Summer is most definitely in attendance in Cape Town!  And I can’t think of many better ways to spend a sultry summer’s evening than lolling about on a lawn somewhere leafy, picnicking on a communal spread and enjoying the sounds of some local musical talents.

We’ve covered Picnic Baskets (the kind you order in advance, usually on wine farms), and we’re all set for Picnic BYO (great places for picnics, and some ideas on where to find awesome goodies to fill your own basket).  This time, though, it’s all about Picnic Concerts.

Click a link below to skip to that particular event, or scroll down to view them all!

• De Waal Park – Concerts in the Park
• Backsberg Picnic Concerts
• Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
• Solms-Delta Summer Concert Series
• Helderberg Nature Reserve Picnic Concerts
• Paul Cluver Summer Concerts

De Waal Park Summer Sunset Concerts

De Waal Park, Oranjezicht.  Cape Town.

A new series of summer concerts launched in De Waal Park last last year. The season continues in the new year until Sunday 1 April 2012. The concerts, free to the public, will be on every other Sunday afternoon at 4pm.

Venue / Location:
De Waal Park is located in Oranjezicht, with gates on Molteno, Upper Orange and Camp Roads. Entrance is free and patrons are encouraged to arrive from 15:00.

http://www.dewaalpark.co.za/events-in-de-waal-park/

Dates & Times:
SUNDAY 5th FEBRUARY – The Gugulethu Tenors
SUNDAY 19th FEBRUARY – The Rudimentals
SUNDAY 4th MARCH – Ike Moriz
SUNDAY 18th MARCH – Saudiq Khan
SUNDAY 1st APRIL – Nomfusi *starts at 3pm, not 4pm.

Cost:
None, it’s free!

kykNET Backsberg Picnic Concerts

Backsberg Estate, near Paarl. 

It’s lovely out at Backsberg Estate, and spending a Sunday afternoon lolling about drinking their fantastic wines and listening to great artists sounds pretty good to me (dress for hot weather, it’s cooking this time of year).  Audiences can choose to pre-book a special Backsberg picnic to enjoy with these sunset acoustic performances, or buy one of their (apparently) famous lamb burgers at the venue. http://backsberg.co.za/picnicconcerts/

Dates & Times:
Admission to concert venue starts at 3pm, with the opening act starting at 4pm and the main act at 5pm.  Sadly, the summer season is already over half-way through – but four concerts still remain:

• SUNDAY 29 Jan: Die Tuin Dwergies
• SUNDAY 05 Feb: Blues Broers
• SUNDAY 12 Feb: Laurie Levine
• SUNDAY 19 Feb: Francois van Coke

Cost:
Tickets are R85 or R170 with a picnic and R100.00 at the gate. Children under 12 years get in free when accompanied by their parents.

How to book tickets:
Online bookings can be made at www.ticketbreak.co.za/backsberg.  Contact Details: picnicconcerts@backsberg.co.za

Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rhodes Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town)

Dates & Times:
Season runs from 20 November 2011 – 1 April 2012. SUNDAY evenings, concert starts at 5.30pm (gates open at 4pm).
View full lineup.

Cost:
Ticket prices vary from R60 to R125 (adults), depending on concerts and whether you are a member of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Society. See here for individual prices.

How to book tickets:
Online bookings can be made at www.webtickets.co.za. Redeem your e-ticket at the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office. Over-the-counter tickets go on sale on the Tuesday preceding each concert, from the Visitor’s Centre Ticket Office only. On Sunday tickets will be available at all three entrances. Telephone bookings (021 761 2866) can be made from the Tuesday before each concert, with an administration fee of R10 per ticket applicable.

Solms-Delta Summer Concert Series 2012

Solms-Delta Estate, Franschhoek

Enjoy a feast of rural Cape food, music and dance each Saturday evening from 14 January to 10 March 2012.  Sample the estate’s wine and tuck into a hearty Fyndraai Kaapse Braai Buffet in a beautiful setting.

Listen to the Solms-Delta Music van de Caab’s homegrown bands and the Delta Soetstemme and Delta Valley Entertainers perform alongside some of South Africa’s favourites, such as much loved Hannes Coetzee, Les Javan, Hot Water, Tribal Echo, House of Davids, Kaapse Affodille and Pieter van der Westhuizen.

Dates & Times:
SATURDAYS. 14, 21, 28 January;
4, 11, 18, 25 February;
3, 10 March.
From 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
Cost: R195pp (food and music). Kids U 12yrs R95.
More info/bookings:
To book call Henry 021 874 3937 or email: restaurant@solms-delta.co.za and follow them on Twitter @solms_delta and Facebook.com/solmsdelta, for updates.

Helderberg Nature Reserve Picnic Concerts

Helderberg Nature Reserve, near Somerset West

This series of summer concerts is held to raise funds for the nature reserve’s Environmental Education (EE) projects.

