Benny Masekwameng is among the chefs taking centrestage at this weekend's Le Kap Lifestyle Fair at Steyn City in Johannesburg.
The event kicks off on Friday and boasts the crème de la crème of SA’s celebrities.
Those attending the fair can expect a splash of high fashion, live music, a vast array of wines and beverages as well as exploration of gastronomic delights prepared by Masekwameng along with several other celebrity chefs.
In a quick chat with Masekwameng, he quickly gave a rundown of all the things keeping him busy this year.
He says, “I’ve been doing a whole lot of things, including having a broken leg (to contend with) for two and a half months, which took me out of my day-to-day action. It was a freak kitchen accident.”
“I’ve got a radio show on Touch HD Online. I host The Sunday Cook Book,” Masekwameng adds.
He has been co-hosting the show with Yanela Tokota since April.
He continues, “I’ve recently come back from Namibia, where I was doing the Namibia tourism expo. And I finished season five of The Ultimate Braai Master.”
Masekwameng joined former MasterChef South Africa judge Pete Goffe-Wood along with creator and celebrity cook Justin Bonello on the series.
On how he came to be involved in Le Kap Lifestyle Fair, he notes, “Steve (Swanepoel) asked me to grace the stage of this prestigious event. This is in partnership with Tsogo Sun.”
He continues, “I’m bringing my taste of what I would love to serve at an event like this.”
He points out that he wants to keep it simple while still tantalising those tastebuds.
Masekwameng notes, “I’m busy ordering stuff now. I have to make sure that I feed the numbers. We are catering for between 1500 to 1600 people.”
Masekwameng adds, “My dish is inspired by what we always use in winter – lamb, butternut and pap. I will be crumbing my pap and adding some smashed peas to the dish. The menu will also include my favourite vegetable dish: ratatouille. Of course, those same dishes will then come out to be served.”
What will he be pairing it with?
“There are a lot of wines available. It would be lovely with a nice pinotage; preferably not less than four years old.”
By the way, season one winner of MasterChef South Africa – Deena Naidoo – will also be at the fair along with other big names in the food industry: Chantel Dartnall, Jane-Therese Mulry and Nathan Jacobs.
Aside from the fine culinary dishes on offer, there are plenty of wines, artisanal cocktails, spirits and craft beer on offer.
Oh, and Bonang Matheba will be hosting this classy social affair.