The Orchid @ Simola’s Team Jacques Fourie Thabo Willie Delia Clarke en Sandy Jeketho

The fifth annual Gourmets & Gourmands culinary evening took place on Saturday, 24 August. Guests were treated to top notch food, impeccable service and five star entertainment fit for the man of the hour, “Bond, James Bond”.

The evening, which raised a stellar amount of funds for the Carpe Diem School proved that the spirit of giving is alive and well and that diamonds are forever, just like the indelible mark left on the hearts of the special children at the Carpe Diem School. Donned in diamonds and bowties, flowing dresses and power suits, guests got into character from the start when they were welcomed with stylish Martini’s (shaken, not stirred, of course).

The restaurants and wine farms truly put their best feet forward as they enthralled guests with beautiful plates and explosive taste combinations. Guests were treated to a selection of famous 007 theme songs including Tina Turner’s “Golden Eye”, beautifully delivered by Thelma Heyns, Chris Cornell’s “You know my name”, brilliantly performed by Jovan Heyns and Adele’s “Skyfall” passionately sung by Tania Swart. In true Bond style, the entertainment was perfectly complimented by the passionate dancing of two students from the South Cape Dancing Academy behind a backdrop, creating the famed Bond silhouettes. Guests were glued to their fluid movements as they effortlessly transitioned between Tangos and Rumbas, Foxtrots and Paso Dobles.

The highlight of the evening was the auction of a diamond, donated by D’Amato Jewellers. One lucky lady’s husband purchased her a new best friend in the shape of some dazzling bling for a whopping R40 000. All the other auction items fetched amazing prices and one person even went home with a lucky draw prize of a half carat diamond, also sponsored by D’Amato Jewellers. Patron of the Carpe Diem School and chef de extraordinaire himself, Francois Ferreira, had guests in stitches as he described the lots up for auction, so much so that his voice almost hit the gavel closed on him. In total, the event raised an incredible R171500.00 that will be channelled towards the planned renovations of the therapy room at the school.

The school would like to thank everyone involved for their incredibly giving spirits. Headmaster Karools Hauptfleish said, “It is touching to see people opening not only their hearts, but their pockets as well in order to make these children’s dream of education, a vibrant and tangible reality. We are so grateful to everyone who participated and gave of their time and expertise to make this event such a joy every year. I can’t wait for next year.”

As we shine a light into the diamond that is the Carpe Diem School, we inevitably find that we stand mesmerised, not only by the jewel itself, but by the rainbow it emits; a rainbow of joy, of possibility and of hope. To become a sponsor or share your talents as a volunteer at the Carpe Diem School, contact them, visit their website at www.carpediemskool.co.za or follow t hem on Facebook in the group Carpe Diem Skool, George•.

 

Chef Alma  her cooking team at the 2013 Gourmets  Gourmands supported by Hartmans

 

Magda  Claudio from Pomodoro Restaurant in Wilderness

 

The Owners of Mymering at Ladismith with Francois Ferreira