THE first annual Chili Festival is right around the corner.
From Friday, March 25 to 27, a gastronomical experience awaits foodies as the village of Nieu-Bethesda prepares a medley of chilli inspired dishes.
Festival-goers can look forward to eating chilli food, trying chilli rum, buying chilli plants and sauces, and taking part in a chilli tasting competition. More than 10 types of chillies will be used in the preparation including Black Hungarian, Brazilian Starfish, Ghost Pepper, Chocolate Habanero, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, Carolina Reaper, mild, medium, hot, and more.
The festival kicks off on Friday at 18:30 with an exclusive three-course chilli food and wine pairing at Die Waenhuis. The main dish includes seared beef fillet with chilli, chocolate and Amarula sauce served with butter baby potatoes and vegetables.
Almost everything one cares to do, see, or eat is within walking distance in this historical village. Festivalgoers are encouraged to follow a flavoursome route and roam the streets on Saturday, March 26, from 10:00-18:00 and on Sunday, March 27, from 10:00-15:00 to work up an appetite for the eight mouth-watering morsels waiting at participating restaurants.
The canapé menu includes a chili chicken liver pizza slice at Bruno’s Pizzeria, Tom Yum soup at The Village Inn, chili poppers with an optional shot of tequila at Nieu-Karoo Country Restaurant, chili cheese platter at The Brewery & Two Goats Deli, a chili mince pancake at Bini’s Tea Garden, chili hot chocolate and chili chocolate raspberry tart at Hullabaloo, chili meat balls with dipping sauce at Die Waenhuis, chili cheese griller with dumplings at Tot-Hier-Toe Padstal and chili rum and tasting competition at Boetie’s Pub.
Online tickets are available via Quicket at R330 per person for March 26 and 27. It includes eight chilli canapés, one chilli rum and an entry into a chilli tasting competition.
- For more information on the Festival visit Facebook and Instagram @chilifestivalnieubethesda.
To download the Town Map and to source Nieu-Bethesda accommodation visit: www.nieubethesdatourism.co.za.
