The inaugural mmm... McGregor Festival, taking place from August 29 to 31, brings together galleries and gastronomy, entertainment and eateries in a weekend-long programme celebrating creativity.
It will be a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
But, why with art? Well, food is usually served on clay, which the local pottery brings to life.
A chef’s mastery of a palette of colours and textures makes a picture on a plate, matched on an artist’s canvas in a local gallery, with social gestures in eating and drinking skilfully captured in caricature.
Get a taste of each of these along with tastings from local wineries and finger-food in the main marketplace.
Entertainment for “foodies” includes a challenge with TV MasterChef Peter Goffe-Wood against the local contender from Lord’s Lodge who will represent South Africa in a global pizza competition in Australia next year, a competition previously won by Goffe-Wood. You too can compete in a creative pizza competition, with Butler giving expert guidance.
The village is said to be on the road to nowhere but there is plenty on the programme to keep you there:
Friday
Exercise the brain as well as the taste buds with a “Quaff & Quiz” at the Old Post Office bar, which stocks almost 100 whiskies.
Start seeing Sideways early – with a fun film about a wine-tasting tour.
Show off your own creative streak during a painting session with Annelien van der Colff, between courses, as Kos en Kwas. Held at Villagers, Tristan Storm formerly of King’s Bushcamp is your chef. There is even “painted” fashion from the African Queen gallery on show, with Afro Couture & Cuisine, in between the buffet of dishes from our continent, at Lord’s Guest Lodge.
Pop in at the Pop Up Kaapse Kos & Kultuur for curries and a taste of traditional Cape cuisine from Friday to Sunday. Local village bands and drama projects will be performing.
Saturday
Enjoy meeting wine makers and home-made fayre, music and market stalls at the church hall and marquee in the grounds for R75 entry, which includes your wine-tasting glass and a return on Sunday, if you have the stamina.
New launches this year include The Donkey Sanctuary’s and Hout Baai Farm’s first own labels and Lord’s Wines has launched its Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Chardonnay 2013 and Pinot Noir 2011.
Break from the main venue, for cool contemplation in creativity echoed on plate and canvas. A chef from the local Reuben’s at Robertson Small Hotel works alongside leading local artist Edna Fourie at the Edna Fourie Gallery to recreate the signature dish presentation. Try your hand too.
Let Master Brewer Tim Godfrey, of SAB, tutor you through beers in The Overdraught pub.
The village’s Millstone pottery offers a selection of Muscadel-inspired desserts, served on beautiful, handcrafted, wood-fired dishes.
Return for a “final fling” with a dance and cabaret comedy with Irit Noble to close the marquee.
For a film about French food, enjoy Babette’s Feast, or party-peeps find “Curry and classics” with dancing to live music until the early hours at Lord’s Guest Lodge.
Sunday
Book ahead for a Spring Brunch in the Bush. You can pick up your provisions at Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary next door to go and enjoy botterblom blooms at Vrolijkheid Reserve, where you are invited to a free open day with music, as you picnic.
Take in tamed tranquillity for Art in the Garden at Temenos (weather permitting) with the option of a country fare menu offered at the Tebaldi’s restaurant.
Benjamin Fourie will entertain at the piano at Wahnfried which will also screen films to finish your wonderful weekend.
The other galleries will be open too where you can see, among other things, local schoolchildren producing art from ingredients.
l Visit www.facebook.com/mc gregortourism or the programme at www.tourismmcgregor.co.za/pages/home/festival-program.php. Tickets through PayFast. For reservations call 023 625 1954. Booking is advised. Visit www.tourismmcgregor.co.za
– Staff Writer