Dates & Times:
The season is already more than half way through, but three concerts still remain: SATURDAYS – 5 February 2012, 19 February 2012, 11 March 2012.
All concerts start at 17:30.

Tickets at the gate: R40 Adults, R10 Scholars, Free for children under the age of five

Enquiries: call the Information Centre  (021) 851-4060.
Or email helderbergfriends@telkomsa.net.
www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za/events/concerts/

Paul Cluver Sunset Concerts

Paul Cluver Estate, Elgin

Only an hour or so out of Cape Town (less, if traffic is kind) is Paul Cluver Estate, in Elgin. During the summer season, Saturday evening concerts are held under the trees at the estate’s lovely wooden amphitheatre. Concert tickets are limited, so it’s not too crowded, and you can order a picnic in advance, or bring your own food (but not your own wine).

Dates & Times:
Selected Saturdays during the summer season.  Gates open at 5pm (seating is unreserved), and concerts start at 7pm.  Five more concerts remain for 2011/2012:

• SATURDAY 4 February 2012 – FreshlyGround (R325)
• SATURDAY 11 February 2012 – Share The Love (special concert) (R200)
• SATURDAY 18 February 2012 – Elvis Blue (R200)
• SATURDAY 25 February 2012 – Watershed (R325)
• SATURDAY 10 March 2012 – Vusi Mahlasela (R325)

Cost: Various (depends on concert price)

Bookings:  Book concert tickets via Computicket.  Book picnic hampers directly with Paul Cluver Estate:  021 – 844 0605  or email tourism (at) cluver.com

Time really flies. It seems like it was only a blink or two ago that I first found out about The Market Place at Hathersage Farm. But, unbelievably, the market is already celebrating its second year, and will be holding a special market this Sunday (29 January 2012) as part of the festivities:

To help us celebrate our 2nd birthday, participating traders are showing appreciation for you, our supporters, by slashing prices and throwing in a few freebies along the way! We’ll have new exhibitors and even a chance to WIN amazing hampers on the day. You’d be forgiven for thinking its Christmas!

Draws for hamper give-aways will take place on the 29th at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm, and you can still enter! Just drop me an email with your name and contact number, and I’ll pop your details into our Lucky Draw Box. Winners must be present.

If you haven’t yet been, it’s quite a laid back way to spend a morning/afternoon. There’s a mix of food and more crafty items, some along the side of the river, some indoors and more out under the trees. It can get quite crowded, but if you can find a good spot on the lawn in the shade you’re on to a good thing (send out runners for champers and nibbly bits).

The market runs from 9am until 2pm. Find out more at The Market Place Facebook Page.

Location
Hathersage Farm, Gordon Road, Somerset West
GPS: 34° 5′ 0.6612″ S, 18° 52′ 3.9864″ E

Summer has returned and, with it, the urge to venture outdoors and spend as much time as possible lazing in the sunshine.  We Capetonians are pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to summer activities, but one of my favourites is enjoying a leisurely picnic in a beautiful setting.  It’s informal and laid back and there are so many different ways of doing it that suit all kinds of budgets and taste.

And so once again I find myself creating a list of picnic options in Cape Town – split into three different groups:  Picnic Baskets (the kind you order in advance, usually on wine farms), Picnic Concerts (picnics at concerts) and Picnic BYO (great places for picnics, and some ideas on where to find awesome goodies to fill your own basket).

In this post, it’s all about wine farms and other picturesque locations offering picnic basket options.

The list below will morph and grow with time, as I discover and try more picnics – so if there’s something I’ve left out, please share the info by leaving a comment below, and I’ll see about adding it to the list! Please please treat this list as a guide only – ALWAYS phone the picnic organisers (most require bookings anyway) before you go, to avoid disappointment.

Picnics in Cape Town

Click on the links to view the full details.

• Buitenverwachting ‘The Picnic Basket’ (Constantia)
• Casa Labia Picnics (Muizenberg)
• Roundhouse Rumbullion Picnics (Kloof Nek)
• Steenberg Winery picnics (Steenberg)

Picnics in the Cape Winelands

Click on the links to view the full details.

• Allée Bleue Picnics
• Boschendal’s ‘Le Pique-Nique’ (Groot Drakenstein)
• Delheim Riverside Picnics (Stellenbosch)
• Solms-Delta Picnics (Franschhoek Valley)
• Spier Lakeside Picnics (Lynedoch, near Stellenbosch)
• Warwick Gourmet Picnics (R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts)
• Zewenwacht Picnics (Kuilsriver)

Buitenverwachting ‘The Picnic Basket’

Buitenverwachting Estate, Klein Constantia Rd,  Constantia.
www.buitenverwachting.co.za

Relax under the beautiful oaks of Buitenverwachting Estate… A veritable feast!  Tables and chairs are provided (if you want them) and there’s a very strictly applied maximum number of picnics allowed (which means it doesn’t get overcrowded).

