A Taste of Africa

What does Heritage Day mean to you?

Heritage Day is a landmark day to celebrate the diverse people, the various cultures that make up South Africa as a whole and the different building blocks of our society.

What do you enjoy most about Heritage Day?

We love that Heritage Day normally creates a long weekend that brings a large variety of people who stop by the restaurant and share their stories about their ad- venture in Addo or on the Sundays River.

How do celebrate Heritage Day in your family and at the restaurant?

In my family, we normally have a big family braai. At A Taste of Africa, we have a big braai every Friday for all our guests and have local talent entertain us.

What family traditions do you like to keep alive?

Road-tripping and travelling to small towns, villages or communities in surrounding areas. There is always something interesting and different to see, eat or experience, and every place’s history is unique and fascinating.

What message would you send to the Nelson Mandela

Bay community to encourage them to embrace and be proud of our rich heritage and culture?

Stop and look around. Grab a few friends and go on a road trip to a small town nearby and have a bite to eat. There is so much to explore in Gqeberha, the Eastern Cape, and SA as a whole. SA is awesome.

Recipe for Biltong Pasta (serves 4) Ingredients:

400g fettuccine pasta (or pasta of choice)

10ml olive oil

Half an onion, chopped 4 cloves crushed garlic 200g of bacon (chopped) 20 tablespoons white sauce 400ml fresh cream 200ml milk

40g parmesan cheese 4 teaspoons of fresh herbs (oregano & thyme) 200-240g biltong powder Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Boil the pasta in salted water until al-dente.

2. Sauté the chopped onions until soft then add the garlic and bacon.

3. To the onions and garlic mixture, add the white sauce, cream, milk, parmesan and spices. Bring to a simmer on medium heat while stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

4. Strain the pasta and add to the sauce.

5. Reduce heat and stir until sauce is thick and creamy.

6. Add the biltong while stirring continuously. Save a few pieces to garnish.

7. Plate the pasta and sprinkle parmesan on top.