Food, Booze & Tattoos

Food, Booze & Tattoos is a South African television series that aired in 2015. The show presents a fascinating exploration of urban culture and lifestyle in South Africa through the universal love for food, unique beverages, and tattoos. The series is brimming with new perspective on the vibrant youth culture across different cities and little towns of South Africa, offering viewers a cultural experience that transcends the conventional food and travel themes. Across its ten episodes, audiences will find themselves thoroughly invested in its captivating content.

The series' host, Brett Rogosin, is a congenial and magnetic personality whose love for these elements is the driving force of the show. An international jewellery designer by trade and a true gourmand, Rogosin ably takes viewers through vibrant, multi-cultural landscapes of the country. Each episode features a unique region, showcasing a medley of its food, the indigenous drink, and local tattoo culture, while putting forth engaging stories and rich traditions behind these.

The ‘food’ portion of Food, Booze & Tattoos goes far beyond the typical culinary show experience. Instead of the usual fine dining establishments and known foodie places, the show delves into the local eateries, quaint bakeries, and home kitchens. During this cosy and intimate journey, viewers are introduced to the traditional and local cuisines that represent the heart and soul of the communities. Rogosin's conversations with the local cooks and chefs reveal not just the dishes, but the stories behind them – adding a multitude of shades to what we see on a plate.

In the ‘booze’ segment, the series broadens the spectrum from commercially popular beverages to genuinely traditional and local drinks. Be it the wines of the Cape Winelands, the craft beers of Gauteng, or other homemade brews, Rogosin showcases the diversity in the drinks spectrum throughout South Africa. The show highlights the brewing processes, the influence of local environment on the taste, and communicates the passion of the people behind the creation of these drinks.

The ‘tattoos’ part is where the show intertwines the contemporary with the traditional. From renowned tattoo artists in urban studios to local tattoo traditions rooted in tribal customs, this segment serves as a reflection of the evolving cultural canvas of South Africa. It brings the viewer face-to-face with artists who share their inspirations, style and the significance of tattoos in their lives and in the larger context of South African society.

Rogosin’s inquisitive nature, warm charisma, and genuine passion for what he’s presenting makes Food, Booze & Tattoos even more engaging. He doesn’t position himself as an expert but as a curious traveller on a journey of discovery. His interactions with local people – whether they're cooks, bartenders, brewers, or tattoo artists – are marked by respect and appreciation for their crafts and histories. Rogosin’s ability to immerse himself into various cultures encourages viewers to do the same.

The beauty of Food, Booze & Tattoos is that it goes beyond the gastronomic tourism or eccentric hobbies, reeling you in through the detailed storytelling and well-crafted narrative arcs. The series paints a vivid picture of South African cultures and traditions through a unique angle, in places where artistry, tradition, and modernity meet.

The production quality is equally captivating, with stunning visuals, meticulous attention to detail, and atmospheric background music that complements the presented narrative. The show’s camerawork captures the locales in all their raw, authentic splendor, and the editing weaves the elements of food, booze, and tattoos seamlessly, preserving the flow and theme of each episode.

All in all, Food, Booze & Tattoos is more than just a lifestyle and travel show. It is a cultural voyage that shines a light on the unexplored corners of South Africa's vibrant and diverse culture. It educates, entertains, and arouses curiosity in viewers, inviting them to experience the colours, flavours, and stories of this beautifully complex country. Watch Food, Booze & Tattoos to relish in a riveting experience that offers an insight into the multicultural essence of South Africa, viewed through the lens of popular urban culture.