Four food festivals in April will give food lovers something to look forward to, and will be a tourism boost to the towns in which the festivals will be taking place. Unfortunately, some of the festivals overlap, but being longer than one day each, may still attract visitors to all events.
The South African Cheese Festival takes place over the long weekend (for those taking Monday 26 April off) from 24 – 27 April at Bien Donne, outside Franschhoek. It offers Turophiles (cheese lovers) lots of cheese tasting, with artisan cheese makers displaying their special cheeses, as well as more standard supermarket ones at the Checkers Cheese Emporium. Well-known entertainer Nataniel will be one of the celebrities doing a cooking demonstration, as will Soli Philander (Cape Talk), Beyers Truter (Beyerskloof), and food editors of women’s magazines. Related products such as breads, pestos, wines, preserves and olives will also be sold. The Festival is open from 10h00 – 18h00 daily, and the entrance fee is R 110 on the weekend days and R 90 on the week days. Tickets must be bought at Computicket and Checkers, and are not available at the gate. More information: www.cheesefestival.co.za
The Lamberts Bay Crayfish and Cultural Festival runs from 22 – 25 April, and offers crayfish at R 70, which includes salad, potatoes and a choice of two sauces. Oysters will also be available at R 10 each. Paella will be served at beach restaurant Muisbosskerm. More than 100 stalls will be set up, and a new addition is the Music Festival, which includes performers such as Steve Hofmeyer, Thys die Bosveld Klong and DJ Ossewa, amongst others! Ticket prices change per day of week, and range from R 40 – R 140. More information: www.kreeffees.com
The Riebeek Valley Olive Festival takes place for the 10th year in Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West from 30 April – 2 May. Olives are prepared and presented in numerous ways, to taste and to eat, as are the excellent wines, especially shiraz and ports (Allesverloren in particular), from the region. No entry fee. More information: www.riebeekvalley.info
The Prince Albert Olive Festival is only two days long, on 30 April and 1 May, and is a celebration in honour of the Prince Albert valley and what is produced from it, focusing on olives. Entertainment is offered with the play “Dinner for one”, “antique” films will be screened, open gardens can be viewed, historical walks are offered, and a half marathon has been organised. African Relish is offering a Cookery Course. More information : www.patourism.co.za
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com