Food Jams: A Must-Do in Cape Town!

Food Jams was one of those nights for which I am so grateful to CIEE. Not knowing what to expect, we walked up the stairs and were welcomed by warm smiles and a table of beautiful drinks. Behind them were rows of cutting boards, recipes, ingredients, cooking utensils, and spices galore. I thought it couldn’t get any better until I turned the corner and saw the most instagrammable scene imaginable. Picture fuchsia couches, yellow cushions, plants hanging from the ceiling, and a fabulous hors d’oeuvre platter and bar. I could not have been more excited.

We were randomly split into teams, which was one of my favorite aspects of the night. I got to work and make amazing food with people that I do not normally hang out with on a day-to-day basis. Adding to the fun atmosphere of the night, we also got to choose fun hats and costumes in which to cook! That night, I made dinner with a rabbit, a Santa Clause, and a clown.

My team ended up at a table making lamb ribs, truffle mayonnaise, salad, and roasted cauliflower. It sounds daunting, I know, but the Food Jams crew make the recipes super easy to follow! Music was playing over the speakers and everyone was whipping up their meals as if we were all teammates on Top Chef Cape Town, except much more relaxed. Vibes. Were. Good.

My table was so proud taking those ribs out of the oven and smelling our perfection waft out of the pot. It was one of the last dishes to be ready, so everyone crowded around to watch us (admittedly struggle to) cut it and plate it.

Once we had all finished and the Food Jams team was helping to set it all up, it was a full-on dance party. A CIEE girl had the aux and was straight killing it. The only thing better than the fun we had dancing after a couple hours of cooking was eating all of the amazing food made by our friends! This included but was not limited to ribs, salad, curry, potatoes, fish, bread, roasted veggies, samosas, and dessert, all homemade!

Food Jams was hands down one of the best nights I have had here so far, which is saying a lot because this experience has been so magical and I am not even halfway through the term!