Words & Photo: Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, which runs from 4 - 13 July 2014 this year, is one of South Africa’s most anticipated winter festivals. For 31 years the festival has proven its appeal to fitness fanatics and families; but judging from the size of the food and wine programme this year, it’s clear the Festival has become just as popular among those of us who prefer a different kind of sport…!
SPICY SOPHISTICATION AT SIMOLA HOTEL AND SPA
Awarded the American Express Platinum award for fine dining, visitors can look forward to the following events at the Simola Hotel and Spa:
4 July: Seafood Extravaganza, priced at R220 per person. Guests will be treated to a sumptuous selection of over 24 different dishes, including curries, prawns, sushi, assorted breads, salads and desserts, all prepared by award-winning Executive Chef, Delia Clarke.
5 July: Those with a taste for global favours will love the Curries of the World dinner.
11 July: Whisky & Food Pairing Evening.
For more information contact Simola on 044 302 9600 or email .
TURBINE HOTEL AND SPA DOES IT IN PAIRS
The Turbine Hotel and Spa will be pulling out all the stops this year when it plays host to four events:
5 July: Aperol Spritz Cocktail Evening.
6 July: Port & Sherry Dessert Pairing, presented by Jane Simon, Wine Ambassador.
8 July: Glenfiddich Whisky & Food Pairing.
10 July: Bubbly & Oyster Pairing.
For more information contact the Turbine Hotel on 044 302 5746 or email .
CRUISE TO LIVE JAZZ ON KNYSNA LAGOON
6 July: For one special night only, climb aboard the Paddle Cruiser for a Glenfiddich Whisky & Live Jazz Cruise. With limited space, advance booking for this sell-out event is essential. Contact Dianne Peplar on 044 382 1693 or email .
COMMUNITY CHEFS IN ACTION
7 – 11 July: For a showcase of the Knysna Green Chefs using home-grown ingredients, pop in to Knysna Tourism on Main Street from 10am-3:30pm, or for more treats prepared by local gourmands visit the Local Design & Food Market on 10 July.
KNYSNA WINE FESTIVAL
7 & 8 July: See all the latest Mercedes models; sample delicious cheeses from Fairview and Ganzvlei and taste some of South Africa's most premium wines.
You’ll also find the Night Market adjacent to the Wine Festival, along with a selection of gourmet foods, clothing, craft stalls and live entertainment. Tickets to the Knysna Wine Festival are priced at R100 per person and include wine tastings, a keepsake tasting glass, and wine guide. For more information contact: Gavin Hobson on 074 657 6176 or email .
THE PICK N PAY KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL FLAVOURS OF KNYSNA SERVED WITH TABASCSO®
9 July: Perhaps the most anticipated gourmet event of all, the event comprises wine tastings and a showcase of the region’s most creative oyster dishes.
THE PICK N PAY KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL SHUCKLE
10 July: This hugely entertaining comedy evening will feature the oyster eating and shucking competitions, emceed by everyone’s favourite funnymen, Kurt Schoonraad and Stuart Taylor.
A reasonably priced shuttle service is on offer throughout the festival, so there is no reason – or excuse – to drink and drive. To pre-book your shuttle service, contact Orbit Tours on 072 377 3563 or email . Registration costs and ticket prices vary for each event. For more information, including the complete Festival Programme, please visit www.pnpoysterfestival.co.za or contact Knysna Tourism at 044 382 5510.
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