Madeira is not just an archipelago – its food is a good excuse to celebrate
THE -ADEIRA &EST HAS LAUNCHED IN *OHANNESBURG AND IS READY TO OFFER South Africans a true taste of the Portuguese island.
It began yesterday at Casa de Madeira, in Alberton and will run until tomorrow.
Over the three days the cream of 'AUTENG S COOKERIES WILL SERVE DELICIOUS offerings such as: the traditional bolo do caco bread from the renowned Taste of Madeira; pasteis de nata, farturas and coffee from Café Streito; delectable to-go espetada from the Espetada Van; and zingy caipirinha mixed courtesy of Zona Velha and much more.
The Saturday Star caught up with -ANNY &ERREIRINHA THE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON OF THE 0ORTUGUESE &ORUM OF South Africa to chat about the festival.
What can we expect from Madeira Fest this year?
You can expect genuine Madeiran hospitality, from the culture to the food and the warm friendly people.
What are some of the speciality Madeiran foods on offer at the festival?
Madeiran food is based upon Portuguese cuisine with a dash of island flair! You can sample everything from delicious prawns, chouriço and grilled chicken to espetada and Madeiran bolo do caco (bread made from sweet potato, baking powder and salt, crumpled into a ball) as well as the island’s speciality, vina dosh (garlic pork in wine).
What is the most delicious Madeiran dish everyone should try when they visit the festival?
There is so much to choose from
so for me it’s a toss-up between the prawns and vina dosh.
Are you hoping to give festival goers a taste of what Madeira is actually like?
Absolutely!
Do we have a huge Portuguese and Madeiran community in SA, and what is the community like?
Many Portuguese speaking South Africans have deep roots in Madeira and Portugal. However, the community are fully integrated into society and are passionate citizens of this great country.
Why is a festival like this so important?
&OR A NUMBER OF REASONS FIRST LIKE the rest of the globe we have come through a difficult time during Covid and it’s time to resume our lives and celebrate life. What better way than to do it with wine, food and song! Second, the winter blues are behind us and our world famous South African summer season is here and we know
what that means – fun!
Madeirans are known for their delicious drinks. What speciality drinks do festival-goers need to try out?
Besides our traditional vinho verde and poncha, you can enjoy the king of drinks – the cool caipirinha. However, it’s got quite a kick so go easy, especially in the sun! As with all alcoholic drinks, enjoy responsibly.
How delighted are you guys to be hosting this festival?
It’s been a long time since our sucCESSFUL #ARAVELA 0ORTUGUESE &ESTIVALS in 2017 and 2018 and we are proud to be hosting this special event to celebrate the culture and food of the Madeira Island.
Portuguese food is known to be some of the most delicious cuisine in the world. Why would you say that is?
It’s simple cooking, natural foods generally free of modern-day preservatives, harvesting the freshest
produce and cooked with a lot of passion. Plus, everyone knows that the Mediterranean way of cooking is among the healthiest.
What else can we expect from Madeira Fest?
There is lots of live music from some of Portugal, Madeira and South !FRICA S BIGGEST ARTISTS AND $*S WITH traditional folk dancing and performances. You can expect great weather.
Would you consider this festival among the best food festivals in SA?
Without a doubt. We are looking forward to hosting the people of 'AUTENG
Is Madeira Fest anything like the popular Portuguese festival Lusito Land? Or is it the same festival with just a different name?
Although it is similar, in that it is based on Portuguese food and culture, 4HE -ADEIRA &EST IS ORGANISED BY THE 0ORTUGUESE &ORUM AND IN NO WAY Connected to Lusito Land.