Cost:
R125 per person. Picnic hampers for children under 10 years of age: R45.00 per child. No credit cards accepted.
Dates & Times:
Open November to April; Monday – Saturday. Closed on Sunday & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. Closed over Christmas and the New Year. Picnics served from 12 midday to 4pm (closing at 4pm)
Bookings:
Adrienne (021) 794-1012 Cell: 083 257 6083

Casa Labia Picnics

Casa Labia, 192 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
www.casalabia.co.za

Children’s menu includes a sugar fruit stick, a whole wheat cheese roll, a cup cake, fruit juice and a little surprise toy for R50.00.

Cost:
Picnic hampers cost R285 per couple. Cash bar available on the terrace.
Bookings for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) qualify for a special price of R335.00 for the adult basket and two kids packs.
Dates & Times:
Every Saturday from 12noon to 3pm during the summer period.
Bookings:
Picnics work on reservations only. Bookings for the baskets would need to be made and confirmed by Friday at 10am.

Roundhouse Rumbullion Picnics

The Roundhouse, Kloof Nek, Cape Town
http://www.theroundhouserestaurant.com/on_the_menu.html

The Roundhouse Rumbullion offers ‘tapas picnics’, where you select what you’d like from a list of possible options (varying from jars of pickled olives to cheese burgers with wedges).

The views from the Roundhouse lawns are spectacular – go early to secure a good table (and book for more than two, if you want a table to yourselves).

Cost: Variable, depending on what you order (view Menu)
Dates & Times:
Wednesday to Sunday, lunchtime.
Bookings:
Tel. 021 438 4347 / Email info@theroundhouserestaurant.com

Steenberg Winery Picnics

Steenberg Vineyards, Steenberg, Cape Town

Steenberg Vineyards now offers gourmet picnics for visitors. The menu looks fantastic! It’s put together by Food Fanatics, with ingredients sourced locally from fantastic ethical producers like Cure Deli (charcuterie) and Dalewood Fromage (cheeses, yum).

And, I’m happy to report that everything in the picnic hamper is biodegradable: from the recycled wine cartons to food containers and cutlery. I’ll be going along soon to try it out myself and will report back on the experience!

Cost: R300 for a basket for two, including a bottle of Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot (vegetarian option available at same price).
Dates & Times: Picnics served daily between 11am and 5pm.
Bookings: Tel. Lida – 082 954 8158
Menu: Steenberg-Picnic Menu (subject to change)

Picnics in the Cape Winelands

Allée Bleue

Intersection R 45 and R310, Groot Drakenstein (map)
http://www.alleebleue.com/en/allee-bleue/hospitality/picnic.html

Shaded by an historic oak tree, freshly made picnic baskets are served to you from the picnic gazebo and an ice bucket to keep your drinks chilled.

Menus are priced at R145.00 per person, which includes 0.5l mineral water, coffee or tea and a seasonal gift from the Allée Bleue Estate. Children are well catered for with a menu priced at R45.00 per child and the kids can safely play in the picnic area that is secured by an attractive Cape Dutch wall.

Available every day of the week, weather dependent, bookings for picnics at Allée Bleue Wine Estate are essential.

Cost:
R 145.00 per person, R 45.00 for children under 10 years
Dates & Times:
Open daily from 11h30 – 15h00
Bookings:
info@alleebleue.com / Tel. +27 (0) 21 874 1021/2/3

Boschendal’s ‘Le Pique-Nique’

Boschendal Estate, Stellenbosch
www.boschendal.com

During the summer months Boschendal’s Le Pique-Nique provides the ideal setting for simple French-Style country meals. Picnic hampers filled with simple country fare are served from a gazebo, relax and enjoy the fare at tables and chairs set in the shade of fragrant pine trees.

Cost:
R150.00 per adult excluding beverages and service – baskets packed in servings of 2, 3, 4, and 5 each. R59.00 per child (under 10) excluding beverages and service. Valid until May 2012.
Dates & Times:
1 October 2011 – mid May 2012 (weather permitting – cancelled if raining). Baskets to be collected between 12.15pm & 1.30pm. They may be collected later – by arrangement.
Bookings:
Tel.: +27 (0) 21 870 4272/3/4/5 | Email: reservations@boschendal.com
Menus: Picnic Menu | Vegetarian Menu
Good to know: Maximum seating capacity: 180. No BYO – No Bring Your Own Wine.

Delheim Riverside Picnics

Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
www.delheim.com

Enjoy a gourmet picnic on the scenic lawn at the riverside behind the cellar. No BYO – the full range of Delheim wines is available at cellar door prices.

