Sister Chefs Are 'Bringing it Home'

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 10, 2022

Zainab and Faatimah Paruk, who are both qualified Chefs, have been making a name for themselves through their catering company, Chilli Chocolate Chefs (CCC) based in Durban. Now they are releasing a 240-page recipe book ‘Bringing it Home’.

Zainab and Faatimah Paruk at their book launch. | Photo: Supplied

Last week I was invited to the launch of this book and it was a lavish affair. There were many tastings to be had and the food on offer, which was all made from recipes in the book, was quite the spectacle. There was something for everyone from sweet to savoury offerings. The sweet treats at the end were certainly worth the wait.

Delicious recipes await you in the book. | Photo: Supplied

Their lovingly curated recipes are included in this their fourth recipe book which is aimed to inspire you and also delight you. Each recipe has a contemporary twist.

These chefs select only the freshest and tastiest ingredients. So you can be sure that the resulting dishes taste as good as they look. The Chilli Chocolate Chefs make sure each dish is prepared with skill; they also make sure that the dishes are transported safely and the food is delivered perfectly. Their recipe book reflects this.

‘’For us ‘Bringing it Home’ encapsulates the simple joys of creating food that tastes as good as it looks – if not better – with even the most basic skills and in a short amount of time,’’ said Zainab and Faatimah Paruk.

You can expect to find easy-to-follow recipes in ‘Bringing it Home’ which are ideal for any chef or food blogger, from the novices to the experts. Each of the ingredients is easy to find so you will not have a struggle in sourcing them. There are more than 85 recipes in this book and each recipe has a photograph to help you with your plating.

Sweet treats await you in the book. | Photo: Supplied

The recipes that feature in this book can also be found on the daily menu at their Musgrave Road kitchen in Durban. There is something for everyone in this book, whether you are looking to cook for yourself or entertain for friends or family.

‘Bringing it Home’ – published by That Food Guy Publishing, a division of That Food Guy Group – will retail at R500. The book can be purchased online at ccchefs.co.za or at the Chilli Chocolate Chefs store located at 5 Tinsley House, 225 Musgrave Road, Entrance on St Thomas Road, Musgrave, Durban.

Follow the Chilli Chocolate Chefs on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube.

Be sure to use the hashtag #CCCBringingItHome when you share your unforgettable ‘Bringing it Home’ experiences.

So Much to See at Durban Business Fair

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 10, 2021

This December the eThekwini Municipality Business Support Tourism and Markets Unit present the Durban Business Fair (DBF) at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

There is much to see and do at the Durban Business Fair which is on till 12 December 2021.

This event is always a huge tourism attraction at this time of the year for the City of Durban.

‘’Durban has the best tourism products that visitors always want to explore,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

Not only can you view the many stalls which feature locally made products by companies based in the Durban area but you can also sample a wide variety of foods and drinks, take part in interesting talks, discussions and go on an authentic Durban culinary experience which features a wide range of foodies and chefs.

Ntando Hlongwane of NYM Group. Image: Fred Felton

‘’I’m excited about the Durban Business Fair, it gives me great exposure,’’ said Ntando Hlongwane of NYM Group. She is based in Isipingo and makes a wide variety of bags featuring African designs. You can find her at the Durban Business Fair at stand 88.

Lungelo Wax Museum Display. Image: Fred Felton 

You might even see the many wax statues that are on display courtesy of the Durban-based Lungelo Wax Museum. There are some celebrities amongst them.

Thobilo Kumalo (left) of Sakhito Investments. Image: Fred Felton

‘’It’s my first time at the Durban Business Fair. I just started this business during the Covid-19 lockdown and I’m grateful for this opportunity,’’ said Thobilo Kumalo, Owner of Sakhitho Investments. She makes a wide range of products from her crochet work. Products include beanies, bags, belts, throws, scarfs, headbands and more. Her business is based in Amanzimtoti. You can find her at the Durban Business Fair at stand 42.

There will also be a Youth Business Connect event for young people. In this seminar, young people will be able to learn how to use innovation and how to move from isolation to disruption. This event happens on 11 December 2021.

Some of the speakers at the Youth Event include author, Dudu Busani-Dube, Lungelo Xaba who owns a company Desired Trendz, that deals in interior design.

You can also meet Captain Londy Ngcobo, Africa’s first female Dredge Master and mingle with Siyanda Calvin Ntenga, the founder of KZN Youth Business Awards.

