After the success of the first Convivium, a showcase of food, chefs and producers held in February 2015 on the Badenhorst wine farm in Malmesbury, the organisers are looking to up their game for the next event. First, however, they need the help of dedicated food lovers to raise the funds.

Andy Fenner of Frankie Fenner and Wesley Randles, head chef at The Pot Luck Club, have planned a lunch on 30 August to raise capital for next year’s Convivium, a weekend-long food and drinks festival with workshops, lectures and demonstrations.

Chefs at the Winter Convivium Fundraiser.

Andy explains, “We need money. And what do we do when we need money? We get some of South Africa’s best chefs to cook a Sunday lunch for the luckiest guests in the country. Let’s be clear, though: every cent will be used to fund the next Convivium event. Nobody is making a profit here. As an extra kicker, if you attend this lunch, your ticket price includes entry to the main event next year. That’s a big deal, as we were inundated with people wanting to attend the first one. We had to turn plenty of people away.”

Fresh produce at the Winter Convivium Fundraiser.

Chefs participating in the fundraiser lunch in August include Margot Janse of The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français, Luke Dale-Roberts of The Test Kitchen, Liam Tomlin of Chefs Warehouse, George Jardine of Jordan, Bertus Basson of Overture and Spice Route, Franck Dangereux of The Foodbarn, Neil Jewell of Bread & Wine and PJ Vadas of The Hog House. They are participating free of charge and all the produce for the meal will be generously donated.

The Winter Convivium Fundraiser feast will be held at The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Cape Town, on 30 August from 11.30am. Tickets cost R1 900 and are available via Quicket.