V&A Food Market.

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Who: The V&A Food Market

Where: The V&A Waterfront inside the old Musica Building.

Why: Fresh food, amazing venue and great quality.

I recently won a voucher for the V&A Food Market and it was the perfect time to try it out since I had meaning to for ages. Simply put, the market is a delight. It is where the old Musica used to be and they have refurbished it fantastically.

The venue is quirky and charming with red bricks and rustic feel. We set about exploring the place and I immediately spotted the Creamery and while it is a firm favourite of mine, I wanted to try as many new things as possible. Trust me, there is a lot to try!

We stumbled onto Stokkiesdraai Biltong, a family owned business and their products include beef, game and ostrich biltong. They some of the best biltong I have had in years and I can’t wait to go back for more.

Next up was the much raved about Moona’s Gourmet Samosas. While the flavour combinations were incredible, they just a bit too rich for my liking!

I had stopped at Seared and their selection of sanwhiches had immediately caught my eye. I shared a roast beef sandwich with rocket, Dijon mustard and a tomato relish. It was great!

Then we moved on to the Belgian patisserie, where we had a divine chocolate tart, I have heard their crepes and waffles, are made in front of you by an artisan baker, are something else.

It was time for some more chocolate, this time at Fortain Chocolatier. All of their products are outstanding but it is their truffles that are simply phenomenal. Jean-Pierre Fortain, third generation chocolatier, who learnt in Bruges, also teaches the art of making Belgian chocolates. I need to go to one of the courses!

Overall, I loved the quirky feel of the market, there were so many more stall I wanted to try but ended up being to stuffed to try. Next time I’m trying the infamous Bubble Tea and some tasty Taiwan inspired dim sum!

Win a Mother’s Day Hamper. Lindt Style.

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If you know me, or have met me for longer than ten minutes, you will know I am teeny tiny bit obsessed with Lindt. It is by far my favourite brand of premium chocolate.  When I was approached by them to do a Mother’s Day giveaway I immediately said yes.

I am giving away this incredibly mind blowing hamper that would make every mother’s day nothing short of special. The best chocolate and making your mother happy, is there anything better?

What is it you ask? Think a jam packed hamper with the best selection of Lindt products. Think Lindors balls, some deliciously dark 70%, 85% as well as their divine Dark Orange Excellence slabs. There is also a selection of milk, white, hazelnut slabs. If that isn’t enough they have added a tradition slab and a special Lindt gold bar.

Sound phenomenal? I know. Here is the best bit. It is ridiculously easy to win this hamper. All you have to do is visit the Lindt Facebook page then comment here and tell me which product in stores has the Mother’s Day competition sticker on it and why your mother deserves some spoiling and you could be the winner.

What are you waiting for? Some Mother’s Day goodness awaits. The competition closes on Thursday morning so get going!

Groot Constantia.

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When Talya and I were invited for a day out at Groot Constantia, for the launch of the new Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve label as well as the official unveiling of the upgraded tasting room we simply couldn’t say no.

Groot Constantia is one of my favourite places, the setting is nothing short of amazing and I love both the restaurants there.

The invite told not to forget out sunglasses and cameras but the day turned out to be cold and miserable. Nothing a spot of wine tasting and good food couldn’t cure though!

We were treated to a trip there on red double decker City Sightseeing bus, which was a fantastic experience! We all made our way to Jonkershuis restaurant where welcome snacks and sparkling Cap Classique awaited us. Tal, Lyssa and I were rather obsessed with the goats cheese and tomato snacks they had, if you get the opportunity o order them, you really have to!

We were given a a talk and a glimpse into the rich history of Groot Constantia, the oldest wine farm in South Africa. We then moved on to the ribbon cutting at the new tasting room, think a blend of old and new that perfectly encapsulates the estate. I loved that that they showcase different artists work, it adds a lovely touch.

It was then time for some more wine tasting, The new wine label at Groot Constantia is in fact an exact reproduction of one of the Estates historical labels and has been brought back to honour the Gouverneurs Reserve range of wines. Both the Gouverneurs Reserve 2010 and Grand Constance 2010 blew me away, I just wanted to buy the lot.

After a tour of the museum we ended up at Simon’s restaurant for more drinks and snacks. It was the perfect end to a great day out!

ps All these photos are by Talya of Shades of Gold.  Couldn’t resist her new camera lens!

Decorex Cape Town. Ticket Giveaway.

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Photo Credit: Decorex

Seeing what was on offer at this year’s Decorex has made me realize just how fantastic it is. Decorex Cape Town kicks off on tomorrow and is four days packed with the best in home décor ideas and inspiration. Once again they have put together a mix of the freshest and finest exhibitors, workshops and demonstrations, feature areas, beautifully decorated home-living ideas, plus plenty of fun pop-up restaurants and bars.

Plascon has been a sponsor of Decorex since its inception and  will showcase the exciting colour palette Balance for this year in a room setting transformed into four unique looks simply by paint.   It is going to be something phenomenal!

There will be a fresh food market offering fresh, high-quality artisanal foods. Think gourmet burgers, smoothie and juice bar, sweet treats and more. The Tea Room is a blissful contemporary, collected space styled by well-known designer Adriaan Lochner. It is complete with milkshake bar and delicious cakes on offer.

The Graham Beck Wine Bar by Wetherlys is luxurious bar where selected Graham Beck wines and sparkling wines can be enjoyed alongside food pairings within a comfortable, understated and classic space beautifully put together by Wetherlys.

You can also look out for the Volvo exhibition where interior decorators used inspiring characteristics as their starting point and interpreted elements of the car into a cutting-edge room setting which embodies the design traits of each vehicle. Cannot wait to see what they have come up with!

Don’t miss the Samsung Inspire Theatre where the best in interactive talks, lifestyle demonstrations, cook offs and how-to’s by Cape Town’s finest food, restaurant and entertainment experts will happen. Sound amazing? I know.

I have one double ticket to giveaway for any of the four days. All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me what you are most looking forward to seeing at Decorex. It is that simple!