International Chefs tour opens in Cape Town

"Entrance is free, but the public is encouraged to do its part by donating to the cause or purchasing a BWCTAH chef's hat for just R10. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis," says Brian McCune, regional co-ordinator of the BWCTAH. The public can also support the tour by buying framed or unframed prints of the official 2011 Tour painting by artist Frans Groenewald or 'Sing Children Sing', by BJ Powers, as a cellphone download.

This year's tour, the third of its kind, is being arranged by the South African Chefs Association (SACA) and the Academy of Chefs, under the auspices of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). The tour's patron is Dr Bill Gallagher, founder of the original event in 1993 and its convenor is Martin Kobald, former SACA president.

Key events during the tour will include food festivals at various Southern Sun hotels in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, East London and Nelspruit, where the public will be able to sample speciality dishes prepared by the chefs; demonstration kitchens at various shopping centres; gala fundraising dinners, primarily for corporates, at which speciality items will be available on auction.

"These events are going to be really exciting and a great way for the public to support the tour while enjoying some great cuisine and learning a trick or two to take home to their own kitchens," says Gallagher.

Bidvest has donated R3.6 million to the cause, while Southern Sun is providing the accommodation for the 250 visiting chefs. Chefs from the 44 visiting countries have paid their own way for the tour and will be donating their time, expertise and services free of charge.