If you would like to attend the Youth Business Connect event RSVP by email to rsvp@ikhono.co.za

Review of the Nando's App

This week I was invited by Nando’s to try out their Nando’s App which now also features a kerbside experience. Now you can order your meal on the app and when you get to your nearest Nando’s look out for the kerbside signs and park in their parking bays. One of the friendly Nando’s staff will then come out with your order and you are good to go.

The Nando's App | Image: Nando's 

When you place your order on the App you also give them your car details so they can look out for you when you arrive for your next Nando’s fix.

The free app is pretty refreshing and does not take up much space on your device.

You can download it from your nearest App store.

The first step is to sign up and you can enter your cellphone number and a juicy password. Then you should be good to go to order your meal.

Nice options in the menu section include gift cards, your nearest store and more.

Easy order interface | Image: Nando's 

All the favourites are there and some great specials. It offers you some great options right down to how many pieces you want your chicken cut into, whether you want it well done and even if you want the skin on.

Tasty options | Image: Nando's 

You can even choose how hot you want your chicken. Tasty options include Tangy Tomato, Lemon & Herb, Mozam Paprika, Mild, Hot and of course Xtra Hot for those that like to live dangerously.

A nice touch is that you can also see the nutritional info for each meal.

The Nando's Menu for reference purposes of course | Image: Nando's 

If you are a fan of Boujee bowls you will be delighted to see that Nando’s now have some tantalising options for you.

If you are wanting something for Family & Friends try the Full chicken with 2 sharing sides which works out great value. You can choose sides that include spicy rice, salads, Nando’s rolls, Chips, Coleslaw and more.

Schedule your delivery time | Image: Nando's 

I like the fact that you can schedule when you want to collect your order so you can organise your lunch or supper early in the day and pick it up on the way home. What a concept!

I also like the fact that you can select which Nando’s store you want to collect at and the App search function works pretty well in picking up your nearest Nando’s.

Once you have ordered you should also get a SMS confirming your order.

Payment options include card or cash which comes in handy.

Another nice touch is that if you want to collect immediately the App will give you an ETA of when your order will be ready.

When I arrived at my nearest Nando’s I didn’t have to wait long at the kerbside parking. A friendly Nando’s staff member wearing PPE, mask and more came out and even sanitized my hands before she gave me my parcel. She even asked me to check that everything was correct in the order which was a nice touch.

Hungry? | Image: Nando's 

So now you have a handy option for weekend meals. You can either use the Kerbside functionality on the Nando’s App or Website or through their call centre.

Simply order, drive to Nando’s and collect…without leaving your car. They bring your order to your car window. No more waiting in long queues.

 The Nando’s Kerbside Experience easy user guide

 All you need to do is:

 

            1. Download the Nando’s app on the Android or iOS app store (it’s FREE)

            OR

            2. Call 087 997 1955 to place your order for Kerbside collection

            3. Give them your car deets (Car make, colour and registration) so they know                     how to find you when you pull up

            4. Drive to Nando’s and follow their Kerbside signs

            5. Park at the Kerbside parking or as close as possible to Nando’s so they                        know where to find you

            6. They will meet you in the parking lot and bring your food to your car window.

In the spirit of social distancing, you don’t even have to leave the safety of your car. All their employees continue to follow the strictest hygiene and social distancing precautions by wearing masks and regularly sanitising their hands.

If that doesn’t work for you but you’ve been missing them, use the Nando’s Drive-Thru and takeaway services. So get in the car (or mask up and take a walk), put foot and get your PERi-PERi on! If you’d like to stay home, you can continue to order your food for delivery using the Nando’s app or use their partners Mr D, and Uber Eats platforms.

Budget Friendly Meals | Image: Nando's 

For those of you wondering how good a Nando’s meal is, well let me put it to you this way. Somebody tried to phone me while I was eating my Nando’s and I didn’t bother to answer. So yeah, it’s that good.

The app is certainly worth the download when next you want to order lunch or supper.

Unless you are chicken?

 

Rating: Highly recommended.

 

This review by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Review of Emirates Fine Dining Event

A few weeks back I was invited to a very special event. It was the Emirates Fine Dining Event held at Osa Restaurant in the luxurious Fairmont Hotel at Zimbali.

We were treated to a variety of cuisines that you can expect on an Emirates Flight. Regional Catering Manager of Emirates Chef Ravi Nage treated us to some delectable treats. Some savoury and some sweet. There was so much to choose from you almost did not know what to sample.

What you can expect on an Emirates flight. 

The food was exquisite and a taste excursion.

