Words: Catherine Black | Images: Supplied
Sandra Jardim, general manager, Fire & Feast Meat Festival, says, “Our love of food – meat especially, but particularly braaiing – is what makes South Africans come together no matter their age or race.”
The event, now in its second year, will be held from 8 to 10 June at the Ticketpro Dome in Randburg. This means it takes place just a week before Father’s Day, making it a great day out for the braaimaster dad in your life.
The event’s main feature is its variety of “meat theatres”, including the Sparta Beef Theatre, the Poultry Theatre brought to you by County Fair and Festive, the SAPPO Pork Tasting Room and the Lamb & Mutton SA Theatre, where you’ll learn all there is to know about preparing every kind of meat you can think of.
And, of course, what’s a South African meat gathering without a braai? The “Braaitology” area will showcase some of the best chefs preparing and cooking braai dishes. You’ll also be able to learn more about meat preparation from South Africa’s World Butchers’ Challenge team, fresh from competing at the illustrious event in Ireland. They’ll use the festival platform to showcase their craft in a friendly braai challenge.
But it’s not just about meat – the festival will also feature accompanying elements such as chilli, sauces, spices, alcohol and braai accessories.
The MyBraai Meat & Wine Pairing Theatre will feature chefs along with Leopard’s Leap sommeliers discussing the perfect wines to complement beef, pork, lamb and chicken. And don’t miss the Jack Daniel’s Man Cave area, where men can take time out to get inked, enjoy a haircut and shave in the barber’s chair and find the latest petrol-head accessories.
If you’re interested in buying what you see, there’ll be a variety of butchers and food vendors selling marinated pork ribs, chicken wings, Wagyu beef and more. This, together with the live bands and DJs, promises to be a really festive event for meat lovers. Tickets are R100 for adults, R80 for pensioners and R20 for children.
For more information on the Fire & Feast Festival, phone 011 549 8300 or visit the website.
