Rowayton Community Center to Host Braai Shakespeare Fundraiser, 6/7

A South African family barbecue called a "Braai" complete with wine-tasting has been arranged for the Rowayton Community Center June 7 as a fundraiser for Shakespeare on the Sound which is in rehearsal for the comedy "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" as its 19th annual outdoor production.

The traditional cuisine and iconic wines from South Africa are to be presented by Travel Sommelier and Wines of South Africa, featuring New York-based celebrity chef Hugo Uys (prounced Ace) from Johannesburg who describes himself as a "culinary astronaut" and is known for a fearless sense of adventure in the kitchen.

Fruit and fruit juices combined with spices like curry, cumin, cardamom, coriander and turmeric go into the marinade for the customary South African-style grilling that Uys is planning to prepare.

Darren Humphreys, the principal of Travel Sommelier, said "marrying the traditional South African flavors with ingredients indigenous to New England promises a unique taste experience."

The benefit at the center (33 Highland Ave) runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p and is designed as a family outing. Tickets are $20 with all proceeds going to Shakespeare on the Sound in support of The Bard's classic tale of romance, friendship and twists of plot in Rowayton's Pinkney Park June 12-29.

To purchase tickets visit www.travelsommelier.com and to learn more about the play in the park visit www.shakespeareonthesound.org.