Costs:
Basket for 2 people @ R260 (excl additional beverages), basket for 4 people @ R520 (excl additional beverages). Children under 12 @ R65. Vegetarian option available on request (same price).
Dates:
Available every day, Monday to Sunday until end April 2012
Bookings:
restaurant@delheim.com or (021) 888-4607 (book by latest 10h30 on the day)

Solms-Delta Picnics

Delta Road, Off the R45, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek Valley
http://www.solms-delta.co.za/restaurant/picnics/

Solms-Delta has ‘winefarm’ picnics available, made by Fyndraai chef Shaun Schoeman and his team. A personal guide will carry your basket and blanket and assist in selecting a quiet spot on the forested banks of the Dwars River or overlooking the private Solms lake.

Guests are more than welcome to cool off in the river shallows, so pack your costumes and towels! Numbers are limited to ensure a level of privacy.

Pre-booking is essential. The baskets are freshly packed upon your arrival, so please expect a short wait (maximum 15 minutes) before being escorted to the river.

Solms-Delta Lekkerwijn 2010, soft drinks or Solms-Delta Vogelvrij Spring Water bottled at source on the estate, is also included in each basket for two.

Costs:  
R135 per adult (view menu).  R65 per child. (View menu)
Dates:
Picnic season starts 1 September. Fyndraai is open seven days a week from 9.00am to 5:00pm
Bookings:
+ 27 (0)21- 874-3937

Spier Picnics

Spier Estate, Lynedoch, near Stellenbosch.
www.spier.co.za

Awesome picnics at Spier Estate, near Stellenbosch. Superb lakeside atmosphere (complete with plenty of ducks) and lots of gently swishing trees provide shade. Pony rides for kids.

The deli is currently closed for renovations (until 1 December 2011), so pre-booked picnics are currently only  available over weekends and public holidays.  These are catered by Eight, a wonderful ‘farm-to-table’ restaurant which serves delicious meals made from locally-sourced naturally-grown produce.  From the 1st of December, though, you will once again be able to book picnics every day of the week via an online facility.  No private picnics are allowed, but if you don’t want to buy a whole picnic basket, you can instead pick up items from Eight To Go, a ‘take-away’ version of Eight which is due to launch in early December (love the sound of that!).

Cost:  R150 per person, or R240 for two (this cost may change when the online facility becomes available in December).
Dates & Times:  Currently available only on weekends and public holidays.  From 1 December 2011, picnics available every day of the week.
Bookings: Tel. 021 809 1100  (online bookings available from 1 December 2011)

Warwick Gourmet Picnics

On the R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts.
www.warwickwine.com/picnic

“At Warwick we strive for simplicity but this doesn’t mean that you should compromise on flavour. Our Gourmet Picnic experience was designed to provide a balance between the freshest seasoned ingredients and a flavour profile that will satisfy the most sophisticated Gourmand.”

Costs:
Gourmet Picnic basket: R299.00 serving two guests
Vegetarian Picnic basket: R299.00 serving two guests
Kids Basket: R49.00 per child under 12 years of age

Dates & Times: 
Guests can collect and pay for their picnics upon arrival at the Bistro counter.
11:30 – 12:30, 12:30 – 13:30, 13:30 -14:30 7 Days a week – 365 days per year
Bookings:  
Call 021 884 3144 or email visit@warwickwine.com

Zewenwacht Picnics

Zewenwacht Estate, Langverwacht Rd, Kuils River
http://www.zevenwacht.co.za/zw_restaurant.html

Zewenwacht offers a variety of picnic options: the Estate basket, Vegetarian basket, as well as the kiddies hamper as well as two braai basket options (they provide the meat, wood etc – you braai it). Other goodies such as chips, chocolates, hot beverages and the estate’s wines can be purchased at the picnic kiosk. (View Picnic Menu 2011/2012)

The estate will be unveiling their recently upgraded picnic facility in early 2012. This includes “a superb brand new children’s play park, comprising of wooden jungle gyms, swings, slides and climbing ropes for the little Tarzans!” They have also laid down lawn over an extensive area, adjacent to their helipad, where patrons can either make use of picnic benches or alternatively use picnic blankets (available on a loan basis) to enjoy the “gastronomic delights that (the) chefs have put together in the baskets”.

Costs:  
Estate Basket – R280 per basket for 2 people.
Vegetarian Basket – R280 per basket for 2 people.
Kids Basket – R60 per child.
Braai Basket Option 1 – R280 per basket for 2 people
Braai Basket Option 2 – R360 per basket for 2 people.
Dates:
18 September 2011 to May 2012
Bookings:
Tel: (021) 903 5123 / email: restaurant@zevenwacht.co.za
Good to Know:
Conditions for the Braai Basket: Minimum of two baskets to be ordered / Order must be made 72 hours in advance / We supply wood, firelighters, grid & a braai area / Braai to be made & supervised by yourselves. / Please ensure that all fires are thoroughly extinguished.

