Cheese, Cheese, glorious Cheese

Cheese Gourmet Cafe and Deli is a landmark in Linden, renowned for the vast range of both local and imported cheeses.  But there is so much more to this delightful haven for those appreciate the finer things in life.

How about Rex Union oranges?  Well, what is so special about that?  Pockets of these uniquely South African oranges were available recently at the Deli but the 'special' label is because there are apparently only 50 trees left growing in the Rustenburg area.  A cross developed in South Africa, between a Seville orange and a pomelo and supposedly named after George Rex, they are the Rolls Royce citrus for making marmalade.  Except not many people make marmalade these days so, with declining demand, farmers are replacing them with more fashionable varieties.

Owners Brian and Jo Dick travel around SA and overseas to 'slow food' and cheese fairs (amongst others) and go out of their way to discover and source top quality and unusual products, preferably local.  For instance, there is an olive grove in the Magaliesberg producing top quality extra virgin cold pressed oil.  Or a goats milk cheese being made in Parkhurst!

But the Deli is so much more than cheese.  Yoghourts, biscuits, jams - there is plenty to excite and - Buy.  The coffee shop serves great coffee, unusual and delicious breakfast dishes and freshly made light meals.  A steady stream of very different functions are dreamed up - a 'long table' meal on the pavement presented with the restaurant next door, a tour of a dairy farm and their cheese making enterprise, dinners with special themes eg olive oil, chocolate, whiskey etc.

An interesting newsletter keeps addressees informed of all the activities from this most enterprising 'food emporium'.

http://jozifoodiefix.blogspot.com/2013/03/if-youre-in-linden-cheese-gourmet.html
http://eatout.co.za/restaurants/5459/johannesburg/deli-light-meals/cheese-gourmet

A Place that Hums - Neighbour Goods Market

Some years ago, a market was started in the buildings comprising the old "Biscuit Factory" in Woodstock, Cape Town.  Such was the success of this initiative that a visitor needed to be there early to avoid the shoulder to shoulder crush that developed from mid-morning onwards.  It also spawned the "Neighbourgoods Market" or NGM in Braamfontein in Johannesburg.

In the 1990's, Johannesburg Metro Council embarked on a regeneration programme in a number of strategic nodes in the Central Business District dubbed "Business Improvement Districts".  One of which stretches from the edge of Hillbrow incorporating Constitution Hill, Braamfontein and Newtown. It was here that the NGM found premises in a former car park on the corner of Juta and de Beer Streets.

Two floors of this Eduardo Villas designed building are occupied by stalls and a pulsating crowd of visitors eager to sample the wares.  Handmade clothes, shoes, handbags etcetera are showcased but the main attraction is a vast array of freshly prepared and delicious foods.  From Argentina, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and proudly South Africa.  Terrines, sausages, olives, breads, paella, champagne and oysters, cakes and tarts, pizzas, cheeses, coffee - the list is seemingly endless.

Open every Saturday from 9am until 3pm but get there early to avoid the press of the crowds.  Yes, a loud hum, buzz, noise, vibe, excitement permeates the place.  Definitely worth a visit.  Or several.  

http://www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za/

A Market with a Difference

"I would like to buy everything on display, pack it in containers and ship it back home to Dublin to sell because there is nothing like this at home" said an Irish friend of ours when visiting the Bryanston Organic Market.  And it continues to be one of the "must visit" destinations for our overseas visitors.
Situated in the grounds of the Michael Mount Waldorf School, the open air market was started over 30 years ago as a fund raising venture (which it still is).  A high proportion of the school parents have Continental roots and this is reflected in the amazing variety of high quality handcrafted goods. Food produce is natural (the "Organic" in the title) and covers the gamut from vegetables to cheeses, breads, honey and coffee beans. Need an unusual and unique gift: the range of crafts are too numerous to mention but include leatherwork, pottery, jewellery, curios, clothing, photography and many more.
And when your feet are sore and your stomach empty, there are a variety of eateries to chose from offering coffee, pastries, light meals and pizza's. Live music can be enjoyed while sitting under the trees at the Photosynthesis Tea Garden. The Not To Be Missed Moonlight Markets complete with Christmas Carols are held each Tuesday evening starting in late November through December.  In 2013, the Moonlight Market starts on Tuesday 12th November and continue each Tuesday until Christmas. 


The Market is open from 9.00am until 3.00pm each Thursday and Saturday while the Moonlight Markets start at approximately 5.00pm and continue until about 10.00pm (check the website).

http://www.bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za/