The JAN Father’s Day gift guide
A Son’s First Superhero
Besides patience, one of the biggest lessons I learnt from my father is determination. One day on the farm I was raking leaves, doing a very bad job at it. To this day I remember my father walking up to me and saying: “No, no, do it properly or don’t do it at all.” He crouched down on his knees and started raking the leaves one by one with his hands. I got on my knees and together, we placed it in a bag. To this day, whenever I do something and I don’t have the energy, will or patience for it, I think back to that moment and tell myself: “Don’t do anything in moderation. Go all out, put everything into it and blow them away.”
A FATHER’S LEGACY
My father was a patient man. He showed me that it’s okay to freak out every once in a while but to get it together and move forward without looking back. While I have the women in my life to thank for fuelling my passions – my two oumas and my mother – I have my father to thank for my ambition. He was always there for me, and while I found inspiration from these incredible women, it was my father who instilled a relentless pursuit of excellence.
This year marks five years since his passing, but the impact of his presence in my life remains as strong as ever. My father was my guiding light, pushing me to be better, to excel, and to strive for greatness. His unwavering belief in me shaped my career ambitions. Every year, as Father’s Day approaches, my heart fills with joy more than sadness. What made me look up to my dad was the respect that he gave me as a son who was always a little different.
A FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
Every time I visited South Africa, my father would give me something special on my return to France, and every year when Father’s Day approaches, I think about what I would give him to thank him for the legacy he left behind. Yes, it’s no surprise by now that I’m a sucker for gifting, and ever since launching the JAN Online shop, curating a selection of gifts from my collection has become one of my favourite things to do. In celebration of my father’s legacy and all the fathers out there, I’ve compiled a list of some of my special Father’s Day picks to say thank you to the superheroes in our lives.
THE JAN SALT AND PEPPER GRINDER
Every great dish begins with the perfect balance of flavours, just like my father, with the perfect balance between patience and determination. The JAN Salt and Pepper Grinder, crafted with precision and elegance, echoes the attention to detail my father instilled in me. This set not only enhances the flavours of my creations but also honours the lessons my father taught me when I was growing up. It is a reminder that his wisdom lives on in every dish I prepare.
THE JAN LEATHER KNIFE ROLL
Crafted with meticulous care from the finest first-grade, full-grain bovine leather, it will grow with its owner, accumulating memories with every knick and scratch. It’s not just a practical accessory, but a heartfelt tribute to any father and the ideal gift to honour their legacies. With its durable construction and timeless design, the JAN Leather Knife Roll will accompany him on countless culinary adventures, preserving his cherished knives and inspiring him to create culinary masterpieces for years to come.
THE JAN STAINLESS STEEL FRYING PAN
The JAN 24 cm Stainless Steel Frying Pan is crafted with a multiple stainless steel interior and exterior, with an aluminium core for superior heat distribution. This pan ensures long-lasting, consistent cooking performance. Its handles provide a comfortable grip that stays cool during use. The stainless steel cooking surface will remain free from discolouration or flavour alteration and guarantees to preserve the flavours created in the kitchen. Whether it’s frying a batch of pancakes for a special Father’s Day breakfast or preparing a heartwarming family meal, this pan will become a cherished companion.
JAN WINE AND RED WINE GLASSES
My journey from Middelburg to Paris, Monaco and Nice may have awakened my appetite for the finer things in life, but whether enjoying oysters on the Riviera, springbok carpaccio in the Kalahari, or sardines and cheddar on toast, I believe that every moment in life is precious and worth celebrating with a great bottle of wine. What better way to share conversations about your hopes and aspirations than over a glass of wine with your father? The JAN Shiraz Mourvèdre Grenache 2018, a wine crafted with care and expertise, accompanied by the Red Wine Glasses, created to enhance the aroma and flavours of the wine, encapsulates the spirit of those shared moments.
