Good Food and Wine Show

Yes, it was that time of the year again, and I spent my Sunday afternoon browsing through the many exhibits...  This year saw a large increase in wine representation, and I saw a few estates that I did not even know existed!  The food side lacked serious imagination - same-old-same-old...  Other than the goodie bag you received on arrival (see above), where was the inspiration?!  However...

There were a few ingenious things for sale, like a little stainless steel do-it-yourself braai grid that assembles in 10 minutes, and fits into a zipper bag the width of a normal business card and the approximate length of a ruler.  What a great thing to have when you're out in the bush a lot.  I was fantasising about sunsets on the Karoo farm, fires in the dry river bed, cooking right there...  Definitely something I will consider buying.

The Cape Town School of Design...now this was something different!  These were youngsters with a twist...  I bought this product on the left - it is called "hookd" and it seriously clever!  If you like it, you can contact the team to order yours.  Another great idea was "team bunny" - check out their Blog...

Then there was a young guy who bakes the most exquisite little cakes.  I stopped to chat with him, and he was explaining how he  trained to be a chef, but that he wasn't inspired by what he ended up doing, and decided that there had to be more beautiful things in this crazy world.  So he started his own business and makes these creations - you can find him at the fresh produce market in Stellenbosch on Saturdays.  This one was my favourite... 

For the rest, I am sad to announce, I was left with a feeling that I am glad I attended, but sad about the offerings.  Our Neighbourhood Goods Market on Saturdays inspires me much more, and I can't wait for next weekend to get there and restore my faith...

So I can say: I went.  I saw.  I conquered my feeling of disappointment by enjoying a glass of De Grendel Rosé when I got home.

We live in hope for next year...

Comments

[Sophia]

You're right, Rosemary! With all the markets and specialist food stores, I guess we are spoilt for choice. Glad you enjoyed it!

Nina, glad you found me too! Let's stay in touch...

Sophia

[Rosemary Gough]

This was my first show, so I was very impressed. But I guess it is like any annual show, it must be hard to have 1000 new exhibitors every year. The same happened with the Design for Living.

[nn]

Aahh!!! Finally a fellow SA blogger. I came to your site via Cooksister and was over the moon. I went to the Food Show last week and decided to give it a pass for a few years for the same reasons you have stated. I was booked to go and see Rachel Allen and ended up cooking with the Giggling Gourmet. If you are not her friend I will tell you more about that event. I have written to a few magazines trying to determine if blogging and foodie websites are as big here as in the UK and USA, but no luck. Perhaps you can help. I am so glad I found you....