Culture: Dine with a local

Advertorial

GEORGE NEWS - "Dine with a Local" is intended to treat visitors to a meal in a local home, but visitors are rewarded with so much more - an entirely authentic cultural experience.

One of the hosts, Mama Nolusindiso Gila, lives with her family in Thembalethu, a densely populated and vibrant community where dilapidated shacks, make-shift barber shops and bustling taverns sit side by side.

Arriving at their home, we are greeted by joyful giggling as a troupe of tiny dancers surround us. The African spirit of hospitality is already on display. Mama Sindy greets us warmly with the traditional African handshake and we are offered some Amarhewu.

Our dining table features bright yellow shweshwe fabric and paintings by local artists adorn the walls of the home. The first course is chicken giblets in a spicy vegetable broth served with traditional steamed bread, red wine and a huge pitcher of homemade ginger beer. It's delicious. This is subtly pushing me out of my comfort zone, but I feel welcome.

Between courses local artist Bulelani Bob tells us about his magnificent art, which sits above the dining table. The hostess regularly invites local singers or poets to "Dine with a Local" so the talents of the neighbourhood are revealed.

Our main course is a hearty mound of umfino, vegetables and chicken roasted over an open fire with traditional hearty ulusu stew. The meal is peppered with Mama Sindy's funny anecdotes about her community.

We end the evening with a slice of homemade milk tart and a group photograph.

I was invited to wine and dine with the locals but left feeling richer, more knowledgeable about my fellow South Africans, and like a part of the family.

The hostess regularly invites local singers or poets to "Dine with a Local" so the talents of the neighbourhood are revealed.