A packed programme that includes an organic produce market, food demonstrations, live entertainment, art displays and a fashion show will kick off day one of the annual Gastronomica in Knysna.
This festival, happening from 24 to 28 September this year, promotes the principles of the Slow Food industry - “good, clean and fair” food. Good represents original taste and texture, fresh and in season; clean the absence of toxins, sprays and poison and fair promotes a win-win situation, where all parties of the food chain benefits.
This year organizers also added a green, eco theme, with events endorsing and encouraging eco friendly practices that minimize the carbon footprint. Gastronomica co-ordinator Pat Mulder said that their vision is not only to create awareness, but also to create a festival with minimum waste. “Our focus is on natural and this applies to products, packaging and ingredients. Bio-degradable packaging and organic produce will be on display and utilised during the food demonstrations and even in the children’s workshops. Similarly the art on display will have a green theme. ”
She said this will be complimented by themed workshops over the four days focusing on bio diversity, how to buy produce that is good, clean and fair – tips on what to watch out for when shopping, reading and understanding food labels and health issues.
The “Food Theatre” programme of the first day on 24 September will appeal to all your senses. Gastronomica chefs will woo their audience by demonstrating mouthwatering dishes and showing off their culinary expertise gained all over the world. The line up is impressive and includes well known local chef Markus Fabringer from ile de pain. Markus worked in Europe and as Head of the Pastry section at the Culinary University in New York was nominated for the 2004 Olympics, but luckily for us, decided to come to South Africa instead.
Geoffrey Murray, New York born Executive Chef at Zachary’s, Pezula’s award winning restaurant, is also part of the programme. Geoffrey said that Gastronomica is not just about demonstrating skills. “It is an opportunity to bring more awareness about food, sustainability, what produce is available in our area and what can be done with it.”
He said that Gastronomica is also an opportunity for local chefs to share ideas. “Chefs are becoming very like minded where they source their ingredients and how they use it. If we can increase our support of local farmers we will create sustainability. We are lucky that in a smaller community like this farmers will take time to attend to personal requests, e.g. if I ask a local farmer to grow baby leeks, he will take the time to discuss it with me. We can source from them and discuss what we need. This way we know the source of our products and we can understand and discuss the product. Intention and understanding the product is quite important – for chefs and producers. I think there is so much more value in growing something with a specific goal in mind - it nourishes them to know they nourish other people.”
For a different type of food theatre also on 24 September in the evening, Montessori School will be presenting an outstanding comedy by Jonathan Fourie, WHO’s WĤINE IS THIS. Other live entertainment during the day will include local Knysna musicians, a Marimba Band from Grahamstown and Indian dancing.
Knysna is becoming known as a gourmet destination and during Gastronomica 11 local restaurants committed to serve food within the Slow Food guidelines, as well as food that will be MSG, additive, colourant and preservative free.
Knysna’s first Indian restaurant, Rasooei, is one of them and they will have an Indian Chef at the venue to demonstrate a culinary culture that has influenced our local cuisine over the years.
Exhibits, displays and demonstrations will feature fish and oysters, organic meat, organic salads and pastas, Indian food, ice cream, hand crafted bread, locally made salami and ham, beautiful deli foods, bio degradable products and sweets and treats. A show not be missed, so make sure you are in Knysna at the end of September!
www.gastronomicakny.co.za
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