Archive for the ‘Lifestyle Food’ Category
What could be a more enjoyable way to spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday than visiting one of the many food markets that are to be found in the various suburbs of our Cape Town? Although there are a few old established markets; the modern trend is for lifestyle and food markets which attract a new breed of customer; those seeking good quality fresh home produce.
The Neighbourgoods market is situated in a historic Victorian era Biscuit factory warehouse just outside Cape Town city. This market is the largest of its type in Cape Town, and features more than 100 stalls which offer an almost bewildering range of home produce, artisan bakes, handmade cheeses, preserved meats, sausages, sushi and a wide variety of fine food and produce with the emphasis on fresh organic foods and locally produced specialties. To enhance the experience, there are wines on offer from boutique wine estates as well as micro-breweries to enjoy with your choice of things to eat. in order to be able to find parking, it is best to visit early. Location: The Old biscuit mill 373-375 Albert Street Woodstock, Cape Town every Saturday 9 am to 2 pm
The Earth Fair Market, Tokai has become the choice of those living in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. This market is much smaller, but the number and variety of stalls has been carefully chosen and limited by the organizer. On entry one has the beguiling choice of fresh vegetable or fruit juices as well as a choice specialty beers and wine from the rustic bar. There are plenty of tables and chairs and even bales of hay to can sit and enjoy a meal or a snack. There is no formality, and no one minds if you take an empty place at their table- you may even make new friends. There is a delectable range of home produced delicacies on offer, including a selection of tasty pies, farm cheeses, bbq meat and kebabs including specialty sausages, fresh and smoked fish, organic and farm fresh produce, artisan breads cakes and cookies, olives and preserves, gourmet pizza and crepes and even curries. Local friends and families enjoy gathering to share a meal or snack in an informal environment. At the bbq stall one may find the choice of Kudu burger or wildebeest kebab with apricots. There is plenty of safe parking and the market is always busy, but not too crowded. Location: South Palms center, (next to Builders Warehouse in Tokai Main Rd; Open Wednesdays 3-8 pm, and Saturdays 9am-2pm
Triangle Square market: Noordhoek/Sun Valley. This food market serves the so called “Deep South of the Cape Town peninsula. In the mall, protected from the wind and weather, one will find an enticing range of fresh and organic produce, freshly baked pies, cakes and cookies, rustic breads, delicious homemade filled pastas, olives and olive products including delicious Tapenade, smoked fish and pates, relishes and chutneys, and even a platter of Middle Eastern meze. This market is within strolling distance of our self-catering cottages, and we encourage our guests to enjoy the fine food and produce on offer. Location: Sun Valley Mall, Noordhoek; Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm. Long Beach Mall, Noordhoek.
Kalk Bay Fresh Etc Market is a smaller market situated in a romantic double story community building, dating back to 1906. It has only about 25 stalls and has an attractive position overlooking the sea as well as a convenient, large parking lot. The range includes organic farm produce, preserves and fresh home products, and local specialties such as the spicy curries and Biryanis made popular by the Cape Malay community. The center’s spacious balcony offers a great opportunity to look out for whales in the bay opposite while enjoying your food and perhaps to make new friends. Even if the market is small, you will enjoy the wide range of restaurants, galleries and collectible shops that line the Victorian fronted main Road of Kalk Bay and you can easily be enticed to spend the day. Location: Community Centre, Kalk Bay, Cape Town; 3rd Sunday of every month from 10am to 3 pm
Simonstown Lifestyle Market at Southern Right hotel: This recently opened market offers arts, crafts, home bakes, produce, preserves and clothing, and is located behind the brightly painted Victorian hotel known as the Southern Right- after the whales frequent the shores of Cape Town during the winter and spring. Once you have done with the market, why not enjoy a meal of local fish or seafood on the hotel’s outdoor deck and enjoy the spectacular view of False Bay. Location Southern Right hotel and restaurant, just off main road, Simonstown, Saturdays 9:30 am to 3 pm
These markets continue to grow in popularity as people move away from mass produced foods, filled with preservatives, seeking organic and fresh produce. New markets are being announced to open at Solole Game reserve, Noordhoek and other locations, so the visitor on a Cape Town holiday will probably find an even greater selection than is set out in this article.
