Join the story at the table, Tafelpraatjies

Johan Bakkes

At each session, around the table, 20 to 30 guests will interact with well-known local Afrikaans celebrities: chefs, writers, local storytellers and performers who are there to share their own food and dining stories and memories. These include Johannes Bakkes, Isabella Niehaus, Dana Snyman and Lochner de Kock.

The table will be set in an interesting and surprising way, with décor complementing the storyteller and matching the food served.

The set will house an interactive kitchen, including an AGA oven and gas stove, and a retail area forming part of the design, there will be an opportunity to purchase décor items, bric-a-brac, CDs, recipe books, books, jams, table linen and more.

Free workshops in table setting and décor will form part of the schedule.

Another facet of the theatre is the restaurant concept, Searle's Trading Post, which will demonstrate how to set a great table for lunch or dinner using items that people have in their homes, from beautiful linen and candles to antiques, bric-a-brac and kitsch.

Caro Alberts will manage the kitchen for Tafelpraatjies, giving her the opportunity to highlight her flair by taking traditional Afrikaans cuisine and re-inventing it. There will also be easy to follow, back-to-basics demonstrations on doing the simple things with Cook Off presenters Bobby Brown, Eloise Pretorius, Benito Vergitore, Tracey Lange, Maurice Carpede, Mehboob Bawa and Danie Marais, all from Smile 90.4FM.

For more information, go to www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za.