International cuisine delights at Food Festival

 

Fairgrounds Holdings hosted its first-ever Food Festival this past Saturday and attracted foodies and fun lovers across culture and race. Revelers got the chance to sample cuisine from Botswana, Cuba, Ghana, China and Nigeria among others, as well as browse and buy from fashion, crafts and toy stalls. While the adults relaxed and mingled over food and drinks, the little ones were treated to face painting and happily played on the jumping castle.

In an interview with BG Style, Fairgrounds Marketing Manager, Thabo Mogomotsi said that they were pleased with the turn up on the day, considering that this was their first event. She also said that they would figure ways to improve the festival next year. “We have identified where we can improve and will work hard to make it a more memorable event the next time around,” she said.

Mogomotsi also expressed gratitude towards stakeholders who came on board, noting that their belief in the concept was a positive pat on the shoulder and signified that they shared their vision to promote food tourism, as well as showcase local brands and talent.

“We wanted to create a platform for food, culture and entertainment sectors to showcase their products and services to the public and we did just that. We hope that in future more companies and stakeholders will come on board.” The highlight of the day was the cooking competition.

Members of the Botswana Chefs Association were given time to prepare a delicious three-course meal with fresh foods and two hours later, revelers gushed at the finished meals on display, that reflected their culinary skill, creativity and flair. The MC for the day, Comfort ‘Big Fish’ Ramatebele kept guests entertained throughout the day.

VIP guests were treated to delectable finger foods and dessert. The calamari were too dry and overcooked but I enjoyed the spicy fish balls while the beef kebabs paired well with red wine. I also sampled food I had never eaten before such as artichokes, a delicious thistle that looks like cabbage and was impressed by the blend of flavours. I also enjoyed nikuman, a Japanese snack of small bun with succulent meat stuffed in the centre.

In the late afternoon, most revelers shifted to the KBL marquee and were treated to sundowners from brands such as Budweiser, Peroni, Redds and Belgium premium lager beer Stella Artois, which I fell in love with at first gulp. The waitresses ensured that the drinks flowed like a perennial river in between serving yummy finger treats and water, and once the festival ended in the early evening most guests were sated and well-oiled with involuntary smiles plastered on their faces.