Urth's Organic Food and Wine Expo

We have been missing for a good minute havent we?! And what better way to get things back into high gear than to do so with the Free State Organic Food and Wine show, which was hosted at Urth a few weeks back. Despite the hiatus, this is an event that left a lasting impression and it has been lingering in mind and I couldnt wait to get back and tell you all about it!

Over the years I have been to a number of different food markets and wine exhibitions and anyone who knows me well, would tell you that I am unable to say no to a day out, as long as you can assure me that there will be good food available and even better, wine! 

So when I was offered the opportunity to attend Urth's food and wine show, I was naturally excited and jumped at the chance.

I have been to Urth a number of times before, but it had been a while since I had gone for a visit. So I was looking forward to experiencing what they had to offer. I had never been to the expo before, but I am aware that this was Urth's 3rd year in a row hosting such an event.

As soon as walked into the expo I was immediately transported to all the food markets that I have attended in major cities such as Joburg and Cape Town as it had a lot of the making of those eclectic and urban food markets. There is always something so comforting being in a room filled with like-minded people, knowing that you are all there to have a good time, and that was certainly the feeling that I experienced at Urth that day.

The expo had limited food stalls but believe me when I say I would rather have an event with limited food vendors who know how to make great tasting food, than an event that has many food stalls filled with mediocre tasting food.

I tried out a couple of dishes that day and I have to say that by far my favourite was the savoury waffles, topped with cream cheese, biltong and preserved figs! (Listen, you have not lived until you have tried this combination! I still find myself drooling heavy puddles onto the floor just thinking about it!) Though that does not detract from the juicy pork ribs, which I am told are very reminiscent of Spurs now defunct Chicory ribs.  

I was also impressed by the wide variety of wines and wine houses that were in attendance. One of my favourite brands was also present, Delheim. I have been a fan of their red wines for a number of years now but admittedly I had never tasted their Rose, which for some unknown reason seems to be my latest obsession! I guess I just gave away my current kryptonite, so I hope none of you will be surprised in a few weeks time when you learn that I got into a dodgy looking mini bus all because I was offered a glass of Rose wine.

The Rep for Delheim was friendly and very knowledgeable, so we found ourselves constantly going back for more of their Pinotage Rose. 

I also managed to have a chat to the owner of Franca Gourmet Briquettes. I has never heard of the company before that day but I was thoroughly impressed by the innovation and simplicity of the product. Basically sell braai briquettes that have been infused various spices and herbs, that will feed flavour to the meat that is being braaied. As a lover of spit braais, I loved the idea of meat that is essentially being infused and smoked with flavour in a new and unique way. 

My hope for Bloemfontein is that such events will become more popular around the city, and they shall garner more support, which in the end shall shift peoples minds and views of Bloemfontein.

I can’t wait until the next expo next year! Hope to see all of my readers there!

Keep exploring!

Kat