The cookery school is situated in the Little Karoo, right in the middle of the charming small town of Price Albert. With a waterway trickling through along the road and a friendly, laid back atmosphere, it’s more a throw-back to the 1950’s than a town in the 21st century.
Lead by personable head chef Vanie Padayachee, cookery students may be well-versed in all matters to do with food or completely useless; she caters for all. The kitchen opens to one side onto the grassed lawns of the main house, where you may attend wine appreciation sessions or any of the other courses that co-owner Jeremy Freemantle runs. The school specialises in old Karoo dishes and uses local produce where possible. Local olive oil, cheese, figs and honey join the kudu meat and lamb in the ingredients list. Guest chefs also visit for cookery weekends. It’s all fun at African Relish; not at all pretentious or serious. Jeremy and Vanie inspire you with their love of their craft; before you know it you are donning an apron and getting stuck in. One of three renovated Cape village homes will be your home for the duration of your stay. Although lovingly restored, there’s nothing basic about them.
It’s not all about cookery. If you are part of a couple and you don’t want to cook, Jeremy will lend you a mountain bike to grapple with the Swartberg Pass nearby, send you off to visit a dairy or you may just want to relax in the garden with a good book. Alternatively, you could spend a very happy time wandering around the town that has an art gallery highlighting excellent local talent, cafes, curio shops and plenty more to keep even the most demanding of visitors happy. About a four hour drive from Cape Town, you may prefer to do it in style and organise a private plane, as there is an airstrip at Prince Albert.
Contact tel: +27 23 541 1381
Useful links
African Relish Cookery School