Editorial and Social Media Intern, Gabi Van

Meet Gabi Van, Khoollect’s Editorial and Social Media Intern. This enthusiastic and knowledgeable lass comes to London from South Africa, where she’s just graduated (and is slowly adjusting to the climate). Not only is Gabi a talented writer and a total pro at all things digital, but she’s also a qualified chef and avid foodie. We’re very happy to have her combination of skills shared with us at Khoollect HQ. Keep an eye out for her work.

A Day in the Life of Gabi…

What’s your role at Khoollect?

I’m the Editorial and Social Media Intern at Khoollect.

Tell us a bit about your background …

I trained at Le Cordon Bleu Silwood School of Cookery in Cape Town and recently graduated from The Red & Yellow School of Advertising where I studied Copywriting. I’ve always been a passionate foodie and writer, so I decided to combine what I love, study two different courses and get the best of both!

I have a food and lifestyle blog hellohoney.co.za where I post about my culinary adventures, travel and lifestyle topics.

I’m born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa and I’ve just made the move to London!

What do you love most about your line of work?

I’ve just graduated and I’m so excited to enter the world of food and lifestyle writing. I’m looking forward to working with creative people, sharing inspiring content and learning from those that I admire in this industry.

What are you excited about?

Living in London and working with the Khoollect team. I’ve dreamed about being a Londoner for as long as I can remember! I have plenty of notebooks filled with lists of my dreams and goals, and working with Rachel Khoo is in every single one of them. I’m so excited that my dream has come true!

Best Kept Secrets

I #khoollect a few …  

Cookbooks and coats.

Cookbooks because they’re my favourite source of food inspiration and there’s nothing better than holding a beautiful print publication.

Coats because they jazz-up every outfit, even if – like me – you wear jeans and a white T-shirt everyday.

What’s your favourite item in your #khoollection?

My Nonna passed down a vintage camel-coloured coat, which she bought in Italy as a young girl, to me. It’s in pristine condition after years of being worn and has a simple cut that goes with everything.

A life lesson that you’d tell your younger self?

Stop over plucking your eyebrows. It’s literally going to take you seven years to grow them back. Also, make the most of every opportunity you’ve been given and be grateful for what you already have.

What’s your secret ingredient or top tip in the kitchen?

If a recipe calls for one clove of garlic, follow your heart and put in two (or three).

Favourite corner of the Internet?

Can I say Khoollect? If I’m looking for food inspiration I turn to Green Kitchen Stories for yummy and innovative vegetarian recipes. I also adore Izy Hossack’s Top With Cinnamon; she’s only 19 years old and comes up with super creative recipes.

For fashion, Reem Kanj of Five Five Fabulous or Jessica Stein of Tuula Vintage, both inspire my inner Gigi Hadid.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs! I have an all-back schnauzer named Rafael, after the Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.

Who’s your #khoollectcrush?

Now that the secret’s out… Rafael Nadal! I also adore Kiernan Shipka, Leandra Medine and nothing beats a young Leo DiCaprio.

Urban Favourites

Where do you call home?

I’m lucky enough to call London and Cape Town home.

Favourite food?

Sharing Peking Duck pancakes with friends, slices of melon and prosciutto with family, macarons from Ladurée while people-watching in Paris or a South African braai on the West Coat during the summer. My favourite foods have a lot to do with my favourite moments!

Favourite drink?

A flat white first thing in the morning or a glass of prosecco in the evening. I also can’t go to bed without a cup of rooibos tea.

Top three spots to hang out in your hometown?

The Secret Gin Bar for gin flavoured with local ingredients, fairy lights and quirky décor.

The Kitchen for unconventional salads, the best falafel and housemade hummus.

Babel at Babylonstoren for a seasonal brunch made of whatever their gardens have to offer that day.

Best way to spend a Sunday morning?

Catching up on blogs and browsing through cookbooks in bed, going for brunch and then getting back in bed.

Your favourite place for coffee?

In Cape Town I’d say Origin Coffee makes the best flat white or latte a girl could ask for. In London I can’t wait to try out Farm Girl. Their rose latte looks like a dream!

Favourite places to eat?

The Pot Luck Club in Cape Town for the best tapas and city views.

Dishoom in Shoreditch for their lamb and vegetable samosas.

The Barbary in Neal’s Yard for delicious Mediterranean cuisine and a slice of their hashcake.

BAO in Soho, for fluffy white steamed buns filled with braised pork or fried chicken.