This year, the menus for both auctions are being prepared by the renowned Annalize Catering headed up by Annalize Buchanan and her deputy Oliver Swart.
For the Barrel Auction on the Friday evening there will be a farm-style table with a culinary feast for the 400 guests that will include local cheeses and homemade focaccia breads; chicken liver paté with cracked black pepper brittle; harissa labnah chicken topped with pistachios; smoked local Franschhoek salmon trout with a dill crème fraiche and Korean beef tataki with kimchi, lime and ginger. Desserts will include mascarpone cakes with passion fruit dust, chocolate tortes served with berries as well as salted caramel macaroons topped with a berry cinnamon pipette.
On Saturday, for the lunchtime event, the plated starter will be a creamy feta mousse, served with cucumber, pea shoots and tomatoes done three ways. For mains, guests will be served sour fig tagliati of beef on a bed of sautéed carrot, leek and celery with a local Huguenot snow, wild rocket, grainy mustard nicola potatoes and edamame beans and, to round off the meal, there will be an array of sumptuous desserts as well as a spectacular cheese table.
Swart (27) – who hails from Durban but now lives in Muizenberg – talks about his food journey.
When did your passion for food start?
My passion started at the age of seven, I got a frying pan for my birthday. I also remember always standing at the stove watching my mom cook, I was fascinated.
Who influenced your cooking while you were growing up?
Both my parents cooked. My dad makes a mean Durban curry and my mom is really great with dressings, sauces and Asian dishes. They both are big foodies.
Where and what did you study?
Grande Diploma at Silwood Kitchen. I did half a year of studying civil engineering at UKZN but then my parents moved to Cape Town so I took the opportunity to change to cooking!
Where are some of the places you have worked?
The Test Kitchen, La Colombe and the Pot Luck Club.
Did you have anyone special who mentored you in your career?
Annalize Buchanan. She is my great mentor and an amazing friend.
What is your food philosophy?
Great seasonal produce, simplicity and just keep it real.
It is difficult coming up with a menu for an event such as the Cape Wine Auction?
I write menus everyday as all our events are customised so I guess I’m used to it.
What kinds of foods do you think are underrated?
Chicken, cabbage and gem squash. Maybe it’s a personal childhood thing.
What do you believe are the latest food trends?
Minimal, artisan, raw, vegan and Ayurvedic food. Less choice in menus at restaurants.
Your favourite kitchen tools?
Chef’s knife and a mandolin
Is there anything you don’t eat?
Prawns, crayfish and crab as unfortunately I am allergic to them all.
What other chefs have inspired you?
Luke Dale-Roberts, Ivor Jones, Wesley Randles, Francis Mallmann and Thomas Keller
Who are your foodie icons?
Georgio Locatelli, Thomas Keller, Jamie Oliver, David Chang, Francis Mallmann and Marco Pierre White.
The one dish you still want to master?
Dim sum.
Your favourite three ingredients
Lemon, fresh herbs and olive oil.
What advice would you give to a young, ambitious chef who is just starting out in the industry?
Only get into this industry if you are obsessed with food. It’s hard work but if you love food, it’s so much fun.
