ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - The countdown has officially begun for the 17th edition of Gourmets & Gourmands, following a vibrant media launch hosted on 21 May at Bee Botanique.
If the atmosphere at last week’s launch event is anything to go by, guests can expect an unforgettable evening of culinary artistry, cultural flair and community spirit when the Southern Cape’s flagship food fundraiser returns to Carpe Diem School on Saturday 25 July.
This year’s theme, “Moon over Morocco”, promises a sensory celebration inspired by the rich flavours, colours and traditions of the North African nation. Diners are encouraged to dress according to the theme while taking their seats in a transformed hall designed to capture the magic of Morocco.
Gourmets & Gourmands is an annual gala evening and fundraiser where tables of 11 guests are treated to a specially curated four-course dining experience by some of the Garden Route’s top chefs and culinary teams. While every edition revolves around a chosen destination or concept, 2026 marks the first time an African country will inspire the event’s menu and décor.
Participating restaurants and culinary teams will each create their own interpretation of Moroccan-inspired cuisine, combining signature cooking styles with themed table settings and carefully selected wines.
Restaurant and media representatives at the launch of Gourmets & Gourmands.
Guests can expect a fusion of Moorish and Mediterranean flavours, with dishes inspired by traditional Moroccan cuisine known for fragrant spices, slow-cooked meats, sweet-and-savoury pairings and communal-style dining.
Addressing invited media and sponsors at the launch, co-organiser Alewijn Dippenaar shared insight into the culinary inspiration behind this year’s theme.
“Morocco is famous for its rich, aromatic cuisine. Top foods include tagine – slow-cooked with meat, vegetables and spices – and couscous, while msemen and harira count among street-food favourites,” he said.
“From fresh seafood to sweet pastilla, Moroccan cuisine is the epitome of an African flavour adventure.”
Dippenaar also highlighted Morocco’s famous mint tea tradition, colourful medinas and bustling souks, all of which will influence the atmosphere of the evening.
Participating this year are 101 Meade, Francois Ferreira Academy ntertainment on the evening will include performances by the Carpe Diem Marimba Band, while chefs and their teams will once again transform the school quad into a series of bustling pop-up kitchens.
Rochelle Oosthuizen and Dylan Heydra from Wild Route Restaurant Group.
Convenor Wern van der Watt introduced participating chefs and sponsors during the launch event, where media partners and long-standing supporters gathered to celebrate the upcoming edition.
Among the sponsors returning this year are Hartman & Sons, joined by partners including El Sole, Blitzdruk and Root Coffee.
Hartman sales executive Dave Redelinghuys thanked chefs for their passion and dedication, while also paying tribute to the late Francois Ferreira, founder of the event.
While Gourmets & Gourmands has become one of the Garden Route’s premier culinary showcases, it remains foremost a fundraiser supporting the vital work of Carpe Diem School and its programmes for children with special needs.
For more information, contact Mimi on 084 583 3144 or Carpe Diem School on 044 874 4074.
Press release issued on behalf of Carpe Diem School by interface by goji.
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