Beats & Eats with Joep Mencke
Joep Mencke is a producer based in the Netherlands with a new album dropping on Klassified this month. In his DJ sets and breath-work he uses his music to facilitate an inward journey. Through musical storytelling he aims to provide a vehicle for exploration and transformation. His music, which is heavily inspired by nature and the immensely diverse cultures on this planet, can be characterized as: compelling, deep, and melodious. Melancholic chord progressions, hypnotizing bass-lines, and driving drums will accompany you on your journey. Here, he shares his passion for food…
Your perfect breakfast would be…
Celery juice, acai bowl, eggs, cucumber and tomatoes salad, and something sweet with tahini!
The most unusual thing I have ever eaten…
Huitlacoche which is a fungus that grows on corn kernels. It is a Mexican delicacy.
The dish that reminds me of my childhood
Stampot, typical traditional Dutch dish that consists of mashed potatoes and veggies
Who taught you to cook?
My Italian roommates during university! They taught me it was normal to spend 3 hours preparing dinner which is what ignited my interest in cooking.
Your favourite 3 restaurants in your home city Amsterdam…
These are my favorites in Amsterdam: De Japaner the best fried mushrooms and Herring Sashimi, Saravana BhavanIndian for Indian Dosa – my personal favourite is the Mysore Masala Dosa which brings me back to India, Sora Ramen – my go-to for the best vegetarian spicy miso ramen.
5 other restaurants from around the world you love…
Turk Fatih Tutak in Istanbul (One of my best culinary experiences so far)
Criollo in Oaxaca City
Alaf in Istanbul
Expendio Del Maiz Sin Nombre in Mexico City
Hokkai Kitchen in Ijmuiden, definitely the best Sushi in the Netherlands (the unusual location makes it special)
A DJ or musician that has surprised you with their cooking skills at home/their home…what did they cook
I helped DJ Tennis cook a full five course meal for a Bridges for Music Fundraiser during Amsterdam Dance Event. We made grilled artichokes, charred grilled cauliflower, ceviche… and I don’t think I can even remember it all.
Your guilty pleasure food. You know you shouldn’t, but you always do…
Kapsalon – Typical Dutch midnight snack, consisting of fries, cheese, Kebab and salad!
What is your signature dish?
Parmigiana, the ultimate comfort dish. But my way of course. I never really follow recipes; I like to go with the flow and play with flavors. Also, it is a great meal to cook when I have friends over since you can easily make it ahead of time. It is best served with fresh citrus fennel salad.
If you could have a masterclass with a celebrity chef, who’d you pick and why?
René Redzepi of Noma. Their fermentation game completely changed the culinary world. I actually bought their cooking book during the pandemic and took this opportunity to really experiment this approach to consuming food. From fermented blueberries, to Kombucha, Celery vinegar…
Dead or alive – 3 famous people you would invite around for dinner…
Anthony Bourdain, Joe Dispenza and Osho.
A dish you have yet to master…
Bahn Xeo, Vietnamese crepes made from fermented mung beans and rice
Your favourite pizza topping
Artichokes
Your biggest ever food mistake
Eating Kofte in Salda Golu Lake in Turkey… Let’s just say the night did not end well.
A dish you just cannot eat
Pizza Hawaii
You get in from the club pissed, dive in the fridge and usually come out with…?
A grilled cheese sandwich topped with anything that can be found in the fridge and brussel sprouts to make sure I get my vitamins!
The most expensive meal you have ever had?
When I was in Singapore with my father to watch the Grand prix. We went to a restaurant where you could watch it from your dinner table.
Ibiza…
My favourite restaurants on the island…
La Paloma restaurant for the food and great setting
The best sunset spot for a cold drink…
Los Enamorados in Portinax
A record that always reminds you of Ibiza
Komorebi – Tibi Dabo
Your favourite Ibiza dish
Paella is always my favourite…
The perfect 24 hours in Ibiza would be…
Arrive at the airport and be picked up by one of my friends, go straight for a big lunch on the beach then head back to their house to regroup all together, take a swim in the pool, enjoy some Kombucha and tea watching the sunset. Get ready to all head out to the club I have to play in and straight to an afterparty on a boat to see the sunrise.
BUY THE ALBUM HERE: https://www.beatport.com/release/unalome/3869424
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