Bee Eaters knocks guests’ socks off with celebration fare

NELSPRUIT – Bee Eaters Farm celebrated 20 years in the catering industry on Tuesday evening. Many old friends of Carol and John Stephen, who have lived in the Lowveld for 40 years, came out in celebration of this milestone.

Carol said she and her husband had bought the farm to use as their home, but when she was retrenched from her catering job, they started Bee Eaters Farm and Caterers. “I love cooking, so when that happened we said, ‘This is it, it is all or nothing now’.”

The gamble paid off and 20 years later Bee Eaters is still going from strength to strength. Carlene and Kris van der Westhuizen were appointed as managers last year, and according to Carol things have worked out very well. “We are well into retirement age, and it is nice to be able to breathe,” she said of some of the hard work being taken off her hands.

The food conjured up by the Van der Westhuizen-couple bowled the guests over. “The food is great,” said Susan Mahungele, whose company uses Bee Eaters for all its catering needs. The theme for the evening was Lebanese in honour of Carol’s heritage. The dates, figs, humus, cheese, dolmades and cabbage rolls all hail from that part of the world and were delectable. The same could be said of the scrumptious cupcakes.

According to John, they will offer Sunday lunches from the middle of October again, and these will also be themed. “It is a great venue for children as well,” he said. The property is large and spacious. Not only does it accommodate a crowd without the overcrowded feel, but there are also big outdoor spaces for play. Apart from its breathtaking views, it is also located conveniently close to the city and offers luxurious rooms, a chapel, and a conference centre to guests. To book a wedding, year-end-function, conference, birthday party, corporate dinner, board meeting or product launch, phone 083-625-7082.