Eat In discovers a feast of South African foodies

Introducing the winners of the Eat In RMB Private Bank South African Produce Awards

Hailing from the lush hills outside Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, Protea Hill farm's Balsamic Raspberry Vinegar has scooped top honours in the inaugural Eat In RMB Private Bank Best New Product Award.

The award for Outstanding Outlet, which recognises the vital role that independent suppliers play in connecting producers with consumers, went to passionate foodies John and Lynne Ford of Main Ingredient in Cape Town.

The winners were chosen in a closely contested competition by a highly qualified four-member judging panel - chef and food editor Dorah Sithole, trends forecaster Neville Trickett, food alchemist and consultant Peter Goffe-Wood, and Eat In editor Justine Drake.

According to Drake this initiative, a partnership between the annual food directory Eat In and RMB Private Bank, is the only one of this kind and scope in South Africa that aims to celebrate our outstanding local produce and to support the people who create it. "From the platteland to the plate, at the restaurant table and in our homes, the food we eat and how it's created is becoming increasingly important to the food-loving public," said Drake.

Dorah Sithole, who was recently awarded a South African Presidents Awards in recognition of outstanding contribution to the South African hospitality industry, was generous with her praise for Protea Hill's Balsamic Raspberry Vinegar, "It is a true innovation, incredibly delicious, a deserved winner. The raspberry flavour is fantastic ... I could easily get addicted! And the packaging is lovely - it's a classic!"

Justine Drake also heaped praise on the high standards of Main Ingredient , the outstanding outlet of the year. "One of the best-stocked food stores in the country, Main Ingredient is an excellent source for anything from pomegranate molasses and dried Persian limes to organic wine and smoked paprika. They dispense free recipe cards on how to use what's on their shelves, and send out an e-newsletter with even more interesting recipes and reports on new products."

Freshly Found
But, as expected, the Main Ingredient is not alone in its quest to educate and entertain our foodie community. Eat In and RMB Private Bank therefore recognised three other outlets, each in its own region, for their contributions: in the Eastern region the hugely popular Shongweni Farmers Market, in the Northern region the Bryanston Organic Market, and in the Western region, the Wild Oats Community Market in Sedgefield. These are all a testimony to the popularity and success of outdoor farm-style markets, with heaps of local, unique organic and home-made produce and a good shot of South African hospitality.

Initially intended to honour the Best of the Best in only two categories, the high standard of the entries prompted the sponsors to extend the number of awards allocated in both categories.

Britt Geach's Khoisan Natural Salt Fleur de Sel salt flakes - the natural hand-harvested sea salt from the west coast - was the runner up. The Innovation Award went to Steve Botha, also known as the Magic Man, for his micro herbs.

One of the most exciting additional awards was the Eat In RMB Private Bank Excellent Potential Award 2007, which went to Mavis's Munchies . The prize for this award will be the money and expertise that RMB Private Bank provide for Mavis to redesign her packaging.

"An emerging economy is founded on entrepreneurial spirit" says RMB Private Bank's Celette Harris, "and we are pleased to join Eat In in acknowledging these outstanding innovators whose creativity and ingenuity has made the inaugural awards such a success."

The awards were presented at a lavish lunch at Shoga restaurant in Cape Town in October 2006, when chef Mike Bassett served a meal using all the winning products and a few other Eat In favourites.

2006 Eat In RMB Private Bank Produce Awards Gallery >>