Top braaiers lock tongs in TV audition

THE weather played ball in Port Elizabeth at the weekend when 30 ardent foodies vied for braai bragging rights by auditioning for chef and television personality Justin Bonello's homegrown hit, The Ultimate Braai Master.

Teams travelled from as far as George and East London to light their fires at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's South Campus.

Some, like Team "Do It" from George, made up of father and son Jonathan and CJ Hardnick, even slept in their vehicles from 1am to be ready for Saturday's braai action.

"It's a lekker day in Port Elizabeth," Bonello said as he welcomed the judges, who included the likes of Bay restaurateurs Mark and Natti Simmons, of Natti's, Fushin's Mark Oosthuizen, and The Herald and Weekend Post features editor, foodie Louise Liebenberg.

"Last year was a near-miss because of the wind," Bonello said.

Fifteen teams took part in Saturday's challenge, after which the top eight were put through their paces at Capsicum Culinary Studios' kitchens yesterday.

Teams Fabulous Lovers, Vlam-boyant, Fire Fairies, Bullsharks, Eccentric Fire Feeders, Two Phat Braaiers, Do It and All in One all made it through to the second day of auditions after impressing judges with their gourmet cooking skills on an open flame. The Eccentric Fire Feeders – or EFF – team of Bretten-Ann Moolman-Heath and Stuart Smith said they were "unbelievably excited" that they had a shot at the show.

The two, who were named the team with the Best "gees", impressed with their starter which included smoked taramasalata and prawns in chocolate sauce, among other dishes; mains of spiced duck with pears and "time to eff off" mint julep peach cobbler.

However, they and the other shortlisted teams from the PE round will only know next month whether any have landed a coveted spot on the reality show, which sees 15 teams of two travelling around South Africa as they prepare culinary delights on the braai.

"Many people say sport is a great nation- builder, but I think it's food. You can go anywhere in South Africa and you'll encounter people making a little fire so they can prepare something to eat," executive producer Peter Gird said.

When the series premieres later this year, it will have a new home, format and face on the judging panel. "We've moved from SABC3 to e.tv and secured cooking sensation Petrus Madutlela as a new judge.

"When I gave Petrus a call to join the show I was worried we would not be able to afford him because he earns pounds, but he joined without any hesitation," Gird said.

Auditions have also been done in Joburg and will next hit Cape Town and Durban. -