The lovely Casa Labia in Muizenberg has just launched ‘Picnics on the Lawn’, offering Saturday afternoon picnic hampers to couples and families who’d like to enjoy the beautiful view from the cultural centre’s lush lawns.

On a sunny day, there really isn’t much to compare to the view from that lawn – I’ve not been for the picnic (yet), but have eaten at the cafe and couldn’t resist wandering out to stare out at the sea.

The picnic hampers look amazing, full of quality ingredients which, added to the perfect setting, makes this seem to me a very tempting picnic option indeed – I can’t wait to try it out for myself!

Even if you aren’t into picnics, the Casa Labia is a wonderful spot to visit – for its contemporary South African art gallery, its delicious food, and its tranquil atmosphere.  It’s located at 192 Main Road, Muizenberg.

Picnics on the Lawn – Details

Cost:
Picnic hampers cost R285 per couple, and there will be a cash bar available on the terrace.  Children’s menu includes a sugar fruit stick, a whole wheat cheese roll, a cup cake, fruit juice and a little surprise toy for R50.00.

If you’re booking for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) you will qualify for a special price of R335.00 for the adult basket and two kids packs.

Dates & Times:
Every Saturday from 12noon to 3pm during the summer period.
Bookings:
Picnics work on reservations only. Bookings for the baskets would need to be made and confirmed by Friday at 10am.  Contact the cafe at cafe@casalabia.co.za or 021 788 6062.

Super excited about this one – likely to be one of my favourite Slow Food Mother City outings of the year: an artisan sweet market, accompanied by a screening of the classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. The event will be held at the fabulous Fugard Theatre on Thursday the 10th of November 2011.  Movie tickets cost a mere R65 (including R25 voucher for the market).

Visitors can come for just the market (on from 6pm to 7pm) or stay on and watch Willy Wonka (you might even find a golden ticket!).

Participating stallholders include:

Here are the details:

It’s Spring, and you know what that means – Cape Town is sizzling back to life with loads of events to choose from. Our big Slow Food Mother City event for November is Flick, Pick & Mix: A sweet little market and a big-screen movie. We’ll be showing Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory – the classic 1971 Gene Wilder version, which everyone knows is the better one – at the gorgeous and dramatic Fugard Theatre in Cape Town’s District 6.

Keeping with the theme, Slow Food Mother City has organised an all-sugar market, with stalls offering delicious handmade chocolates, nougat, koeksusters, ice cream, biscuits and macaroons. Stock up on snacks for the movie, sweet gifts and Christmas stocking-fillers (for very special children!). Your ticket price (R65) includes R25 of vouchers to redeem at the market.

Book for Slow Food Mother City’s Flick, Pick and Mix here. Tickets are a sweet deal at R65.

Date: 10 November
Time: The Sweet Market will run from 6pm, with the movie commencing at 7pm.
Tickets (including R25 market voucher): R65
Venue: The Fugard Theatre, Corner of Caledon and Lower Buitenkant Street, District 6, Cape Town

**Update: 2 December 2011 – seems this market has now been cancelled (both day and night versions)**

A few months back, the by now well established Bay Food & Wine Market held a one-off night market. I stopped in, for a while, and was really impressed by how well attended it was – people were streaming in from all sides, and the roads around the area were jam-packed with cars.

I liked the market… There wasn’t a huge amount of fresh produce (which is what I’m always after), but I imagine that was because it was a night-time version, and therefore not really a shopping market, but one aimed more at providing entertainment for visitors. I would still like to stop by one Saturday for their day-time version, as I have heard some good things about what’s on offer there.

Anyway, they have now made this a regular thing, and will be holding a night market on the first Friday of every month, from 5pm to 9pm. On offer, live music, cocktails, specially selected food and drink stalls, and the convivial atmosphere that seems to go hand in hand with most night markets.

For more details, visit www.thebayfoodandwinemarket.co.za, or follow them on their Facebook page.

The Bay Food & Wine Market is located at Victoria Mall (under La Cuccina), Hout Bay.
Saturday Markets: every Saturday 9am-2pm
Friday night Market: every first Friday of the month 5pm-9pm.