More and more types of digestive problems are affecting significant number of Americans and it is directly affecting their lifestyle. According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), Americans reports above 81 million cases of chronic digestive problems each year. This correlation has brought about the recent researches and studies made by some private agencies in the US and outside America. But here’s good news. People who are suffering from digestive problems may not have to skip work or miss out on leisure activities just because of their poor digestive health.
The first step towards achieving a healthy digestive tract is by eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables which are rich in nutrients. These foods are beneficial to your digestive tract. According to Leo Treyzon, M.D., from the divisions of Digestive Diseases and Clinical Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles, nutrients filled foods includes dried fruits, like California dried plums, as well as fresh berries and apples. These types of foods are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that give a wide variety of health benefits. Other foods containing fiber, protein, calcium and vitamin D are also good choices for boosting your digestive health.
California dried plums according to Treyzon are particularly good for digestive health because it contains a unique combination of nutrients, such as soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, potassium and magnesium. It also contains a high amount of plant substances called polyphenols. This substance contains strong antioxidants that protect DNA against damage, decrease inflammation and prevents cancer formation.
Treyzon give emphasis to the fact that people must learn more about the specific types of food which are good in people’s digestive system. This way, they will also realize the positive impact nutrition has on lifestyle and overall health. He also added that a healthy digestive system improves a person’s immune system and may reduce the risk of developing some chronic diseases, such as heart disease and some forms of cancer.
To sum it all up, Treyzon added that if you make positive food choices, always bear in mind that it’s important to eat adequate amounts of protein, especially vegetable protein. It is also important to choose fats wisely, avoid concentrated sweets, drink plenty of fluids and engage in enjoyable physical activities for at least 30 minutes everyday. Make this a daily habit and you are on your way to a healthier you.
For anyone growing bamboo and using it to cook some delicious bamboo recipes, welcome to a small niche of the increasingly popular local food movement. The local food movement is a “collaborative effort to build more locally-based, self-reliant economies – one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular place.” Many farms involved in the local food movement embrace sustainable agriculture techniques so they not only raise healthier food for the consumer (as opposed to many of the corporate food farms for large groceries) but they lessen their impact on the environment by opting for eco-friendly farming practices.
If nothing else, think about this – the food on your plate from large grocery stores has traveled an average of 1500 miles to get there!
Here are some ways to become involved with the local food movement:
1 – Grow your own garden! From lawn to lunch (as they say), starting a garden will add one more local grower and can provide a green thumb with plenty of fresh veggies for the year. If the First Lady can get her hands dirty on the White House lawn, surely we can all follow her lead.
2 – Eat more veggies! If gardening is not your thing, you still have to eat. 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions are created by meat production so whenever possible, fill your plate with vegetables and keep meat to a minimum. Not only will this help the environment but it could benefit your health as well.
3 – Host a preserve party! If you got a little overzealous with your canning and have too much tomato sauce or pickled bamboo but no apple butter left, invite some other local foodies over and swap goods. Expand the selection to include baked goods as well!
4 – Shop local! This is the most obvious way to get involved but sometimes not the easiest. If you’re lucky enough to live near local farmers markets and food stands, take advantage of that. If you’re not sure where they might be in your area, visit Local Harvest to find locally-grown food sold nearby. Other resources to find affordable and environmentally-grown food include Sustainable Table or the Eat Well Guide.
5 – Start a community garden! Urban dwellers often lack the land to grow their own garden but all over the country, neighbors are finding available land and growing food together. People can be in charge of individual plots or the garden as a whole can be a shared responsibility. Make sure to meet regularly to swap seedlings, share advice and celebrate your harvest with a potluck! For more information on starting your own community garden, visit CommunityGarden.org.
6 – Consider the Hungry in your area! Many local homeless centers and food pantries are taking matters into their own hands and starting gardens to help their communities. Consider donating some of your bounty or contact local non-profits to see if they have a garden that needs volunteer help. (If they don’t, suggest starting one!)
7 – Host a locally-produced dinner! Want to pique your friend’s interest? Host a dinner party made with as much local food as possible and let your friends know why this is a movement they should get on board with!