Fans of the culinary delights dished up at Klein Roosboom, Salt at Waterford and The Farm Eatery at Diemersdal will be delighted to hear there’s now a chance to encounter all these kitchen crews in one venue.
The Gastronomy Gala evening at Hoërskool Durbanville (HSD) on Wednesday, 2 October also shines the spotlight on students from the International Hotel School, while food tips will be shared by Ashley Dokter-Mosotho of Kokkedoor fame.
So why this glorious gathering of food aficionados in one fabulously adorned venue on the last Saturday of July? The event is a fundraiser to ensure that top-notch resources can be provided to the ACVV and HSD Durbiebond.
Founded on 1 September 1904, the ACVV celebrates its 120th anniversary in South Africa this year; Durbiebond – an HSD initiative to promote the school’s culture through fundraising and networking – has stepped in as event partner and host venue.
Monies raised on the night will benefit the ACVV as well as the Durbiebond Benevolent Fund. The former needs no introduction, having worked towards supporting communities in the Cape and elsewhere in the country for well over a century. And Gastronomy ‘24 will bolster this deserving cause.
Ernst Koen is an HSD old boy and says the Durbiebond has been many years in the making. “After decades of preparatory work, the official foundation was completed on 8 September 2021 with the signing of the constitution and Declaration of Foundation.”
“The purpose was to create a solid foundation for the establishment and expansion of a network of former students, parents, supporters and friends of Hoërskool Durbanville and related organisations. In this way, the Durbiebond aims to make a contribution to the school by keeping alive its traditions to promote our school to an educational institution of excellence,” says Ernst.
Some of the projects towards which Durbiebond has contributed over the past year include the HSD Dream Dinner; Durbanville Preparatory School’s wine auction at Diemersdal Wine Estate; air-conditioners for the SGOS (School Based Support System) offices; laptop donations; sponsoring the 106-member HSD choir’s excursion to the ATKV Applous final and HSD Theatre Group’s participation in the ATKV final in Gauteng.
The Durbiebond donated 20 indigenous trees to HSD and gave R14K towards last year’s Matric farewell. It enabled the participation of senior rugby players at the North-South ‘23 rugby derby and contributed towards the welfare of seniors at Huis Aristea. So this partnership with the ACVV is just the ticket to marry two truly worthwhile organisations.
Says Liezel Meintjes, director of the ACVV National Council: “Some of our projects now in the pipeline include infrastructure development regarding the fire safety of our older-persons facilities, and upgrading of bathrooms at our ECD facilities to comply with the Department of Basic Education’s instructions and, where applicable, asbestos regulations, as well as the installation of solar panels.”
As an inclusive and trusted community-based, non-profit, charity organisation and social services partner, the ACVV nurtures, protects and develops those in need, focusing on early childhood development, family-building, child/youth safety, care for older persons, and development through education, training and leadership. Its upliftment projects are too numerous to mention. For these projects visit www.acvv.org.za
The theme of the first-ever Gastronomy fundraiser is ‘Pink Street Soirée’; the HSD courtyard and activity hall will be decorated to reflect this festive theme and each participating restaurant will prepare a special four-course meal for 20 guests.
Chefs and their teams will have the opportunity to create a unique dining experience by incorporating their distinctive style of cooking with the evening’s theme. The good vibes will be further promoted by table decorations and wines selected from participating restaurateurs’ favourite cellars to complement their culinary offerings.
Apart from the eye candy of beautifully decorated spaces and extravagant outfits to celebrate the evening’s cause, the main attraction will be fabulous food. The event enjoys the official recognition of the international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ South African chapter. A limited number of tables are now available and can be secured at R15,000 per table of 10 guests.
From the decades-long experience of Gastronomy Gala organisers – also responsible for the successful annual Gourmets & Gourmands fundraiser in George for the past 14 years – tickets will sell like hotcakes. So don’t miss out, reserve your table now!
Contact Mimi Finestone on +27 (0)84 583 3144 or at mimi@gojipr.net to book.
