The Herald - 8 June 2005
A UNIQUE new food and arts festival to be held in Knysna in September was launched at an elaborate function on Thesen's Island at the weekend.
Named Gastronomica, the festival incorporates what was previously known as the Knysna Arts Experience, which this year will also take on a new look as it includes a food theme.
Organising committee chairman Pat Mulder said the 10-day festival, held from September 23 to October 1, is aimed at highlighting the region's fast-growing reputation as one of the country's major culinary centres.
"Over the last few years a quiet revolution has taken place in Knysna on a culinary front."Although everything is built around food, Gastronomica is much more than just eating and tasting. Fashion, music, the visual and performing arts, all form part of the festival, but every offering will be food-related", Mulder said.
Special features include a chocolate patisserie-making competition, cooking demonstrations by international and South African chefs such as Jody Adams of the famous Rialto Restaurant in Boston and award-winning Franschhoek restauranteur Reuben Riffel, as well as a gala dinner celebrating the role of women in gastronomy.
These events will be backed up by farmers' markets, wine tastings, exhibitions of the latest in culinary equipment, as well as master classes for culinary professionals, presented by Jody Adams. Although events were being scheduled at venues across Knysna, the main activities would be centred in Thesen Harbour Town.
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