Good food and wine at the Dome

Africa's largest culinary event launched with a ‘Fresh’ theme as Joburgers flocked to the dome to get their taste buds tantalised

August 15, 2016

SHERNOVIA REDDY 4 minutes read

BREAD: Albany Bread made a spectacular display with expired bread.

AFRICA’S largest culinary event launched with a “Fresh” theme as Joburgers flocked to the dome to get their taste buds tantalised by what this year’s Good Food and Wine Show had to bring to the table.

It’s all about the prevailing global obsession with sustainability and a healthier planet, and it’s inspired by the global trend for urban farming and the gradual urbanisation of rural contexts.

This, the golden thread throughout the Johannesburg show, is expressed through innovative culinary experiences, a variety of themes and programmes, and the shows selection of chefs.

Kicking off in July, the show welcomed the likes of George Calombaris (chef, restaurateur, and ‘MasterChef’ co-judge), Matt Moran (renowned Australian chef and restaurateur), Neill Anthony (the private chef and ‘Top Chef South Africa’ judge), Jenny Morris (The Giggling Gourmet), Sarah Graham (food writer and TV host), J’something (award-winning musician and wannabe chef) and Siba Mtongana (Food Network celebrity chef and author).

#RelivingMoments @goodfoodsa shared stage with @chefmattmoran @jsomethingmusic @sarahgrahamfood @gcalombaris ❤️❤️🍴 pic.twitter.com/QvmBIyRP3S

— Siba Mtongana (@SibaMtongana) August 6, 2016

Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa (FMEA) was founded in South Africa in 2012, where Fiera Milano S.p.A acquired 75% of the Good Food and Wine Show. Since 2015, Fiera Milano S.p.A, a listed company, has attained 100% ownership of the South African branch. Fiera Milano is the leading exhibition group in Italy and one of the top in the world.

The newly appointed general manager of FMEA, Maria Chieppa (from Italy), is responsible for spearheading the Good Food and Wine Show.

Speaking to the us, Chieppa said that this year the main focus for the Good Food and Wine Show is to create a story and together with the main team to produce “Fresh” local content.

“We have a major team that focuses on various areas in the show, some being in lifestyle, international food, houseware, food design, wine, technology, etc. The chefs have partnered with us this year to bring forward an even bigger and better show than last year. We have a children’s area and the show is now even more family friendly, there is a wellness theatre and seating area showing foodie movies,” said Chieppa.

With nine theatres and approximately 200 stands, this year’s show was spectacular with an all-new baking theatre and cake decor lab.

Already planning for next year, Chieppa said it is going to be even bigger, with many more new exhibitors already on board.

“With new exhibitors on board next year, it is going to be as entertaining and educational and interactive. I encourage people to come and experience foods from abroad and international foods,” said Chieppa.

At the Albany Bakery stand was celebrity chef Sherwyn Weaich, who is the owner of the Gourmet Bushie and also competed as a finalist in the internationally acclaimed Ultimate Braai Master Season 3 in 2014 and was placed within the quarter finals in MasterChef South Africa Season 2 in 2012. Shadowing him was the lively yet shy Andiswa Mthethwa, whose dream is to study pastry and one day go to France.

CHEF SHERWYN WEAICH AT THE GFWS:

Siba’s story:

South African celebrity chef, food journalist and enthusiast Siba Mtongana is best known as the host of the Food Network show ‘Siba’s Table’. Also speaking to the us, her bubbly personality and passion emerged as she spoke of her journey in the cooking industry.

Mtongana has been involved with the show for over five years now and she went from studying Food Science in Cape Town to being the assistant food editor of ‘Drum’ magazine and finally hosting her first show, ‘Cooking with Siba’ in 2010. As an up-and-coming chef, she looks up to the likes of British food legend Delia Smith, host of ‘Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten’, and Dorah Sitole, who she also had the pleasure of working with.

The internationally renowned chef shared her recipe for success for her show with us saying, “The show offers something for everyone using simple, easy and accessible ingredients. Siba’s recipes relate.”

She highlighted the professionalism that she works with on her show on the Food Network that allows her the international exposure she has received. “Food Network has not spared a cent to make sure the show is the best,” she said. From a format “that just works” to working with the best production team in the industry that also films for the likes of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.

A lot of research goes into creating each episode of ‘Siba’s Table’. “You have to understand people and their mindsets to be able to recreate ideas and themes for the show,” she said.

For all those who wish to recreate some of Siba’s delicious recipes, she offers this simple advice: “If you can read, you can cook. It is also a matter of feeling and judgement and that is common sense.” Her cookbook, ‘Welcome To My Table’, is available at Woolworths for R490.

She revealed that her favourite dish is chicken because it is versatile and her favourite meal is seafood or anything Asian because it offers the perfect harmony of sweet, sour and hot chilli.

“Cooking is an art and a science in itself, I love that interaction,” she concluded.

Interview with Siba by Sithembile Zulu.

FOOD BANK TWITTER:

The @foodbanksa stand at #GFWS2016 JHB sponsored by us raised enough funds to feed 52 people for a year. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/24S93w4d8h

— Good Food&Wine Show (@goodfoodSA) August 10, 2016