Taste of Durban returns to Suncoast

Lining up to show off their talents at the 2013 event are chefs Marcelle Roberts from Café 1999, Louise Potgieter from Havana Grill at Suncoast and executive chef Jackie Cameron, from Hartford House. Representing a selection of Umhlanga and Morningside's top eateries are Bar-Ba-Coa Argentinian Grill and Butcher Boys, head chef, Themba Mngoma from Little Havana, and executive chef Tony Kocke from elements café bar at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Lucy Markewicz will be flying the colours for the eclectic Freedom Café and Indian restaurant Amaravathi Palki, brings the total of participating restaurants to nine of Durban's best.

Over three days, the international restaurant festival will bring together Durban's most dedicated and sophisticated foodies in an al fresco gourmet food celebration. Visitors will have the opportunity to sip, sample and shop their way around the festival.

"Must do" experiences include:

• The Pick n Pay Fresh Living Chef's Theatre: Top local chefs will showcase their culinary skills in fun and informative cooking demonstrations, culinary challenges and entertaining Q&A sessions. This is a unique opportunity to see the city's talented chefs in action. While there, sign up for a year's subscription to Fresh Living magazine and receive a R100 worth of free crowns to spend at the festival.
  
• The Pick n Pay Wine and Canapé Experience: An interactive area where guests can learn to create simple, stylish canapés and how to pair each of them with a range of wines to complement and balance the flavours.
  
• Lindt Studio: Switzerland's finest chocolate house will have its master chocolatiers on hand creating delicious Lindor truffles and fresh pralines. They will also be retailing their new Excellence and Creation ranges.
  
• Simply Asia and Singha Beer Experience: Simply Asia offers a unique Thai dining experience with food prepared by authentic Thai chefs from the Land of Smiles. The menu is packed with delicious dishes to satisfy a wide range of palates and all are paired with Singha Beer. Thai Singha Beer is produced using only the finest quality barley, malt and hops to bring you an authentic taste of Thailand.
  
• Asara Bistro Box: Visitors are spoiled for choice at Asara Wine Estate and Hotel's trendy pop-up Bistro Box. Asara will release some of its Vineyard Collection and speciality range wines in Durban, each wine will be paired with a selection of gourmet burgers and chocolates.
  
• The Consol Mixology Theatre: An interactive studio where visitors learn how to master the art of stunning seasonal cocktails.
  
• Castle Milk Stout Experience: SA's premium stout makes its first appearance at this year's Taste of Durban. Sample the rich, smooth, full-flavoured taste of Castle Milk Stout whilst listening to the soothing sounds of Metro FM's top DJ Paul Mtirara.
  
• Sevruga Sushi & Sparkling Lounge: Part of the Cape Town-born Caviar group, Sevruga at Gateway is the younger sister of Beluga Restaurant and will be offering various sushi and wine pairings for visitors to enjoy.

Official charity

Food 4 Thought, a restaurant revenue-generating project, has been chosen as the official charity for this year's event. Food 4 Thought raises funds and awareness for the expansion and work of Umthombo, a Durban-based organisation that empowers street children to leave street life and take their place in the community as proud citizens.

Visitors to the Taste of Durban 2103 can actively support the work of Food 4 Thought by contributing their leftover crowns (which are then converted into cash) to the organisation or by making a donation at the show. Visitors can also become part of the ongoing work of the organisation by joining the Food 4 Thought mailing list and meet some off the amazing people who have benefitted from the charity.

Early-bird offer

The following Early-bird discounts apply for Standard and Premium tickets up until 7 July:
* Early Bird Standard Entry: *R50 - valid until 7 July. Entrance to the festival including a glass. *Save R30.
* Early Bird Premium Ticket: *R150 - valid until 7 July. Entrance to the festival including a tasting glass plus R100 worth of Crowns (the official currency).*Save R30.

To book tickets, go to www.itickets.co.za or Pick n Pay tickets on www.pnptickets.co.za.