Fair. I joined the group in order to visit and observe what goes on there. Chef Rino had prepared it beforehand. In addition to some delectable fried halloumi cheese, she prepared for us using a tiny gas burner, a saucepan, and some chopped red peppers, onions, and other veggies. She even had the bright idea to pack a little salad dressing and some form of cloth to hold it all together. We enjoyed the late-afternoon light and our food after a short while. Nothing compares to a "meal eaten outside" after exerting one's body, standing at the Trade Fair the whole day.

I just overheard Chef Rino stating "Thank you for visiting, see you again next time" as I was wondering how we were going to pay. The next guy to hear me questioned, "Are we not going to pay anything?" Another guy also, asked if he was going to pay anything. She responded, "Don't worry, you'll pay next. That one was just for you all as my visit." Ipi-Lu's mother used to cook me nice food, but that was the second delicious meal I got for free. Always patronize local businesses, I used to advise, since they might offer you something for free or on credit if you run out of money.

Why is she such a skilled cook? She has a lot of experience, she enjoys doing it, and it is both her work and her passion, in my opinion. Because she frequently makes relatively basic foods that are tasty, healthful, and elegantly presented (though not overly so), I believe she is good. A really outstanding cook, in my opinion, is also calm, unhurried, and eager to share the fruits of her labour. She is someone I consider to be incredibly blessed to have met, and I occasionally feel bad that I don't cook or can I say I do not know how to cook. It appears that being a consistently grateful consumer is my contribution. Although difficult, it must be done by someone.

Words cannot express how fantastic the cake you made turned out. Your cakes are always beyond amazing; they surpass all expectations. I can't express my gratitude to you both enough for working so hard to make the most gorgeous wedding and birthday cakes! Your cakes can pass the red line, which indicates they can be consumed in different regions, and I hope one day that my friend English Simataa Kawana would test this claim in Katima. You said this to me one day.

Let's help each other out and support the little companies in our community. If someone has failed someplace, we shouldn't be scared to encourage them to do better. Chef Rino works with people who own businesses similar to yours, asks for feedback from consumers about areas you can improve, and offers reasonable training to those who want it. I used to say the following phrases consistently:

·         A large company often begins small.

·         Every little thing you buy has a significant impact.

·         Shopping locally has positive effects.

·         Shop locally in a world where you can purchase anywhere.

·         You support a dream when you patronize a small business.

Chef Rino Congratulations! Your persistence and zeal as you pursue success are contagious. I appreciate all the people you helped along the way to victory.

 

The author

Uerimanga Tjijombo

The Himbacracy Philosopher