Want to brush up on your braai skills for National Braai Day? Then gather your tongs and head out to Reuben’s at The Robertson Small Hotel on 15 September '12 when this popular dining spot ignites the gourmet side of the grill during a Grills Gone Wild food and wine affair.
This sizzling, sophisticated ‘braai boot camp’ in the heart of the Breede River Valley invites carnivores and vegetarians alike to get a head start on learning how to best honour National Heritage Day (24 September) and its concomitant partner National Braai Day and revel in the ultimate South African pastime.
One of the country’s best loved celebrity chefs, Reuben Riffel and the newly appointed Executive Chef at this 5-star boutique hotel in Robertson, Emile Fortuin, will share with guests their smoking hot braai secrets and divulge signature meat and side dishes cooked from the ultimate wood-fueled fire to gas and charcoal-based.
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During these interactive and enlightening cooking demonstrations, guests will also be given the opportunity to braai the perfect fillet in a culinary quest to be crowned the ultimate ‘Tongmaster’ of the day.
“Across race, language and region, we all share one common heritage – the braai – which has almost become like an altar upon which South Africans gather to celebrate their cultural heritage and diversity.
You can barbeque anywhere in the world, but you can only braai in South Africa and nothing beats the succulent, smoky and caramalised tastes and smells created by the magical power of fire,” explains an all-fired-up Emile.
The vibrant Grills Gone Wild braai celebration includes a delicious 4-course country-style lunch of tantalising heritage fare created from a mouthwatering selection of local, seasonal ingredients and produce.
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Think fire roasted nuts and cheese on arrival accompanied with an ice cold, locally brewed beer followed by a delicious al fresco feast served between the various cooking demonstrations.
Sumptuous braai sensations to whet appetites include grilled prawns, authentic roosterkoek, braai salads with a twist, Springbok fillet and honeyed grilled fruit to end the day on a sweet note.
Guests will also be given the opportunity to pair the dishes with a selection of wines from the area and will be guided by certified sommelier, Susan Cashin, in discovering and understanding their own unique taste preferences.
“I’ve always been a die-hard believer in the personal ownership and power of one’s own palate.
During the Grills Gone Wild feast, food and wine enthusiasts will learn to select the food and beverage pairings that work best for them and elevate their lunch experience to another realm,” explains Susan, who is originally from Austin, Texas.
Owning a small-holding in the Robertson area since 2001, she swapped her barbeque days for the braai cult when she moved permanently to South Africa in 2009.
The exclusive Reuben’s at The Robertson Small Hotel Grills Gone Wild food and wine extravaganza costs R450 per person and includes all the food and wine. The event starts at 12h00. Seating is limited and bookings are essential.
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The Robertson Small Hotel also invites guests to extend their Breede River sojourn and linger a little longer in its charming company with special accommodation packages on offer during the weekend of the Grills Gone Wild event.
It ranges from R1 200 per person for the braai-feast followed by a sleepover after the merriment, or why not escape the hustle and bustle of the city and treat yourself to a deluxe two-night breakaway which includes breakfast and a seat at the Grills Gone Wild table at R1 800 per person. Subject to room type.
To reserve your Reuben’s at The Robertson Small Hotel Grills Gone Wild ticket or for more information regarding the various accommodation packages contact The Robertson Small Hotel at Tel: (+27)23 626 7200 or email reservations@therobertsonsmallhotel.com.
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