Their press release is a little over the top and verbose (in my opinion), but in essence this is what the new market appears to be about:

• This is a venture that includes people from both ends of the economic scale, and serves to marry the skills and interests of the empowered and the underprivileged.
• The aim of the project is to uplift the area as a whole, extending to the aesthetic quality of the harbour – starting with the site itself, the team is currently working on planting in excess of 50 trees, and landscaping the grounds of the West Fort Heritage Site, which is adjacent to the market premises.
• Market organisers have granted 20% of the trading rights on beneficial terms to the local impoverished communities, many of whom worked in the very same fish factory that now houses the market, thereby “imbuing the market ambience with an authentic Cape Town energy and flavour”.
• In addition, the programme seeks to identify and nurture young creative talent in the area, particularly from Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu, through skills development initiatives on the premises that will ultimately result in commercial opportunities and job creation provided by the market itself.
• The performance arts, particularly music, will also form an integral part of Bay Harbour’s energy, with the Performer’s Stage being a permanent fixture at the venue – providing an opportunity for both professional and amateur musicians, comics, actors and dancers from across the board to perform, both during the market operating hours as well as at specific events to be held outside of these at the venue.

So what kind of food will there be…  A bit of everything, it would seem:

Much like the mixed heritage of South Africa, a journey of flavour fetching from all corners of the globe is the catch of the day, the proverbial net has been cast widely across different styles of cuisine, and made them available at the Bay Harbour Market. From Kreef and snoek raai’s, to crafted chocolates, there are tastes to entice all palates.

Hmmmm… Sounds a little bit like trying to cover everything at once, but I’m all for diversity and am game to see how they do with this.

And my favourite final paragraph:

The sheer eccentricity of South Africa is expected to come alive in an artistic way that we believe will give tourists something to write home about and locals a boost of national pride.  For example, characters from every layer of society will mirror the outlandish variety of food on offer.  Bay Harbour is the place where both the local fisherman and the well-heeled fashionista can be found.  It’s a place where koeksisters, crayfish, chakkalakka, umnqusho, smoked snoek, oysters, cappuccino, bunny chows, and methode champenoise live side by side with fashionable leathercraft, accessories, clothing, beadwork and art -  It’s a celebration of our cultural and creative diversity.  And everyone’s invited.

Sjoe – ‘sheer eccentricity’, ‘outlandish variety of food’ – I really do have to see this for myself!   I’ll be there tomorrow… come along if you’re as intrigued as I am.

Bay Harbour Market Details:

When:
The Bay Harbour Market launches this Saturday (2 July 2011) at 9am (until 4pm).  Thereafter, the market will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 4pm, as well as on Friday evenings from 4pm-9pm (from 8 July 2011).

Where:
31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay (next to Fish on the Rocks)

What:
Over 80 food, art and fashion stalls. Authentic indoor factory venue, right on the water’s edge. Roaring fire places and unique draught bar. Live music (and other entertainment). Ample, secure parking. www.bayharbour.co.za

Intrigued by the concept, I met with the organiser to find out more.

In essence, this is what the market is all about:

• It’s a speciality food market, dedicated to authentic plant-based cuisine.
• It will be held monthly (first Sunday) and will be catering for cognisant food lovers who have an appreciation for the benefits of plant-based foods, as well as being mindful where their food is grown and its preparation methods.
• All food will be made by the artisans and merchants, and sold by them in person.
• On offer will be: Organic fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly baked breads, winter soups, raw tree nuts, olives and olive oils, gourmet food dishes, fresh juices, with a touch of kitchen and home decor thrown in for good measure.

I really like the idea of a market with a specific focus… There are plenty of food markets out there these days, which is awesome, but I do sometimes feel that for many there is a great opportunity for them to carve out their own niche, whatever it might be (community aspect, organic focus, gourmet extravaganza, etc).  Otherwise, with so much competition, they run the risk of being just like every other food market out there, and people gradually losing interest (Capetonians do love the novelty-factor!)

I also like that it’s going to be held on a Sunday – rather than the usual Saturday of most Cape Town markets (means I have a better chance of getting there!).

So, I shall definitely be there, this coming Sunday (3 July 2011), when the market opens its door for the very first time, and I am very keen indeed to see what will be on offer!

Market details:

Date & Time:
Launch date:  Sunday 3 July 2011.  9am-2pm.  Thereafter, the market will be held on a selected Sunday of every month (view trading dates).

Location:
In the Constantia Valley, at the historic Alphen Hall on Constantia Main Rd. Predominately indoors, with a large courtyard for sunny days. There is plenty of parking.

Contact details:
Email: eat@gaiafoodmarket.co.za
Website: www.gaiafoodmarket.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GaiaFoodMarket
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The popular annual food extravaganza takes place this weekend at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, kicking off at 10am on Thursday (26-29 May 2011).

Some of the highlights, as I see them:

Farm to Fork Wellbeing Theatre

“Come and find out more about Green trends from around the world, including the importance of sustainable farming practices and knowing where our food originates from. This one will not only challenge every chef and foodie devotee’s cooking methods, but will also provide inspiring ideas on how to serve seasonal, local fare that is not only wholesome, but also elegant.”

Seems seasonal eating is the new black…  There are demos and talks on a variety of related topics – everything from superfoods to gluten-free recipes to gardening advice.