Chef Ravi Nage giving us a food demo

Award Winning Chef Ravi Nage first gave us a food demonstration and showed us what goes in to each meal.

The Durban Bunny Chow

‘’890 items go into each cycle of food prepared.  We use regional ingredients connected to that city,’’ said Chef Ravi Nage.

For those wanting to become a Chef he gave this sage advice:

‘’For me a plate is a palette,’’ whispered Chef Ravi Nage.

Each meal we tasted certainly filled us up and this was echoed by Chef Ravi, ‘’ We want the passengers to be full,’’ said Chef Ravi.

During his food demo he made us some chicken curry which we could taste afterwards and I have to confess it was quite delicious. Melt in your mouth kind of deliciousness.

Sweet treats 

At the end of the banquet we were treated to Desserts of Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai which were as sweet as they looked. For those of you that have a sweet tooth these are both recommended.

You would certainly enjoy both of them at 40 000ft. on an Emirates flight.

Interesting fact Emirates serves more than 110 million meals year.

Below is a tasty menu item courtesy of Emirates:

Murgh Tikka

(Succulent and boneless marinated chicken)

800 gms boneless chicken cubes

Butter for basting

Marinade

50 gms yoghurt

40 gms ginger paste

40 gms Garlic paste

3 gms White pepper powder

3 gms Cumin powder

5 gms Mace, nutmeg and green cardamom powder

3 gms red chilli powder

3 gms Turmeric

60 ml Lemon Juice

20 gms Gram flour (besan)

Salt to taste

75 ml Groundnut oil

Whisk the yoghurt in a large bowl add all ingredients, except the chicken and mix well. Rub the chicken pieces with the marinade and keep aside for 3 hours in the refrigerator.

Pre-heat the oven to 350 F

Roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes and baste with melted butter.

OR

Skewer the chicken and cook on a barbecue grill.

Serve hot with a wedge of lime and sliced onions, cucumber and fresh mint.

It might make a great meal for the festive season.

Emirates offers connections between Durban and India, with over 180 flights to India every week. A daily flight links Dubai and Durban, as well as four daily flights from Johannesburg to Dubai. To book, or for more information, terms and conditions, please visit https://www.emirates.com/za/english/ or visit the local Emirates office or your travel agent.

A big thank you to Emirates for hosting us at this event.

This review and photography by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Where to go for New Year's Eve Dinner Durban

Unforgettable New Year's Eve Dinner and Live Music

A team of chefs have created an unforgettable six-course New Year’s Eve menu – includes Midlands inspired cheese starter, baked Saldanha Bay mussels, and whole roasted aged beef fillet done to perfection. Savour this six-course culinary adventure with Sparkling Wine.

Price:  R795 per person; food and wine pairing; Welcome Kir Royal Cocktail and Canapes on arrival

New Year's Jazz Brunch with Live Band

Featuring live interactive cooking from a talented kitchen team, look out for the new year with a Big Easy Vineyard Brunch - home-made artisan breads, sharing snack plates, crispy Dargyle Duck, Josper grilled Nguni Beef Striploin, flat breads from the traditional wood fired oven, the best Midlands cheeses and an exquisite dessert display.

Price:  R350 per person; Welcome Mimosa Cocktail on arrival.

For bookings:

Tel:  (031) 336 8100

bookings@bigeasydurban.co.za

www.bigeasydurban.co.za

Worldwide Event At Fusion Restaurant 19th March Durban

A Durban Chef will be participating in an international event celebrating French Cuisine.

This is a unique opportunity to savour France.

Where: Fusion Restaurant in participation with Alliance francaise de Durban
Address: 4 Silvervause Centre, Durban
When: Thursday 19th March at 7pm
Booking Is Essential.
Tel: 031 202 6182
Web: www.fusioncooking.co.za
5% of the evening's proceeds will go towards a charity.

The Good France initiative is organised by Alain Ducasse, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development and Atout France.

Join Durban Chef Shaun Smith of Fusion Restaurant as he partakes alongside 1000 chefs worldwide for this extraordinary one-night-only event.

For more info visit them on Twitter: @good_france

We have been given a glimpse of the menu and it looks quite delicious.


This editon by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton

2 Big Foodie Events For The Oyster Box

OYSTER BOX Hosts Two Big Foodie Events In November

November at The Oyster Box promises to be a ‘foodie frenzy’ for lovers of fine food and wine, when it hosts two top quality guest Chefs from the Cape.  First off Christo Pretorious, Executive Chef at sister hotel, the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, is the guest chef in the Grill Room on 5 November and well-known Chef and author of numerous cookbooks, Marlene van der Westhuizen, will launch her new book, Secrets of a French Cooking Class, with a celebratory dinner in The Pearl Room on 25 November 2014.

