Decorex Durban Promises a Creative Feast of Flavour

To truly appreciate the latest décor trends and styles, visitors to Decorex Durban will be treated to a wide range of foodie features to ensure all senses are completely satisfied. Taking place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 21 to 24 March, Decorex Durban has announced a mouth-watering line-up of food demonstrations, beautifully-curated dining stations and a number of taste-enhancing bars that have been worked into this year’s style trends.

“Food and art are inextricably linked which is why Decorex Durban has always featured leading gourmet specialists from across the province in settings that reflect the character of the food,” explained Sian Cullingworth, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions. The Decorex Durban menu will cater for many different tastes and there will be a notable inclusion of African flavours this year as chefs and food experts blend in the Decorex theme, ‘Designing for Africa – feels like home’.”

Gourmet Cooking Theatre

A definite special on the Decorex Durban food feature is the Gourmet Cooking Theatre where KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary elite share industry insights and must-try recipes during fun demonstrations. The Gourmet Cooking Theatre will feature the all-new Cooking for Africa element where the aromatic flavours of the African continent are set to explode in this innovative space.

First on the menu is the chef from Valeo Whole Foods, a trendy café located within the upbeatDurban North health shop – Health on Broadway. Their inspiring range of meat-alternative meals and sugar, dairy, gluten and cruelty-free desserts have seen them attract international clientele, including Bryan Adams. Their superfood recipes offer healthy options – that don’t sacrifice any of the flavour – for the discerning foodie.

The culinary sister act from Chilli Chocolate Chefs – Zainab and Faatimah Paruk – will whet the appetites with their distinctive cuisine which is playful, comforting but, above all, supremely delicious. Taking a creative view on traditional dishes, the funky siblings will demonstrate recipes that reveal how they’ve come to dominate the catering industry.

Culinary artists, Wayland Green and Theo Mannie of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa will be demonstrating their top-quality cooking techniques. Green has ample experience in local foods, having worked across the province with some of the industry’s best. He’s continued to maintain the reputation of this Midlands’ culinary gem since 2015, when he took over as Senior Sous Chef. Mannie, also a Sous Chef, joined the Granny Mouse family in 2017, having gained invaluable experience working at hotels, canteens, as well as music and food festivals all over. His passion lies in menu and dish planning.

Adding flavour to this year’s demonstration is Guy Gorrie, Executive Chef at uMhlanga’s Royal Palm Hotel, who will bring his international experience at various Michelin-starred restaurants to this year’s Gourmet Cooking Theatre. Despite his global adventures, his passion and speciality lie in South African cuisine which incorporates organic, seasonal ingredients.

Another KwaZulu-Natal chef renowned for his exceptional cuisine is Deena Naidoo, South Africa’s first MasterChef SA and patron chef of Aarya restaurants at both MonteCasino and Silverstar Casino. Working into this year’s theme, Naidoo’s cooking reflects South Africa’s multi-cultural heritage with an aim to delight palates of all cultures.

A veritable Durban institution, 9th Avenue Bistro is known for its modern, creative yet unpretentious meals that constantly evolve to satisfy varying tastes. Gina Neilson, co-owner of the restaurant and creator of Dr Broth Bone Broth, will join forces with celebrated South African dietitian and chronic disease expert, Danielle Roberts, for an informative demonstration on the many health benefits of new superfood, bone broth.

With so much more to look forward to, don’t miss out on Decorex Durban happening from 21 – 24 March 2019.