Lowveld - Dec 2019

The rhythm of
Rio!
Text: Mellissa Bushby. Photographer: Belinda Erasmus
The annual Night of 1000 Stars is an event that Lowvelders clamour to be a part of.
Always glitzy and glamorous, it really is an evening of fun, food and festivity, with
the added bonus of being all about giving, as the event raises funds for Cansa.
The theme this year was Rio
Rhythms, and as always, the locals
really went to town. There were
exotic dancers, fire twirlers, feathers
and fabulous outfits, with bright
colours everywhere you looked. A
few improvisations were in order due
to the rainy and cold weather, but
quick thinking saw the party moved
from the traditional street to under a
roof, the walkway of which was lined
with burning braziers, taking the chill
off and giving the event a definite
exotic ambience. The music was true
26 Get It Lowveld December 2019
Rio; the sultry upbeat sounds of Vaya Con Dios among other things, perfectly
performed by Natascha C, creating a foot-stomping, hip-swaying vibe.
The main feature of the night, the food, was as spectacular as ever. The aim of
each restaurant is to feed their nominated table a starter, main and dessert,
and at the end of the evening the judges decide which of the restaurants
came out tops, not only regarding the courses but also overall. Tables are
beautifully decked out and each host takes care of their customers as if they
were in their signature restaurant.
This year’s winners
Starter: Orange | Main: Zest | Dessert: Doppio Zero | Overall: Doppio
Zero. We had a chat with the respective figureheads of these esteemed
establishments, and found out a little of what makes this event a mustdo
for these well-known local eateries every year.