Discover the vibrant dining, leisure and lifestyle exhibits that The Mercury Festival of Fine Living has on display at the 2011 Pietermaritzburg Royal Show, which runs from May 27 to June 5.
KZN Tourism, the sponsor of the demo kitchen, will be hosting a line-up of South African and local culinary artists. For the first time on these shores, bush cook, traveller, presenter and lover of life, Justin Bonello will demonstrate his signature dishes and share his philosophy on the food we eat in a talk entitled “The Great Food Hoodwink”.
Other “foodie experts” who will be blending a mix of international and local flavours include pastry chef extraordinaire Chris Xolo from Zimbali Lodge, chef Renaldo Abraham from The Palm Royal and the talented team from 1 000 Hills Chef School.
With all that talk about food it is time to test some new taste sensations on the pantry shelves at this year’s Mercury Festival of Fine Living Hall. Savour smoked kalamata olives steeped in extra virgin olive oil, with vanilla, at Romesco Olives. Stroll across to Laharna Farms for the best in organic olive and rosemary chutneys and hot sweet chilli sauces. Keeping things organic, Mush Rush dried mushrooms offer a new and unique take on funky fungi. To finish off, put together a creamy goat and cow’s milk cheese platter from Flavourex.
Stock up with what’s in season at the Durban Fresh Product Market with the finest in quality fruit and vegetables.
Kish Mish, Halimas Pickles and Rayyan Cuisine with a range of pre-blended, MSG free masalas, will show you how to add zing to meal planning.
For those with a sweeter tooth check out Exquisite Bakery, Canovi Sugar by Design and Tasha’s Fantastic Fudge.
No fine dining experience would be complete without the best in refreshments. KWV invite you to taste their award-winning brandies paired with a range of Lindt chocolates – the ultimate in pure indulgence.
Stop off at the Ceres Beverage Company and sample their vitality enriched Wild Island Kick Cordial and Liqui Fruit thirst quenchers.
Whet the appetite with what’s on offer when it comes to the latest in hi-tech kitchen gadgetry, cookware and storage at Tupperware Quality for Life, Eurodirect Marketing and Verimark.
New and exclusive at this year’s show is Sweepros’s Range of eco-friendly, ceramic-coated cookware.
Talking of savings, visit the Woolworths stand and find out how you can benefit financially from a variety of their incentive and reward products offered to loyal customers.
Keeping with the Mercury Festival of Fine Living’s theme of promoting fine dining, leisure and lifestyle, Virgin Active will be on hand to show how staying fit can also be fun.
After all that talk of exercise it is time to think about pampering yourself. The award-winning Karkloof Spa has just what the doctor ordered. Talk to the spa’s therapists about what this best-kept secret of African sanctuaries can deliver when it comes five-star rest and relaxation.
Feeling rejuvenated, what about future holiday plans? Tour the Royal Show’s own “Mini Indaba”. Explore the world with City of Choice Travel, who promise that any travel experience will revitalise the mind, body and soul.
ATKV-Natalia, Champagne Sports Resorts, Richards Bay Caravan Park, Protea Hotels Imrubu Lodge and The Richards add to your choice of getaway options.
Before packing those travel bags and leaving for that well- earned break, be sure to check out all the other innovative displays on your journey through the Royal Show’s Mercury Festival of Fine Living Hall. - The Mercury
Show Information
May 27 to June 5
Cost Adults, R45; senior citizens, R25; under-12s, R25; pre-schoolers, free. Wednesday June 1 – R25 for everyone.
Parking Voortrekker Sports Fields and Townhill Hospital field. R15 a car. - The Mercury