I’ve been following Nantenaina on social media for as long as I can remember. Despite never crossing paths in real life and having limited online interactions, his body of work has consistently captivated me.
Nantenaina is not only a chef, but also a talented photographer and filmmaker. He’s truly embodying the essence of an artist.
One particular photograph he shared on his Instagram profile on July 6, 2022, resonated with me deeply, both intellectually and emotionally. It depicts Faratsiho’s mountains and National Road 43 silhouetted against the sunset, a scene that spoke a lot to me without uttering a single word.
When he agreed to meet with me for a photo shoot to document his culinary process, I had a specific plan in mind. I anticipated arriving at his place, setting up my tools, capturing a few photos, asking a few questions, and then wrapping up.
Things, however, unfolded completely differently. Nantenaina opened the door to his world and took me on a culinary journey filled with passion, emotions, unexpected conversations, and a mix of flavors that I had never experienced before.
Cooking is Caring
Nantenaina and I decided to meet at the Analamahitsy market, just a few minutes away from his house. I accompanied him as he selected ingredients for the day. I took a few candid photos, but mostly, we talked. I’ve been wanting to ask about his ability to capture the perfect moment in his photographs, consistently putting himself in the right place at the right time.
Our initial interaction taught me that Nantenaina is incredibly free of judgment. He listens attentively, reflects thoughtfully, and always responds with a profound sense of empathy and care.
This quality translates into his culinary craft. Throughout the day, Nantenaina maintained open communication, sincerely seeking my thoughts and emotions about each plate. He held no expectations but fully embraced how I experienced each dish.
Cooking is a Continuous Exploration
As we passed through the gate of his house after our market trip, his garden instantly captured my attention. Although I don’t have a green thumb, I hold a deep appreciation for beautifully landscaped green spaces.
He shared with me that his mother was the creative force behind the garden. He also took the time to enlighten me on the differences between French and English gardening styles: "Philosophically, French gardens are rooted in formal design principles, reflecting a sense of control and artistry, with a focus on showcasing the beauty of man-made elements. On the other hand, English gardens embrace a more relaxed and organic philosophy, seeking to harmonize with nature rather than imposing strict geometric order."
During this conversation, I learned that Nantenaina is profoundly conscientious. He pays attention to details and is committed to ensuring that he never settles for anything less than the best of his ability.
This dedication also extends to his culinary craft. Nantenaina meticulously attends to every aspect of the cooking process, from selecting the finest ingredients to poetically presenting the dishes. His commitment to excellence, careful attention to detail, and genuine passion for creating unique culinary experiences are seen in every aspect of his craft. He values the ingredients, respects the process, and continuously seeks ways to improve and innovate in the kitchen.
Cooking is an Intimate Process
Upon entering his home, I was greeted by his wife, Saranto, and their dog, Truffe. I immediately understood the intimate nature of the art of cooking.
Saranto offered me a cup of her homemade tea, infused with a medley of spices. I found it to be both bold and intense, yet incredibly smooth and comforting. As I enjoyed every sip, Nantenaina casually mentioned that his wife has "a talent for crafting the best tea recipes."
This particular moment epitomized Nantenaina’s culinary art for me. His wife was involved in each step of his process, not merely as a supportive presence, but as a fundamental piece that defines his entire craft.
I enjoyed watching them work together, discovering their complicity, and understanding how their relationship adds layers of depth, authenticity, warmth, and even sensuality to Nantenaina’s culinary craft. For a brief moment there, I couldn’t help but miss my Lova…
Cooking is an Act of Love
Later in the day, much to my surprise, Mialy, Saranto’s cousin and a dear friend of mine, joined us. As we set up the table, what began as a photo shoot evolved into a gathering among both longtime and newfound friends.
I realized that the way I thought about this piece was completely misguided. I’ve long viewed cooking as a deeply personal and solitary endeavor, but Nantenaina showed me that it’s, in fact, a shared experience.
Ultimately, as he crafts a recipe, selects ingredients, and transforms them into a meal, his thoughts extend beyond the food itself to the joy and love it will bring.
Nonetheless, the food was nothing short of delightful. I must admit, however, that the specifics of dish names and the type of fish for the main course have slipped from my memory.
Despite my sincere efforts to absorb everything, what stayed with me was not so much what I saw or ate but how I felt.
Truthfully, this story was never about the food or the culinary process; it has always been about the artist and how his art has impacted me!
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