The well-travelled Roving Ambassador, Andrew

Shapland, unearths an exciting new talent in food…

Nikki Booth!

Andrew Shapland, the Roving Ambassador for

Africa Tourism Corporation, has a natural passion for

exploration and unearthing hidden gems and destination

secrets. Passionate about representing all that is

luxurious and all that is African, this lover of people

and active participant in the global community has

discovered Nikki Booth, an innovative and passionate gourmand.

Top Billing caught up with Andrew and Nikki in her

kitchen to find out what’s on trend for you to put on the

table this festive season.

1 It’s all about easy and chilled this festive season. My favourite quick-and-easy dish to whip up is prawns and avo – so easy but so delicious.

2 Keep it light and healthy. Nikki’s salads are creative and so tasty!

3Make it tasty and scrumptious – Nikki’s stuffed pork neck is so easy and it tastes

divine!

4Bright and light – creative table decorations that are atmospheric but not kitsch!

5 Chilled and smooth – lovely light wines and a touch of French Champagne – my favourite – Klein Constantia and Verve Cliquot (it’s our treat at New Year’s!).

6 Delicious but not too expensive – make no mistake, times are tough and we are in a

recession, so we are very conscious of what we spend – but you can have great food without having to buy lobster and caviar!

7 Good company – the festive season is all about being with our loved ones and friends

– we love good company and it’s paramount, as is the blessing of having good friends to

share a feast with!

NIKKI BOOTH runs her own unique foodfocused

business, Ottimo Cibo, from her home in the

Kirstenbosch area in Cape Town. Set beneath the back of

Table Mountain, her home and garden provide a unique

venue for informal and totally relaxed culinary indulgence

based on her passion for food. Her concept is the

result of many years of careful but natural pursuit of what

has become her special craft – seemingly effortless entertaining

in her own environment, but which bears all the

hallmarks of her understated good taste and attachment

to the uncontrived!

1 Delegate to trusted family members and friends. You don’t have to make everything yourself.

2 Keep it simple. Don’t experiment with new recipes on the day.

3 Choose a menu that allows you to prepare things in advance.

4 Design and print a menu or menus.

5 Make individual place-settings for guests with their own place cards. This makes an

instant impression.

6 Spend Christmas with the people you love.

7 Avoid overly ornate and fussy table decorations. Simplicity can be far more powerful.

8 No tinsel! Use your beautifully decorated Christmas cake as a centrepiece.

9Ask your local wine shop to deliver your drinks and ice.