Appetite fest returns with Australian Masterchef judges

Appetite fest is back at Times Square for a second year and returning with the event are Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Shannon Bennett of MasterChef Australia.

The festival promises to be even bigger than last year’s event, which saw thousands flocking through the doors to experience dozens of stalls, stands and events that were all related to cooking, eating and drinking. Times Square became a near carnival dedicated to food and eating, and it was almost too popular.

“Last year was a huge learning curve for us. We have widened the aisles, creating more space for people to move, and have also increased the number of stalls on offer to almost 180,” explained Brett Hoppé, the General Manager at Time Square at the event’s media launch last week.

In addition to offering a wide range of exhibitors including craft brewers and distillers, artisanal food producers, premium drink brands and award-winning wineries Appetite fest is set to bring back the cooking theatres, which enthralled the crowds in 2018.

“We have made the stages smaller, but have made a lot more space for people to sit down and enjoy the show, as after last year we know that more people than expected are eager to improve their culinary skills,”  said Hoppé.

“We have extended the Appetite Fest by a day, made it a springtime event and cooked up an array of new experiences that festival-goers are going to love. Amongst these are the ‘Cooking with…’ workshops where food enthusiasts will have the opportunity to actively cook alongside some of South Africa’s celebrity chefs,” he added.

The MasterChef Australia judges will also be hosting Master Classes on cooking so fans can not only improve their skills but get to meet their favourite judges.

Outside the arena itself numerous gourmet food trucks will be offering a variety of street food, while comedians, DJs and bands will all be performing to keep the atmosphere light, fun and festive. Further parents need not worry as children will be cared for in a safe and entertaining, access controlled, “Kids Zone” staffed by child-minders. Activities include jumping castles, go-karting, jungle gyms, ball pit, face painting, children’s cooking theatre, coordination games and their very own kid’s food court.

Appetite Fest will be running from 9 am to 9 pm every day from the 13th to the 15th of September. Tickets are available at Computicket and cost between R60 and R450 each dependent on which options are selected.

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