Durban – From chicken to burgers, vegan bites and baked goodies, the Craft Fest will offer a feast to satisfy your taste buds and get them into overdrive.
The Independent on Saturday and Shongweni Farmers’ and Craft Market on June 16 will bring the best – not only in craft drinks, but in food.
The Independent on Saturday caught up with a few of the many food outlets that will be at Craft Fest.
Winging It, run by Ethan van der Linde, sticks to its name by offering buffalo wings.
“It’s been a dream for some time for me to open my own business, and close to the end of last year I got retrenched from my corporate job in a very large fast food chain.
“With a friend, we opened our food truck and have four favourite flavours that we serve with curly fries made fresh from good, wholesome potatoes,” said Van der Linde.
Operating from the Shongweni market for just over two months, Van der Linde said their citrus blazer wings with curly fries were a must-try, although the “bone-sucking BBQ” was their best-seller.
“We also have a Mellow Mango, which is one of Durban’s local fruits, infused into a mild and tangy flavour that everybody can enjoy, and a Bent Over Buffalo, which is a hot buffalo pepper sauce coating the wings.
“All our food is served in biodegradable packaging and all ingredients are sourced from local suppliers,” he added.
Debbie Rich, who runs Out To Lunch, a vegan food stall, said her business started as a “love-child” idea after she struggled to find healthy, plant-based food at markets and restaurants.
“Vegan food is plant-based and does not include any ingredients derived from animals,” Rich said. “It’s an incredibly fast-growing trend globally, that contributes to longevity and sustainability.
“I am passionate about being kind to animals, especially farmyard ones, and vegan food does not use any animal products.
“Vegan food doesn’t have to be boring or unhealthy. It’s wonderful to see that our new generation is choosing more creative plant-based sustainable food these days.
“My food is made with love. I love being creative with food and flavours,” she said.
Rich sells a variety of items, such as an “immune-boosting soup”, bunless burgers and popular veggie (gluten-free)
wraps.
“The options change according to what is seasonal and fresh. I love offering my ‘healthy chocolate’ options, and at the Craft Fest we will have an exciting new twist on our harvest table.”
Mustafa Tatar serves up fare from a different land altogether.
“We sell a traditional Turkish food called Gözleme, a savoury Turkish flatbread and pastry dish, made of hand-rolled leaves of dough lightly brushed with butter. It is filled with various toppings such as mutton and mince and potato and onion, sealed, and cooked over a griddle,” he said.
Tatar said those attending
the Craft Fest should be sure to try the spinach and feta cheese offering.
Catch the holiday train
Roll up, roll up, the Holiday Express train will make a special trip to the Craft Fest on June 16, and guests will be able to spend the day consuming all things craft at the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market.
The KZN Business Express train departs from the Premier Business Lounge at Durban Station, with safe vehicle parking, and arrives at Shongweni station. Guests will then board waiting coaches to take them to the market.
Tickets for the train trip cost R250 per adult, R200 per child, or R800 for a family deal, and tickets for entry into the Craft Fest are sold separately at R100 for adults pre-booked, and R120 at the door.
Bookings for the train trip can be made via https://theholidayexpress.co.za/ and a separate link from that website will take you to bookings for entry into Craft Fest. Holiday Express and Craft Fest tickets can also be booked on www.quicket.co.za
Win Win Win
One lucky reader can win a trip for two on The Holiday Express to the CraftFest at Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market on June 16.
Plus we have two runner-up prizes of four tickets to the CraftFest.
To stand a chance of winning, SMS TIOSCraft, followed by your name and number, to 33258 by midday on Wednesday, June 7. SMSes charged at R1.50. Terms and conditions apply. Winners will be contacted via telephone.