The excitement is almost palpable as the much-anticipated East Coast Radio House + Garden Show taking place at the Durban Exhibition Centre kicks off on Friday, 24 June 2022. Even more so with the announcement of the masks’ regulation being terminated. It seems fitting that after the two-year Covid-induced break, that the stars have aligned just in time for the 40th celebration of the show, which boasts the ultimate showcase of ultra-modern décor and design, palate wetting flavours, inspiration, and demonstrations, and so much more for the whole family to enjoy.
“The show is so close, you can almost taste it. We are particularly excited about this year’s Foodie Fair, which is ready to set fans tastebuds ablaze with a buffet of food and drinks choices to discover. It will be a celebration of local artisanal food and businesses as we welcome back some foodie favourite exhibitors – some of whom have re-invented themselves – as well as new businesses & dishes created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year is especially significant, as we are showcasing businesses and vendors who would normally use events as a main platform for their livelihood. We are honoured to part of this trend once again,”says Cairey Baxter-Bruce, East Coast Radio House + Garden Show Director.
Local Foodie Fair mean business
Visitors of the show can walk the aisles and discover local smells and flavours from the likes of Lemonlicious, The Noodle Boss, The Vegan Chef, Maverick & Jane, Simply Olives, Smokin’ Barrel, Toti Brewery and so many more. And if that’s not already getting the public’s tongues wagging, then the live music entertainment at the Gin Bar will, along with an onsite ‘Chilli Eating Challenge’ involving the public and local celebrities going head-to-head (or heat-to-heat) on Saturday 25th June 2022.
Can you handle the heat?!
Local comedian and actor, Aaron McIlroy, has been asking fans this week on social media if they can handle the heat this year as he invites them to take part in the official Chilli Eating Challenge with The Creative Gourmet – one of this year’s Foodie Fair traders. The actual challenge where 10 finalists will be facing off is taking place on Saturday, 25 June 2022 and winners stand a chance to walk away with amazing prizes from The Creative Gourmet, Beko, and Dawood Megastore KZN. Let the games begin!
World Bunny Chow Day celebrated
While some like it hot, others might like it mild – but local curries are lekker and central to this year’s World Bunny Chow Day that Hirsch’s is celebrating at this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show. In the build-up to the show, Hirsch’s have been calling on bunny chow fans to submit on Facebook their favourite recipes and a photo of their creation. Selected finalists will be asked to make their favourite bunny chow at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show on Saturday 2nd of July at the DEFY Experience Kitchen at the Celebrity Chef stand. Judges Allan Hirsch, Chef Deena Naidoo, and MasterChef’s Dr. Harri will select the winners. Don’t miss out on this fun, sensorial attraction.
Discover Durban Cuisine
And while some might be discovering their new favourite bunny chow recipe – others can discover the best Durban has to offer in the Discover Durban Cuisine Theatre brought to you by Durban Tourism and Beko. Food lovers can expect to feast their eyes on a number of mouth-watering demonstrations that include demos by featured chefs from Durban Tourism Chefs, MasterChef South Africa’s very first winner – Chef Deena Naidoo, Chilli Chocolate Chefs, globally renowned Chef Jackie Cameron from the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine, The Chefs Table’s Executive Chef – Mathew Armbruster, 9th Avenue Waterside Executive Chef – Andile Ndlovu and media personality and food-fanatic Tee Xaba. As a featured Chef at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show since 2012, Chef Deena is looking forward to sharing his journey and passion with those in his hometown of Durban.
From TV Shows to developing culinary product ranges, cookbooks, roadshows and awards, Chef Deena brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the show, and this year will be no different. “I’ve noticed that kids as young as 6 years old have developed a keen interest in the food culture,” says Naidoo. “So my intention this year is to focus on assisting these youngsters to further develop their culinary skills and passion for food by inviting them onstage to cook alongside me.”
Along with discovering new tips and tricks from the exciting culinary demonstrations due to be taking place, visitors of the show can also walk away with some impressive prizes from the selection of online and on-site cooking competitions. Get your tickets online this week and receive a complimentary slice of cake, redeemable from any Chateaux Gateaux store. This year’s 40th celebration of the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is brought to you by Durban Tourism. For more information about the show, visit the website www.housegardenshow.co.za