African Relish has developed its Karoo-characteristic culinary tourism undertaking over the past 18 months and will host its inaugural event over the weekend of July 24 and 25 in its hometown of Prince Albert.

The project is the first of its kind in South Africa offering experiential getaways together with exclusive cooking courses for the discerning tourist.

In the South African outback of the Karoo, at the base of the Swartberg mountains lies the oasis town of Prince Albert ? this is where culinary adventurers discover African Relish recreational cooking school.

When to go and stay?

"What brings cooking to life? What is delightful in a simple kitchen tool? Get engrossed in the process of bread making. Immerse yourself in the details of an intricate recipe. Discover the outdoor walks, farms, and orchards of local producer," so co-founders Philip and Lisa Key describe African Relish.

"Spend a couple of nights mastering a winter banquet; an intensive week with skilled chefs learning how to make jams, preserves and marmalades or spend some time at the chefs table discussing techniques and trends," continues partner Jeremy Freemantle.

And so the guests at African Relish have decisions to make. Which course to go on, how long to stay?

Good time, good meals

African Relish Recreational Cooking School has been developed to embrace the magic and mystery of cooking, as a culinary tourism product it offers the chance to spend time in the kitchen with great chefs, explore the landscape, gather fresh ingredients for the next cookery course and of course spend time with good company over leisurely meals.

The African Relish experience is not just about a cooking school it also meets the adventurous needs of the traveller whilst at the same time introducing and teaching cooking skills.

Our magnificent culinary hall is equipped to a very high specification and can accommodate up to 16 hands-on culinary students. African Relish is open as a restaurant on weekends. Smaller functions such as weddings and anniversaries can be catered for, as well as corporate teambuilding.

Well-known resident chef Vanie Padayachee previously of Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, le Quartier Francais in Franschhoek and most recently of Fushi Cuisine in Plettenberg Bay adds: "Our specially designed courses will teach dishes that reflect the numerous influences of South African cuisine such as Dutch, Indonesian, British, Asian and Jewish, as well as basics like bread-making, knife skills, and specialist courses such as chocolate and ice-cream making.

"We are also developing a heritage kitchen based on a traditional Cape Karoo style. This facility will be used to rediscover old methods of food preparation and culinary customs such as butter churning, jam making over an open fire and age-old methods of preserving and curing. The intention is to recreate an authentic culinary experience in a time-honored context."

The tastes and flavours of SA

In introducing the concept of culinary tourism African Relish has developed a foodie itinerary that covers the tastes and flavours of South Africa's gastronomic delights.

Guests can travel direct to African Relish via a transfer or self drive through the landscape of the Karoo to Prince Albert, where they encounter ancient rock formations, walks through the botanical heritage of the semi-arid environment, examine archaeological artifacts and Bushmen rock paintings, absorb the rich natural history and astronomical expertise of acclaimed experts in their field.

An extended culinary route may also include a stay at one of our associates' lodges and some cooking lessons right on our beautiful Cape beaches preparing delicious seafood menus or familiarising themselves with the bush where they will have the opportunity to cook with our safari chefs.

Whatever the activity of choice, horse riding, cycling through the rustic farmlands or a hot air balloon trip across the Karoo plains, guests will have ample leisure time alongside the cooking lessons to choose. After all the good things in life should not be rushed.

Planned courses starting July 2009:

24 & 25 July. Winter Warmer. 2 nights. Oded Schwartz, food anthropologist and historian and our chef Vanie conduct two hands-on lessons highlighting slow cooking of soups and stews through the ages plus citrus preserving and bread making. The weekend includes a hike to view bushman rock art.

31 July & 1 August. Reza in the Karoo. African Relish has teamed up with Reza Mahammad of BBC Food fame and Chef Patron of The Star of India Restaurant in London to present a cooking weekend. Vanie will be doing a duet with Reza showing their take on Karoo cuisine in the beautifully appointed cooking hall set in our country garden and olive grove. Being winter the menu will be weighted toward hearty fireside meals accompanied by good wine and outback hospitality.

14 & 15 August. Battlefield Stories around the potjie. Renowned storyteller Rob Caskie of Fugitives Drift Lodge entertains guests with stories of the Anglo Boer war in the area. Guests will take part in a cook off, highlighting influences of both British and Dutch traditions on South African cuisine.

23, 24 & 25 September. Chocolate and Wine. A long weekend with chocolatier Nontwenhle Mchunu. Highlights include an introduction to and history of this delicious and mysterious confection, a demonstration and welcome dinner, chocolate and wine pairing, visit to the dairy to collect fresh thick Guernsey cream and a day making your own treats and truffles to take home.

Accommodation is provided in select Prince Albert guesthouses that offer luxury bedrooms, air conditioning, heating and spacious garden privacy. Transfers are available from Beaufort West, Oudtshoorn, and George. Chartered flights direct to Prince Albert can be arranged for group bookings.

Two for one special

African Relish is running an opening special for their first scheduled courses ? two for the price of one (i.e. your partner attends as our guest). Please note this is for South African Residents only.

July 24 & 25: A two-night gourmet weekend to celebrate the onset of winter and rich warming Karoo recipes ? R4500.

August 14 & 15: A culinary retreat with historical orator Rob Caskie from Fugitives Drift ? R4900.

September 24, 25 & 26: A 3 night weekend including chocolatier Nontwenthle Mchunu from Ezulweni Chocolat ? R7600.

To enquire about other opening specials call +27 23 541 1381 or jeremy@africanrelish.com

To find out more visit their website: www.africanrelish.com or call +27 23 5411381