African Relish

African Relish has developed its Karoo-characteristic culinary tourism undertaking over the past 18 months and hosted its inaugural event during July in its hometown of Prince Albert. The project is the first of its kind in South Africa offering experiential getaways together with exclusive cooking courses for the discerning tourist.

Text continues below the image gallery...

                                                                                       

In the South African outback; the semi-desert rangeland of the Karoo, at the base of the Swartberg Mountains lies the oasis town of Prince Albert. With clear mountain water in canals on the kerbs, farm holdings that verge the town; olive, almond and fig groves, vegetable and herb gardens, and the dairy. This is where culinary adventurers discover African Relish recreational cooking school.

“What brings cooking to life? What is delightful in a simple kitchen tool? Get engrossed in the process of bread making. Immerse yourself in the details of an intricate recipe. Discover the outdoor walks, farms, and orchards of local producers” … so co-founders Philip & Lisa Key describe African Relish. “Spend a couple of nights mastering a winter banquet; an intensive week with skilled chefs learning how to make jams, preserves and marmalades or spend some time at the chefs table discussing techniques and trends” continues partner Jeremy Freemantle.

And so the guests at African Relish have decisions to make. Which course to go on, how long to stay?

African Relish Recreational Cooking School has been developed to embrace the magic and mystery of cooking, as a culinary tourism product it offers the chance to spend time in the kitchen with great chefs, explore the landscape, gather fresh ingredients for the next cookery course and of course spend time with good company over leisurely meals.

The African Relish experience is not just about a cooking school it also meets the adventurous needs of the traveler whilst at the same time introducing and teaching cooking skills. The magnificent culinary hall is equipped to a very high specification and can accommodate up to 16 hands-on culinary students. African Relish is open as a restaurant on weekends. Smaller functions such as weddings and anniversaries can be catered for, as well as corporate teambuilding.

Well known resident chef, Vanie Padayachee, previously of Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, le Quartier Francais in Franschhoek and most recently of Fushi Cuisine in Plettenberg Bay adds “Our specially designed courses will teach dishes that reflect the numerous influences of South African cuisine such as Dutch, Indonesian, British, Asian and Jewish, as well as basics like bread-making, knife skills, and specialist courses such as chocolate and ice-cream making. We are also developing a heritage kitchen based on a traditional Cape Karoo style. This facility will be used to rediscover old methods of food preparation and culinary customs such as butter churning, jam making over an open fire and age-old methods of preserving and curing. The intention is to recreate an authentic culinary experience in a time-honored context”.

In introducing the concept of culinary tourism, African Relish has developed a foodie itinerary that covers the tastes and flavors of South Africa’s gastronomic delights. An extended culinary route may also include a stay at one of their associates’ lodges and some cooking lessons right on the beautiful Cape beaches preparing delicious seafood menus or familiarizing themselves with the bush where they will have the opportunity to cook with safari chefs.

To find out more visit our website: www.africanrelish.com email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +27 23 5411381