On Wednesday the 28th October, a beautiful, hot and sunny day in Umhlanga, I attended the media event for the Good Food and Wine Show. The show takes place this coming weekend, from Friday 30th October-Sunday 1st November.
The point of the media event was to introduce us to the chefs, both local and international, who would be attending and showcasing their talents at the Good Food and Wine Show. The Oyster Box hotel had sponsored not only their Lighthouse Bar for the evening’s festivities, but they have also put up all of the chefs for the duration of their stay, in the hotel itself.
Walking into the Lighthouse Bar, we were offered glasses of chilled champagne on arrival. There were some decadent looking trays of food laid out too – one with smoked salmon and other toppings to go with fresh seeded bread and butter, and another of cheeses and various preserves and fruit or veggies, with crackers and breadsticks. I aimed straight for the cheese plate – never before had I seen one so big with such a lovely variety of goodies! It included possibly the best Camembert I’ve ever eaten.
Once all of the attendees had arrived, we were introduced to the General Manager of the Oyster Box, Wayne Coetzee, who wished us all a pleasant evening. Councillor Logie Naidoo also spoke a few words, and after that we were introduced to the chefs.
Rick Stein, the main international chef spoke a few words, telling us how he was looking forward to trying proper Durban curry. We then met Masterchef Australia winner Brent Owens and finalist Renae Smith, as well Reza Mahammed, who has joined forces with Jenny Morris (The Giggling Gourmet) on the show Jenny and Reza’s Fabulous Food Academy. Other local chefs appearing are Asha Maharaj, Joao Fonseca (J’Something of Mi Casa), Erica Platter, Constantijn Hahndiek, Lorna Maseko, executive chef of the Oyster Box itself Kevin Joseph, Peter Ayub, Indrani Govender, Sheila Somers, Sandren Somers, Claire Allen and Siphokazi Mdlankomo of Masterchef and Short Chef Skinny Chef fame) and Yudhika Sujanani.
This year’s Good Food and Wine show looks set to be a fabulous one, with so many different chefs and food theatres to see. I myself have been to every show that Durban has had, and really enjoy myself every single time, so this year will be no exception.
The show is open from 10am-9pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am-6pm on Sunday.
Tickets are R90 for adults, R60 for children between 12-18 as well as senior citizens, and free for kiddies under 12.
Pay R30 for a GFWS tasting glass, that’s then yours to keep!
Facebook: GoodFoodandWineShowSA
Website: www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za