INDIAN, Greek, Italian . . . grilled, fried or sauteed – taste the diversity of calamari from all over the world in St Francis.
The annual Calamari Festival, organised by St Francis Tourism and sponsored by the Kouga Municipality, will take over St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis from tomorrow, September 24, to Sunday, October 10.
But there will be one big difference – the festival will be deconstructed.
“Due to the current COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we had to rethink our festival,” said St Francis Tourism Office manager and event organiser, Hantie van der Westhuizen.
“It was decided to rather offer tastings at different restaurants in St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis.
“All calamari lovers have to do, is to buy their tickets and book their tasting at their preferred restaurant or restaurants.
“Your taste buds will love you forever.”
Van der Westhuizen encouraged residents and visitor to pop in at each participating restaurant and decide which calamari taste they enjoy the most.
Participating restaurants include Christy’s Seafood and Grill, Port St Francis Ski Boat and Yacht Club, St Francis Brewing Company, Big Time Taverna, Café Bijoux, The Quays, Ganesh, St Francis Links, Coastal Collective (takeaways), Clive’s Chokka Block, Off the Menu Food Emporium and Dockside Seafood.
Entertainment
Apart from mouth-watering calamari, there will also be live entertainment at some of the restaurants.
Sarah Blake and Joe van der Linden will perform at St Francis Brewing at 18:30 tomorrow, September 24, while DJ Rob Stark will take to the stage at Cobs Cove at 18:00. Tickets cost R100 and R60 respectively.
Fill your shopping basket at the popular St Francis Market at the Village Open Square on September 25 and October 9 from 09:00 to 13:00.
On Saturday, September 25, DJ TP will entertain restaurant-goers at Cobs Cove at 18:00. Tickets cost R60.
Vibe Nation Band will hold an open-air concert at Christy’s Seafood and Grill at 12:30 on Sunday, September 26. Tickets cost R50.
St Francis Brewing Co will be home to deep house at 18:30 on October 1. Tickets cost R50 and include a free cocktail at the entrance.
Gungu Music will pay tribute to the ’90s at St Francis Brewing Co at 18:30 on October 4, while PJ Powers and Ooth will get the feet moving at 18:30 on October 7. Tickets cost R130 and R160 respectively.
More information
Tasting tickets cost R50 per 100g taster option and are available online at https://gatewayevents.co.za. Tickets are also available at the St Francis Tourism office at the Kouga Municipal Office in Assisi Drive, St Francis Bay, as well as at the St Francis Market on Saturday, September 25.
For more info, contact Van der Westhuizen at 083 294 2211 or St Francis Bay Tourism at 042 294 0076. Alternatively, send an email to office@stfrancistourism.co.za or visit the Calamari Festival – St Francis Bay Facebook Page.