Slow Market

The popular Slowmarket group at Stellenbosch & Willowbridge is the leading authentic slowfood market in the Cape. Products have been grown, raised, harvested, caught, preserved or transformed by the producers themselves. You will find high-quality specialty producers, food artisans, local and regional farmers, natural and organic merchants, seasonal goods, responsible and sustainable enterprises and fine-food purveyors. Nominated in the best outlet category at the Eat In Produce Awards and winning numerous awards by the judges of the Good Food & Wine Show in the past 2 years, the Slowmarket group promises to provide you with a selection of the best they can offer.

It’s always lovely to see plenty of fresh produce, and these guys do do a great job of presenting themselves.

And of course, stalls and more stalls to explore – as always, I’ll be looking for small producers and artisans, and anyone taking steps towards making their products and services more eco-friendly.

But right now I have 6 double tickets to give away!  Tickets usually cost R85, but if you’re hoping to save some of that to spend on delicious food instead, why not try your luck here…  All you have to do to enter is fill in the form below (and answer an easy question correctly).  First 6 correct entries drawn, win.  The competition closes tomorrow at 5pm, with the draw taking place immediately thereafter, so get your entries in soon!  Good luck, and see you there!

SORRY - THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!

This year, the Table of Peace and Unity luncheon will be held on Mother’s Day, Sunday 8 May 2011, located, as usual, on the iconic slopes of Table Mountain (unique to this event).  On the cards, a delicious three-course lunch prepared by Cape Town’s top chefs (and paired with Lazanou wines) as well as world class entertainment including The Parlotones and Danny K (there’s also a special children’s menu and entertainment this year for anyone wanting to take the whole family).

Just to tempt you further, here’s a peek at the menu:

Starter (Peter Tempelhoff of The Cellars-Hohenhort)

• Mosaic of free range chicken and wild mushroom wrapped in Parma Ham
• Spiced Pear Chutney, Hazelnut and Truffle dressing

Main course (Roberto De-Carvalho of One &Only and Morne Botha – Blues)

• Braised beef with cauliflower puree
• Warm Lentil and bean salad, Potato spinach dauphinoise

Dessert (Granger Bay Hotel School)

• Duo of lemon cheesecake and chocolate mousse
• Orange reduction and strawberry caviar

Yum, I’ll be going this year, and I’m really looking forward to it!

Event Details & Cost:
Tickets for the event cost R350 – R450.00 per person,  inclusive of a three-course gourmet luncheon, paired with South Africa’s choice wines and beverages, and world-class entertainment.  Special children’s tickets are available.  For more information or to book your place at the table email Susan on tableofpeaceanduntiy@gourmetsa.com or call 021 702 2280 x203.   One hundred per cent of ticket sales benefit the children’s charities.

Sandford Farm, Kleinmond

The Cheese Festival is almost upon us (starts on Friday) – and I’m getting rather excited by the return of small producers to the event. This year, perhaps in celebration of the festival’s 10th year, Agri-Expo is bringing the 10 small producers below to the event (by this, I assume they mean they are sponsoring their entry, as they’ve done in the past).

Having had a brief look at the overall layout of the festival, these are not the only small producers who’ll be there – so it looks promising for an all-day artisan cheese hunt… Below, I’ve included whatever information I could glean on these producers, as well as relevant contact details, for anyone interested in finding out more.

Anysbos Cheese (Botrivier, WESTERN CAPE)
e: info@anysbos.co.za

Only a year ago Sue and Johan Heyns retired on a farm in the Botrivier area.  Today they run a boutique cheese business that’s producing a variety of cheeses, including the unique Goat Milk Camembert.

Camphill farm (Hermanus, WESTERN CAPE)
w: www.camphill-hermanus.org.za | t: 028 – 313 8200

A community project where some of the beneficiaries makes the most wonderful cheeses (Gouda, Feta, Fresh Cheese, Labneh) and speciality bread.

GoatPeter (Magaliesburg, GAUTENG)
w: www.goatpeter.com | e: info@goatpeter.com

Goat Peter is a cheesery situated in Hekpoort, near Magaliesburg, in the heart of the Cradle of Human Kind. The owners Alastair and Marianne specialise in Goat Milk Products.

Green Goose Organics – Ficksburg, FREE STATE –
w: www.greengoose.co.za | e: anneke@greengoose.co.za

“With over 1000 hectares under organic management, primarily in pastures, we are committed to a system of farming which produces health enhancing, nutrient dense food whilst always being mindful of nurturing and continually improving the land. In addition to being organic, the cows are 100% grass fed – meaning they get no grain or other concentrate whatsoever. No animals receive any routine hormone or antibiotic treatments.”

