The marketing of South Africa has been taken to new heights, literally and figuratively, with a team of chefs representing South Africa at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, cooking a special meal for 2 500 guests to promote the country last Saturday, reports the Sunday Times.

Led by Sunday Times Chef of the Year 2009, Henrico Grobbelaar from Vergelegen, a team of nine chefs prepared the R 3 million dinner, which was sponsored by Anglo American CEO Cynthia Carroll and was the brainchild of the International Marketing Council of South Africa, a body tasked to build a positive profile for South Africa.

The 46-dish buffet included puthu pap, biltong, mealies, samp, waterblommetjies, Karoo lamb belly stuffed with dried fruit, game bobotie tartlets, springbok ravioli, Durban prawn curry, peppercorn-crusted crocodile(!), melktert, koeksisters, malva pudding, Cape Brandy pudding, rooibos-infused creme brulee  and macadamia cake made with mealie meal.   The drinks served included Vergelegen wines, mampoer, and inkomazi.

Entertainment was provided by Freshlyground, Jimmy Dludlu, The Afrotenors, Sibongile Mngoma, and the Standard Bank Young Artists Jazz Quartet.   The work of nine South African artists was on display as well.

The South African delegation at Davos included President Jakob Zuma, Maria Ramos and Trevor Manuel. President Zuma addressed the summit to reassure the delegates about South Africa’s ability to host the World Cup later this year.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com

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