ST Francis, the Calamari Capital of South Africa, has launched a brand-new gastronomic journey – the Calamari Route.
Officially launched on 21 September 2024 as part of the iconic 25th annual Calamari Festival, this exciting route will delight food lovers and adventurous souls all year round – offering a rich array of delectable local calamari dishes, showcasing the vibrant flavours of the region’s celebrated seafood.
The Calamari Route brings together 14 of the area’s finest local restaurants, each offering signature dishes centered around the locally caught calamari, often referred to as the area’s “white gold”.
From grilled to flash-fried, or spiced with peri-peri, garlic, butter, and lemon, these dishes ensure an authentic calamari experience – free from chemical treatments that would soften the texture, allowing the bold, natural flavour to shine.
Participating restaurants in the culinary trail include:
. Bella’s Harbour Kitchen
. Big Time Taverna
. Bistro Vin De Boeuf
. Bruce’s Ocean Café
. Clive’s Chokka Block
. The Curry Club
. Full Stop
. Joe Fish
. Mauro’s
. Off the Menu Food Emporium
. St Francis Brewery
. St Francis Links
. The Kitchen
. Twenty-Two Eatery
This is not just a dining experience – it is a journey into the heritage of St Francis, where the chokka (calamari) industry has played a pivotal role for generations.
In addition to savouring these culinary creations, visitors can enjoy an array of outdoor activities that immerse them in the region’s natural beauty and local traditions.
For those with a taste for adventure, the Chokka Trail offers a four-day, 62km slackpacking hike that winds through the breathtaking coastal and inland landscapes of St Francis.
Alternatively, embark on the Get Inked calamari boat trip, with St Francis Safaris, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the local fishing industry, followed by exclusive calamari tasting at Clive’s Chokka Block Restaurant – a perfect pairing of knowledge and flavour.
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