Roadrotis: Two-way street of flavour
Not long ago Durban promoter George Kretsos had a notion to run a street food festival that would focus on authentic street food rather than artisanal cheeses and quail eggs. He got together with marketer Pravir Satyapal and project manager Gabriella Pappas and persuaded the City of Durban to get on board.Come this long weekend, until September 27, the first Durban Street Food Festival will take place in the Morrison Street area.On offer will be a range of foods, all reflective of the different cultures that make up Durban - sev puri and pani puri will sit alongside fresh spinach and avocados."Walkie-talkies" will be on offer, as will oxtail and ox tongue, shisa nyama, and gourmet burgers. You can chow down on a bowl of pap, a bunny chow and sip on craft beer.It will all be clean, fresh and there are plenty of areas for washing up and ensuring the stands remain sanitary, says Kretsos, who was inundated with applications from people wanting to sell authentic street food."We put up a website and within days we had hundreds of applications. We have had to be selective. We have settled on about 45 stallholders, selling everything from vegan Indian food to typical African fare to coconut water."We have sponsored street vendors who can't afford to be part of the usual Durban food markets. We wanted to merge the two worlds."The response from the public has been overwhelming. Over 1000 people a day are expected to make their way to the city centre.Aside from food and drink there will be endless entertainment - jazz, folk, indie rock, Red Bull Studio sessions, talks on street food culture and dance battles."Family-friendly during the day," says Kretsos, "with a party atmosphere as the sun sets."He says he hopes that this will be the first of many."I'd like to make this a seasonal event. There are so many cool aspects of Durban to focus on."The LowdownThe Durban Street Food Festival takes place at 8 Morrison Street and surrounds tomorrow (Heritage Day): 11am until 10pmFriday: 5pm until midnightSaturday: 11am until midnightSunday: 11am until 10pm.Tickets at the door: R50Website:durbanstreetfoodfestival.co.za/..
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