FINE country food and creative arts have claimed the status of mini-festivals during Bedford’s annual Garden Festival from Friday to Sunday, October 19 to 21.
The district’s best foodies united to ‘wow’ 120 bridge players at the annual tournament a few weeks ago.
However, that was just a curtain-raiser for the upcoming weekend when dozens of cooks will aim at improving on their personal best.
“There is space for creativity and innovation,” said Stenzil Caliste, new chef at The Duke of Bedford Inn. He hails from Port Elizabeth, but has just completed a work stint at a hotel near Houston in Texas.
Fresh, regional and seasonal are still the dominant trend for festival menus. Along with the superb meats of the region (beef, lamb and venison), the increasing popularity of salads, veggies and cheeses mean vegetarians are spoiled for choice.
Lunch at Albertvale includes salads with grilled halloumi (cheese) burgers or wagyu burgers – a treat in store for anyone who has yet to try this supreme beef.
Eagle Hout will set up a help-yourself buffet (not waiting), which will run until about 21:00.
The dishes will include salads, vegetables from the garden and a variety of meat add-ons. They can accommodate up to 80 people under cover or under the trees making this an excellent option for groups or families.
Traditional kos, vetkoek and roosterbrood are entrenched in the district as perennial favourites.
Roosterbrood even pops up at Cavers to compliment pulled pork and lamb. Vetkoek fans can taste and compare the offerings from Munchies (Hope Street), Lynedoch and Skelmkloof farms (both up the Baviaansroad).
Traditional scones, farm jam and cream as they make them at Donkerhoek farm have also earned a devoted following.
Evening meals will be served at The Duke of Bedford Inn every night (bookings are essential) and The Butcherbird.
The Apprentice Deli will take care of the all-day lunch trade in Hope Street with a new menu at The Duke Courtyard upping their game plan. Sushi and bubbly will be served around the Duke pool from 12:00 to 15:00 each day.
At the Street Soiree on Friday night, all the restaurants and shops in Hope Street will be open.
In addition, the three food vans booked for the country market will also roll down to Hope Street adding Asian food, gourmet toasted sandwiches and kudu burgers to the menu. Once more the hand-made hamburgers grilled and served by farmers are promising to be a hit at the market.
For the full Garden Festival programme and more details about where to eat and how to book, go to www.bedford.co.za.