Grootplaas De Rust Cheese Academy (Broederstroom, GAUTENG)
w: www.cheeseacademy.co.za | e: barbie@cheeseacademy.co.za

The academy was originally started with the aim to make a considerable contribution to the knowledge and skills associated with the production of Dairy Products.

Kimilili Farm (Tulbagh, WESTERN CAPE)
w: www.kimililifarm.co.za e: info@kimililifarm.co.za

Hand crafted farmhouse cheeses made in the French and Swiss cheesemaking tradition, using only their own milk.  Animals are cared for employing only natural farming practices with no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or any commercial dairy feed used on the farm.

Sandford farm (Hemel & Aarde valley, WESTERN CAPE)
e: contactpea@gmail.com

Pauline Leppan recently employed a young man from Zwelihle, Siyabulela, who now does the majority of the cheesemaking.  They produce Gouda, Pecorino, Probiotic Yoghurt, Feta, and Mozzarella – all handmade according to organic principles.

Taaibosch Kaas - (?)
e: jfb@vodamail.co.za

Not much information to be found, other than that they produce pressed Cottage Cheese, covered with spice, Cheddar, Gouda.

Udderly Delicious Darling (Darling, WESTERN CAPE)
e: candash@mweb.co.za

Homemade Cheese, Salami, Brandy, Apple and Nut Jelly.

Petite Chevre (Pretoria, GAUTENG)
w: www.petitechevre.co.za | e: goatsmilk@petitechevre.co.za

Produce a variety of goatsmilk products including plain goats milk, chevre, yoghurt, halloumi and a series of cheeses they call ‘bietjies’ – Bietjie Brand (chilli), Bietjie Lekker (Rosemary & peppercorsn), Bietjie Pong (garlic!). Looks like they’re not currently available in the Cape, so this is a good opportunity to get a taste.

Event details:
The 2011 SA Cheese Festival runs from Friday 29 April to Monday 2 May 2011. Tickets are the same price as last year: R110 for Saturday and Sunday and R90 for Friday and Monday. Senior citizens pay R70 and children 12 years and younger enter free.  The festival runs from 10:00 to 18:00 each day and 17:00 on the last day.  A limited number of tickets are available at Computicket and Checkers stores (no tickets at the gates).

The SA Cheese Festival turns ten this year, celebrating a decade of showcasing cheeses of all sorts, shapes and sizes from around the country.

It’s always been a favourite of mine, even last year when I felt that it had lost its focus a bit, and was filling up the gaps of a rapidly expanding event with far too much commercially produced cheese, and not nearly enough of the more interesting artisan creations.

That said, I’m not sure a festival of its current size (over 31,600 visitors last year) is necessarily the right place for the artisans, simply because of the sheer quantities they would need to produce to have not only tasters for 4 solid days, but also a stockpile of cheeses to sell.  Artisans and small producers are generally about small-scale specialist production, so I’m guessing the monumental task of catering for so many people at once will often outweigh the promise of potential exposure.

With that in mind, this year I plan to go simply to have fun, and enjoy the atmosphere and generous tastings.  There is always something different, and this time around the event takes place in a brand new venue, Sandringham, located half way between Cape Town and Paarl on the N1.

Here’s what’s in store for cheese-fans:

A shared passion for cheese brings together food lovers, artisan producers and other food champions in a single extraordinary event.  The Checkers Cheese Emporium, the main attraction in the Dairy Square, offers you the country’s largest selection of cheese under one roof, and the celebs of the Checkers Theatre will wow you with their daring use of cheese.  Saunter on to the Carnival Park where roaming artists will set the pace, and shop for an electric mix of delectable delicacies and prime wines; or simply relax while professional entertainers of the Wilde Fruit Juice Kiddies Corner keep the little ones amused for hours on end.

Take a journey of discovery along the Meander route and let doe-eyed cows, sheep and goats “tell” their story of milk; or sample sumptuous handmade products at the earthy country market.  Then enjoy the perfect end to a perfect day at the Cheese Festival: a memorable sunset over Table Mountain with good food and live music at Sandringham’s very own Waterfront.

According to organisers, the grounds are substantially larger than at Bien Donne (the festival’s former home) and boast expansive lawns and dams – all in all promising “a more pleasant experience with enough room to move around and to just sit-back-and-enjoy”.

It was getting a bit cramped before, so I definitely like the sound of that!

Event details: Tickets are the same price as last year: R110 for Saturday and Sunday and R90 for Friday and Monday. Senior citizens pay R70 and children 12 years and younger enter free.  The festival runs from 10:00 to 18:00 each day and 17:00 on the last day.  A limited number of tickets are available at Computicket and Checkers stores (no tickets at the gates).

Festival hamper and ticket giveaway

This year, we’re giving away an awesome food hamper plus 5 double tickets to the Cheese Festival!  In the hamper: Willow Creek goodies and 6 bottles of Overhex sparkling wine.

SORRY - THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!