Coca-Cola Food Fest showcases the country’s most delicious local food
You will find them along South Africa’s highways, byways, country lanes, suburban cul-de-sacs and busy city thoroughfares. They are the gourmet, On the Go and Traditional gems that Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is shining a spotlight on in their annual Coca-Cola Food Fest.
What these hole-in-the-wall eateries, cafes, food trucks, shisanyama’s, pubs, shebeen’s, coffee shops and high-end restaurants all have in common is the utterly delicious food they serve.
Meals can range from steak sandwiches to grilled steaks and stuffed filet mignons. Meals are slotted into three categories defined as ‘on the go’ meals which can be eaten off-the premises, ‘traditional’ plated meals eaten while seated at the premises, and ‘gourmet’ which is defined as speciality cuisine dishes.
Up to 4 000 eateries have registered to participate in the 2017 competition, with a majority of eateries coming from the On the Go and Traditional categories. For the full list of participating eateries, visit the website http://ccbsafoodfestival.co.za/ and scroll down the list.
The 2017 Coca-Cola Food Fest voting process and mechanics
Public vote:
Before 21 July, the public had an opportunity to vote by buying a Coca-Cola Food Fest Meal Combo from their favourite eatery, then dialling *120*4862# and following the prompts. The campaign has seen more than 35 000 votes come through USSD, with votes cast for various participating eateries across the province.
Semi-finals:
Now that the public vote has closed, they can attend one of two regional semi-final events to sample some of the culinary delights that will judged at the final. The day’s entertainment at both events will include celebrity chefs, live music, comedians and a Kiddie Zone especially for children. The events will be held at:
- 15 regional finalists will be at the semi-final at Durban’s People’s Park on 19 August, where Babes Wodumo will perform live alongside celebrity chef Zola Nene, DJ CNDO, Comedian Celeste Ntuli.
- 12 finalists will be at Johannesburg’s James and Ethel Gray Park on 2 September. Micasa will perform live alongside celebrity chef Zola Nene, DJ Slique, comedian hit Mpho Popps.
Both events will also feature an awesome menu of local talent at outings that will appeal to the entire family. In addition to being able to sample each semi-finalist’s dish, visitors will also have a choice of food stalls. Tickets to the semi-final events are available from Computicket at R100 per person. A 50% discount applies for pensioners and entry for children under 12 is free.
Finals:
The winner in each category from the Durban and Johannesburg semi-finals will compete in the finals in Johannesburg on 21 September (venue to be announced at a later date).
Judges:
The judging panel includes popular television chef and cookbook author Zola Nene, chef, restaurateur and caterer Arnold Tanzer and the South African Chef’s Association.
Prizes
The 12 finalists representing the top three meal categories selected in Durban and Johannesburg, will each receive R22 500. The finalist in each category will receive R150 000. 60% of this amount will be paid in cash and a further 40% will be used to upgrade the eatery.
Voters can also win their share of R140 000, which includes random draws for R5 –R10 airtime and daily cash as well as cookware to the value of R35 000.