Christo’s five-course food and wine paired evening will showcase Cape Malay spices and flavours, using KZN’s local ingredients.  On the Menu, chilled garden pea and mint Soup;  Prawn Dhal creamed cauliflower, cumin yoghurt, pineapple chutney, hydrated sultanas and verjuice and Barn Raised Quail confit leg lollipop, mushroom agnolotti, shallot puree and hazelnuts with coffee sauce.  For mains, Graaf Reinet Blesbok pearl barley, celery root, apple, shimeji mushrooms, cashew nut cream and juniper berry jus; to end Roast Peach  panna cotta, madagascan vanilla, coconut sponge, sour cream and caramelized white chocolate.  The five-course menu is R550 per person.

Marlene van der Westhuizen, divides her time between her home in Greenpoint in Cape Town and Charroux in France where she runs popular cooking classes.  With other popular titles behind her name - Abundance, Delectable and Sumptuous being the best known, her new book takes the reader-cook behind the scenes, for the inner workings of her 50^th cooking class in France.

This is Marlene’s first culinary visit to KZN and diners will get the chance to savour a

five-course menu of dishes from the new book, prepared by Oyster Box Executive Chef, Kevin Joseph and his Team, under Marlene’s watchful eye. The French-inspired menu includes her popular Gruyere & Onion Tart, Roast Beef Fillet with Potato Dauphinoise, haricot vet and creamed leeks and for dessert, Apricot & Almond Gratin.   The cost of the dinner is R 490 per person.  Marlene will introduce her menu and offer commentary throughout the evening about her experiences and food philosophy, as well as sign copies of her new book, which will be available to diners at a special price.

To book or for further information on any of the events at The Oyster Box contact (031) 514 5000 or restaurants@oysterbox.co.za


Gig Guide - Durban 

Critically Acclaimed guitar virtuoso Gary Thomas returns to Durban for
one show only. Having just completed a 6 show run at the Cape Town
Fringe Festival, he is on a short tour of Durban, Pretoria and
Johannesburg.

GARY THOMAS LIVE AT ST CLEMENTS

St Clements Restaurant
191 Musgrave Road, Durban
Fri 24th October
8pm
Door R60
Albums on sale R100 CDs or R200 for all 4 albums Digital Download
Call 031 202 2511 for bookings or email foodsmart@durbs.com


This edition by +Fred Felton

Exciting Events For Durban

There are some exciting events for Durban and surrounds coming up:

KZNSA 15 July 2014 at 6pm Exhibition Opening

Artisan Gallery - 16th July, 6 for 6h30pm.  Jane Bedford Exhibition

email - info@artisan.co.za 

Movie Screenings, Free Workshops for Film lovers and more. 

Durban International Film Festival 17 - 27 July 2014

www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

#DIFF2014

23 July - KZN Food Heroes Dinner - The Oyster Box 

TO BOOK CALL (031) 514 4000 OR E-MAIL restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

This edition by +Fred Felton 

The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban Is Coming

NEW TASTES…NEW FACES FOR TASTE OF DURBAN 2014

The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban is back from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World (Suncoast). Chefs from eight of Durban’s top restaurants will create special menus of starter-sized dishes, including their signature dishes, designed to reflect their individual philosophies, whilst showcasing seasonal and premium ingredients. Taste of Durban 2014 promises to be the most exciting ‘foodie’ event of the year.

Marcelle Roberts from Café 1999 is back for the third-year running with her inimitable brand of casual cuisine.  Louise Potgieter from Havana Grill at Suncoast and Little Havana and Chef Nardia Adams, from Asian Tapas spot Greedy Buddha, will be cooking up a storm and Lucy Markewicz will be flying the colours for Freedom Café.  Popular Indian restaurant Amaravathi Palki, Market and Beluga, brings the total of participating restaurants to eight. 

Over three days, this unique international restaurant festival will bring together Durban’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies in an

al fresco, fine-dining celebration. Visitors will have the opportunity to sip, sample and shop their way around the festival.   This year’s show offers a range of brand new features and culinary experiences, to ensure that there is something for everybody to enjoy:

‘Must-do’s’ include:

_          One of the show’s most popular attractions, the Pick n Pay Fresh Living Chef’s Theatre, where top chefs showcase their culinary skills in fun and informative cooking demonstrations, culinary challenges and entertaining Q & A sessions, is a unique opportunity to see the city’s top chefs in action and is also a chance to meet the people behind the award winning Fresh Living magazine.

