From Friday 11 May to Sunday 13 May 2012 the food capital of South Africa will once again be abuzz with the annual Franschhoek Literary Festival. Celebrate the magic of words with a gathering of over 90 authors, poets, editors and illustrators in 70 events.

The featured Southern African writers range from renowned to little-known, and the topics from biography, history and politics to poetry, literary fiction and love stories.

Eat Out editor Abigail Donnelly will be hosting a chat to Reuben Riffel (Reuben Cooks Local), Marita van der Vyver (Summer Food in Provence) and sisters Zuretha Roos and Annalie Nel (Roast Duck on Sundays) about their recent cookbooks from 10am to 11am on Friday in the Church Hall in What’s Cooking? Find out more about the Franschhoek Literary Festival on www.flf.co.za.

While you’re in town, visit one of these fine restaurants and bistros to keep your belly full and brain in top gear.

BICCCS  
Bread and Wine  
Café Bon Bon  
Café Des Arts  
The Common Room at Le Quartier Français  
The Country Kitchen  
Dutch East  
Essence  
The French Connection Bistro  
Fyndraai  
Haute Cabriere Cellar Restaurant  
Kitchen at Maison  
La Petit Ferme  
Le Bon Vivant
Mange Tout  
Pierneef à La Motte (Top 10 nominee) 
Reuben’s Restaurant and Bar  
The Restaurant at Grande Provence (Top 10 nominee) 
Roca  
Ryan’s Kitchen  
The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français (Top 10)

Photographs: prasad.om and sling@flickr