It’s not every day that a cookbook feels like an act of generosity. But Dressed & Seasoned, the debut from Colette Maclennan — chef-owner of Cape Town’s beloved café, The General Store — offers precisely that. Released in celebration of the café’s 10th anniversary, it’s far more than a recipe collection — it’s a paean to a decade of artistry, community and very good food.
The General Store, at the base of Cape Town’s Bree Street, has long been one of the city’s best-kept secrets — although any lunchtime queue would argue otherwise. Its faithful following has been drawn not just by the food, but by the warmth and behind the counter.
This same spirit courses through the pages of Dressed & Seasoned. Maclennan’s voice has a strong and unfussy tone, which reflects her approach to food: honest, fresh and elegant. ‘This is food made with care and inspired by the meals I grew up with, the food I make for friends and the flavours I love,’ she writes. The recipes, like the café itself, are unpretentious but elevated — showcasing how everyday staples (grains, herbs, lemons, good chicken) can be transformed into dishes that feel both accessible and special. Think juicy Moroccan chicken, vibrant salads, jars of preserved lemons and of course, her famed brownies.
What makes Dressed & Seasoned such a pleasure isn’t just the food, but the thoughtfulness. There are joyful inclusions like the chapter ‘Menus We Love’ — suggested menus for real-life occasions (the kind we all actually host). This includes ‘Summer Night with Friends’, ‘My Perfect Dinner Party’ and ‘Slow Cooking for a Weekend Away.’ Then, there’s ‘Secret Weapons’, a cheeky chapter of behind-the-scenes tricks — little ‘something somethings’ that, as Maclennan promises, will take your cooking from good to great.
There’s something quietly radical in the simplicity here; a reminder that the magic of cooking doesn’t come from complexity, but heart. The book, much like the café that inspired it, is powered by a team of strong, funny, brilliant women — and it shows.
A beautifully conceived book, as pretty to look at as the food is to eat, Dressed & Seasoned is a celebration of memory, flavour and the comfort of home. As the festive season approaches, it’s hard to think of a more perfect gift — a book to cook from, dream over and share generously.
Credits
Text by Heidi Bertish
Images: Bianca Lee Noel-Barham, Colette Maclennan
This article was originally published in the House & Garden SA December/January Issue
