GEORGE NEWS - There is something wonderfully familiar when entering the Carpe Diem foyer for each year’s Gourmets & Gourmands gala fundraiser: the red carpet and festive décor, guests’ gorgeous outfits and the flash of cameras capturing it all for posterity.
When gathering at the school on Saturday night August 3, hosts and guests and chefs and their crews were all dressed according to G&G24’s Mardi Gras Masquerade theme, which was not only reflected in table decorations and attire, but also incorporated in each four-course menu presented to more than 200 diners by 20 of the district’s top restaurants.
Once inside the covered quad, armed with a glass of Donegal wine or gin cocktail supplied by Grundheim’s historic distillery, guests were treated to the sultry sounds of Outeniqua High School’s jazz band, before words of welcome by CDS principal Elzeth Grobler.
She also introduced the school’s marimba band and participated in a spirited performance of the band’s eclectic repertoire.
Beautifully adorned tables seating 10 each filled the school hall and in-between courses, entertainment included a performance by Carpe Diem dancers and the popular auction of priceless lots by master of his trade Frederick Bekker of Bekker Auctioneers. MC Wern van der Watt of Nina’s Café introduced those who took to the stage – among them sponsors Andries Hartman and Kevin de Beer of Standard Bank.
Hartmans is a household name in George and Andries has been a patron of Carpe Diem School forever.
“After all these years it’s still heart-warming to see what the George community will do to further Carpe Diem’s cause. There is so much love in this room, from the guests to the chefs to each Carpe Diem staff member – the silent heroes of Gourmets & Gourmands,” he said.
Many other businessfolk again provided support for this 15th anniversary of the Southern Cape’s best-loved culinary gathering.
As is always the case, Xerox printed beautiful menus et al to complement the Mardi Gras theme in vibrant colour; Ciro had a team and mobile stand on hand to keep coffeeholics sated throughout the evening; Fancy Functions transformed the venue into a vibrant carnival scene.
But setting this event apart from other swanky fundraisers is the giving spirit shared by all participating chefs and restaurateurs, the majority of whom provide their time and expertise at no cost.
2024 Gourmets & Gourmands - participating restaurants.jpg
The fact that their activities – prepping and stirring, chopping and plating – all take place right in front of the admiring crowd mingling in the quad, is unique to Gourmets & Gourmands.
It’s a rare pleasure to be dragged into the mini-kitchens of Il Giardino and Serendipity, to ‘come savour our veal ossobuco’ or ‘come see our crayfish pot’.
The former is a first-time participant while the latter is part of the G&G furniture by now, but the camaraderie between chefs and kitchen teams of all restaurants on the night was a joy to behold once more.
Many of these establishments – The Fat Fish, 101 on Meade, Portobello and Ilali, Nina’s Café and Soete Nina’s, Salinas, Meade Café, Frankly Fresh, Apprentice/Francois Ferreira Academy – have been on board before.
Creative Palette travelled all the way from Van Wyksdorp for the purpose while Jakkalsvlei and Garden Route Game Lodge trekked from Albertinia.
Mossel Bay was represented by Carola Ann’s, Peperboom and Salt & Copper; Fancourt’s La Cantina and Monet’s joined the fray for the first time; everyone presented next-level dishes! Small wonder then that the event was once again accredited by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs –an international association of gastronomy established in over 75 countries worldwide.
Every contribution on the night will allow Carpe Diem School to keep its doors open so that more than 400 learners can receive special care from the 106 staff that dedicate their skills to uplift lives.
Funds raised during G&G24 will help fixing fire damage to one of the school buildings and assist learner transport, among many others. Click on carpediemskool.co.za to find out more.
Photos: Supplied
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