-           The Pick n Pay Wine and Canapé Experience, is an interactive area where guests will learn how to create simple, stylish and delicious canapés, while being instructed by wine experts on how to pair each canapé with a wide range of wines to complement the balance of flavours.

-          LINDT, South Africa’s finest Swiss chocolate, will have their Master Chocolatiers on hand making delicious LINDOR truffles and fresh pralines. LINDT will also be selling their delectable EXCELLENCE and CREATION ranges, as well as LINDT hot chocolate, which can be enjoyed outside in the LINDT Al Fresco area.

The Chocolatiers will also be demonstrating their master skills, as they build and decorate intricate chocolate sculptures, in the Chefs Theatre.

-          Castle Milk Stout Experience - Castle Milk Stout will bring a taste experience to be savoured. A marquee including a lounge area with ambient smooth sounds of our DJ and a tasting experience that shows the full credentials of the full and complex flavours of our product and its pairing with food.       

                 

-          Robertson’s Butcher’s Block in association with Big Green Egg - A gastro theatre dedicated to all things meaty. Chefs will collaborate with local butchers to harness Robertson’s 90 years of sourcing and blending spices. Your braai will never be the same again as you create a Robertson’s Combination that comes alive with these versatile rubs.  All dishes will be prepared in The Big Green Egg, which rethinks the South African braai, using the ancient clay cooking technique ‘Kama do’. Featuring in the Butcher's Block is Certified Karoo Meat of Origin - mutton and lamb guaranteed to be free range, fully traceable from the Karoo region, free from added hormones and routine antibiotics.

-          BP Wild Bean Café- Two millions cups of Wild Bean Café coffee are sold and enjoyed every year.  BP Wild Bean Cafés use only 100% top-quality Arabic beans - sourced from Tanzania, Gautemala, El Salvador and Brazil – offering the best combination of sweetness, acidity and bitterness. At Taste of Durban, our Wild Bean Café Baristas will hand-make your favourite coffee, latte or hot chocolate to perk you up and keep you going!

EARLY BIRD OFFER – VALID UNTIL 3 JULY!

The following Early Bird discounts apply for Standard and Premium tickets up until the 3 July:

-           Early Bird Standard Entry – *R50 - Entrance to the festival including a glass
(save R30)

 -          Early Bird Premium Ticket – *R150 - Entrance to the festival

            including a tasting glass plus R100 worth of Scoins (the official

 currency)
*save R30

-          DStv Clubhouse Ticket- R685 - entry to the festival, a free tasting

glass, R150 Scoins, a private clubhouse to use as a base for the show with a complimentary bar service (wine, malt and soft drinks) plus a Taste of Durban Gift.

Taste of Durban Festival SCOINS

Scoins are the Festivals’ official “currency”, which can be purchased at the festival from the Taste Bank or Scoin Sellers walking around the festival grounds.  Visitors use Scoins to purchase sample dishes and drinks from the various exhibiting restaurants, bars and exhibitors.  Each Scoin is worth R5.  Change is offered in Scoins only.

To book tickets: Visit ITickets on www.itickets.co.za or Pick n Pay tickets on www.pnptickets.co.za

Media Enquiries:  Joanne Hayes, Tumbleweed Communications

         Cell:  083 6277249      e-mail: tigerjo@iafrica.com

                                                                                                           

TASTE OF DURBAN 2014 – FAST FACTS

What, Where, When, How…

Festival times:

-           Friday 25 July: 18h00 - 22h00

-           Saturday 26 July: 12h30 – 16h00; 18h00- 22h00

-           Sunday 27 July: 12h30 – 16h00

Tickets:

Tickets are limited and booking is recommended – for further information and bookings visit ITickets on www.itickets.co.za or Pick n Pay tickets on www.pnptickets.co.za

-           Standard Ticket – *R80 - Entrance to the festival including a glass

 -          Premium Ticket – *R180 - Entrance to the festival including a

            tasting glass plus R100 worth of Scoins (the official currency)


-          Taste Clubhouse Presented by DStv Ticket - R685 - entry to the festival, a free tasting glass, R150 Scoins, a private clubhouse to use as a base for the show with a complimentary bar service (wine, malt and soft drinks) plus a Taste of Durban Gift.

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