Siba's Table

Siba Mtongana's musician friends are in town, so she's jazzing up weekend lunch with a farmers' market-inspired feast. Taking center stage is a show-stopping Chicken Salad with Bacon Wrapped Greens, and Herbed Mushroom Tin Loaves with Onion Chive Cream Cheese on the side. For dessert, tempting and sweet Coconut Macaroons!

Romance is in the air at Siba and Brian Mtongana's first date anniversary dinner. This year, they're going with an American spin on the grill, with towering Cobb Salad Burgers and Strawberries on Sticks. There are heart-shaped Peanut Butter Brownies, Virgin Pomegranate Mojitos and a picnic in the car at a surprise location.

It's picnic time in Cape Town and Siba Mtongana's packing up the boys, a big basket of great food and heading out to eat alfresco. She's making golden crispy Crumbed Chicken Strips, Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad and individual Mediterranean-style salads in jars. Then to wrap up a perfect Cape Town picnic, divine chocolate Cheats Truffles.

Siba Mtongana's packing up fabulous local dishes with a twist to take to a South African-themed potluck. There are juicy sirloin Sosaties grilled by her husband, Brian, tasty savory Pap Cakes with a Sweet and Sour Relish and fabulous Beautiful Beet Salad with nut-coated goat's cheese balls.

Siba Mtongana's set herself three unique challenges. First, turning everyday cheese into simple and dazzling salads: Mozzarella's starring in an Antipasti Salad platter and Camembert's center stage in an amazing savory fruit salad. Then, it's a culinary duel as she challenges Luke Dale Roberts, one of South Africa's top chefs, to make lunch with mystery ingredients. Finally, it's all about guilty pleasures as Siba raises the stakes on naughty with the most incredible Fried Ice Cream.

It's all about making things modern and Siba Mtongana is giving Seared Tuna and Crushed Wheat Salad a fresh spin. Then she's exploring the Cape Town Asian food and flavor explosion by whipping up incredible Sweet Sticky Ribs. Next it's a whistle stop tour of culinary hot spot Bree Street, with a Lemon Posset master class from top chef Liam Tomlin. Then Siba's wrapping things up at Spanish tapas joint La Parada, which inspires Gazpacho with Chorizo, and makes a perfect rendezvous spot for a cocktail with her husband.

Siba Mtongana's throwing a superfast Sunday lunch with an Asian vibe for friends. There's Surf and Turf, starring a fabulous roast fillet, amazing fried calamari and a fragrant sauce made in minutes, and on the side a quick Asian Ribbon Salad and Cheat's Sushi Rice. It's washed down with a Sunday Sunshine Virgin Cocktail that's got real va va voom!

It's a Cape Town celebration when Siba Mtongana's in-laws visit to meet baby Lina. Taking center stage is Stuffed Roast Pork with real wow factor, served with divine Apple Gravy. On the side, Sauteed Greens with Rocket (arugula) and Feta. For dessert, there's a dazzling layered Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream Cake.

Siba Mtongana is writing an article about summer cooking, sharing secrets and favorite recipes. Summer means casual and alfresco so there's got to be great ideas for grilling. She's got delicious dressings, a dip for easy entertaining, fabulous fruity drinks and a dazzling dessert that's speedy and stunning. It's Siba's essential guide to summer cooking.

Siba Mtongana is writing about her favorite feel good foods. There's soothing Pesto Chicken Penne, romantic Stuffed Baked Salmon, delicious dips from around the world and a taste of home with a twist on her mother's Potjiekos. On the sweet side are a decadent Banana Split Sandwich, Crunchy Fried Bananas and a no-cook Speedy Ice Cream Cake.