Tasteful kitchen demonstrations performed by culinary experts using the latest in quality kitchenware at the Gourmet Cooking Theatre will whet the appetite of all visitors to this year’s Decorex Cape Town -co-sponsored by Plascon and Caesarstone – from 27 to 30 April.
The Gourmet Cooking Theatre welcomes entertaining local chefs, all of whom will provide home-inspired talks while performing useful cooking demonstrations. The delectable meals will all be created in a trendy kitchen installation with classy countertops sponsored by Caesarstone and the beautiful sink and tap installations sponsored by Franke SA.
Among the esteemed line-up is the multi-talented food entertainer, entrepreneur and blogger, Claire Allen – also known as the ‘Skinny Chef’ of the ‘Short Chef Skinny Chef’ live show. Claire is instantly recognisable from her celebrity chef features on daily programmes, Expresso and Afternoon Express, and has contributed an endless number of delectable recipes to several publications and broadcast media. Her blog, Food Is Love, which launched after she appeared on the third season of MasterChef South Africa, has seen her travel the globe seeking enhanced tastes and innovative recipes.
Assisting Claire Allen with one of her demonstrations will be Margaret Hirsch, well-known businesswomen and Chief Operations Executive of Hirsch’s. Alongside her husband, Allan, Margaret established the chain of mega-appliance and home furnishing stores across South Africa, all with a strong focus on customer service.
Owner of renowned Paarl winery, Painted Wolf Wines, is food and drink connoisseur, Jeremy Borg, who will also be featuring at the Gourmet Cooking Theatre. Jeremy and wife, Emma, started the iconic vineyard as a means to celebrate a shared passion for wine and conservation. The Painted Wolf Wine is named for the African wild dog, which is one of the recipients of the couple’s conservation efforts. Their exceptional taste is mirrored in the many accolades attributed to Painted Wolf Wine over the years including The British Airways trophy for top Shiraz at the Old Mutual wine show; the ABSA Top 10 Pinotage winner and the Guillermo Pinotage 2010 was chosen by American wine enthusiasts as one of the Top 100 wines for 2013 – selected from more than 16 000 wines. Intimate knowledge of wine and food pairings continues to drive Jeremy’s palate, always seeking better recipes which will be shared at the Gourmet Cooking Theatre.
The innovative executive chef of Benguela on Main, Jean Delport, will also expand the audience’s knowledge on perfect food and wine pairings, bringing in his classic French and English cuisine training. This culinary crusader learnt the trade at the Zevenwacht Chef School where he received the Patissier Award in 2007 and Best Overall Student Award in his second year in 2008. He has worked at top South African eateries including Rust en Vrede, Terroir, Cassia, Equus Dine at Cavalli, as well as at Killeen House Hotel in Ireland. Delport ensures only the freshest local ingredients are used in his kitchen, with well-worn recipes constantly reinvented and menus constantly changed. For Delport, perfection will constantly be sought with every meal better than the last.
Leaders in the mobile beverage industry, Thirst for Life will demonstrate exactly why they boast one of the best training facilities for up-and-coming barmen while providing unmatched service at events across the country. Visitors will be drenched in exceptional libation-making presentations with representatives showing the simple steps needed to create a tantalising signature cocktail, nutritionally delectable smoothies and juices, barista-level cappuccinos and the truly unique Thirst Las Palates Artisan Lollies – an exciting fusion of traditional ice cream, frozen yoghurt and fresh fruit juice.
Warming things up will be award-winning barista, and owner of Lineage Coffee in Hillcrest, Craig Charity. The 2013 South African Barista Champion and competitor in the 2014 World Barista Championships – placed 15th – indicates his intimate knowledge of all things caffeine. These insights, garnered from working for more than a decade in the world of coffee, will certainly filter through to the captivated audience.
On the other side of the temperature gauge is the demonstration by representatives from Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream (N2ice Cream). Additive-free, preservative-free and emulsifier-free, the decadent treat is blended and frozen within 60 seconds using a blast of liquid nitrogen at an incredibly low -196 degrees. This delicious dessert uses fresh ingredients and is ideal for those on a low-carb or low-sugar diet.
Don’t miss out on great recipe ideas while learning about the latest in kitchen utensils at the Gourmet Cooking Theatre happening at Decorex Cape Town from 27 to 30 April.
Decorex SA details:
Decorex Cape Town: 27 – 30 April 2017
Time: 10am – 6pm daily
Ticket prices: Adults: R95, Pensioners: R85, Children under 12: R20
Venue: Cape Town International Conference Centre
