Celeb chef line-up at the Good Food & Wine Show

The launch for the annual Good Food & Wine Show was held at the recently refurbished Southern Sun Maharani Hotel last night, with the aromas of mouth-watering curries, breads, seafood, delicious desserts and wines greeting guests as they made their way into the venue. 

 

The most anticipated event on Durban’s cooking calendar is on at the Exhibition Centre from 8 to 11 August and will feature international chefs Vivek Singh of London’s Cinnamon Club, who has mastered the art of Indian cooking, Anjali Pathak, an exciting new chef in the Indian food and spice arena who is also part of the famous Patak spice family as well as the award-winning vegan baker Mellissa Morgan who is known to her fans around the world as “Miss Cupcake”. Absent at the launch was popular UK chef, James Martin, who will be cooking up a storm over the weekend. 

 

Three of South Africa’s most popular chefs Jenny Morris, Benny Masekwameng and Deena Naidoo will also be appearing at the show. 

 

 

(Above: Celebrity chefs (l-r) Melissa Morgan (Miss Cupcake), Anjali Pathak and Vivek Singh) 

 

 

(Above: Masterchef winner Deena Naidoo with his wife, Kathy) 

 

 

(Above: 7de laan actor-Sekoati Tsubane and Maharani general manager Samantha Craft)

 

Speaking at the launch, Show Director Christine Cashmore announced that the show would see the celebrity chefs interacting and collaborating with more than 200 culinary student chefs. One of Cashmore’s ‘must see’ stands is the Baking theatre, where the gorgeous Miss Cupcake will be whipping up some of her vegan cupcakes. Adding cultural flavour to the event will be the Sishebo Theatre where township chefs will have a chance to showcase their mouth-watering stews. And if you have little ones, take them to the ‘little chef’ kitchen and give them an opportunity to learn the basics of cooking; how yummy and educational is that!

 

International chef, Vivek Singh, said he’s looking forward to meeting and cooking for all the Durban people and was quite surprised to learn that Durban has the second largest population of Indians outside of India.

 

"I could not let this opportunity pass as I always wanted to cook here in Durban, the place which has a melting pot of cultures," said Chef Singh.

 

 

(Above: Haroun Hansrot, Show director Christine Cashmore and international chef Vivek Singh) 

 

 

(Above: Deputy Mayor Nomvusa Shabalala and Winnile Mntungwa)

 

 

(Above: Nkosinathi and Nosinle Hlatshayo)

 

Anjali Pathak meanwhile said she can’t wait to show her fans that Indian cooking is healthy and it is not only about rich sauces and curries.

 

Miss Cupcake, who raved about Durban's bunny chows, is out to show visitors that everybody can eat cake, regardless of allergies.

 

"Everybody deserves great cake. It is my job to create indulgent and decadent cakes for them regardless of what they can, and cannot eat. I do this through baking incredible cakes, raising the profile of a vegan diet and educating people on how they can create ‘vegan cakes for themselves," she said.

 

 

(Above: Miss Cupcake) 

 

 

(Above: Show organisers Janine Walker and Peter Feldman)

 

What was also exciting at the launch was the announcement by Deputy Mayor Nomvusa Shabalala that the Good Food and Wine Show would continue in Durban for the next three years. She also reiterated that such events boost tourism and add to the coffers of the city, as well as create job opportunities for many budding entrepreneurs. 

 

Good Food & Wine Show tickets cost R75 for adults for R40 for children. For more information, go to www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za

 

- Waheeda Peters