Latest news with #CapeMalay
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A Fresh Take: Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs joins Cape Grace
If Netflix's The Bear offers any insight into the high-stakes world of hospitality, it's that a head chef sets the tone for the entire kitchen. At Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel - recognised as one of the city's best by Time Out - a new chapter begins under Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs, who brings a fresh vision to its five-star dining experience. We were introduced to Chef Jacob's culinary creativity during a lunch hosted in Heirloom's private dining room alongside celebrated former World's Best sommelier, Philippe Faure-Brac. Jacobs rose to the challenge, plating a menu set to stand beside wines open to critique by Faure-Brac (no pressure). Faure-Brac, whose attendance was a masterstroke - aligned perfectly with the hosting of the ASI General Assembly in Cape Town for the first time in its 55-year run, a landmark for the African continent as a whole. The collaboration of this Fairmont property, under Accor's ownership, has led to significant refurbishments and enhancements at the Cape Grace, including the introduction of Heirloom Restaurant - first, under the leadership of acclaimed chef Gregory Czarnecki in 2023. Chef Asher Abramowitz later took over the reins in 2024, bringing added focus to South Africa's rich culinary heritage. Now, Jacobs and his team, including sommelier Alvezo Abrahams, showcased exactly what guests can expect in the months ahead. Think elegant dishes rooted in South African traditions of Cape Malay cooking with touches of finesse. Fine examples include the Seafood Biryani (paired with a Cape Point Reserve Sauvignon Blanc) and the Springbok Potjie (paired with Beyerskloof Reserve). Other splashes of contemporary flair included a Fynbos Sorbet palette cleanser and Baked Alaska, "not done Ouma's way" - best described as a smile-inducing dish, even before tasting it. Jacobs, formerly of Four Seasons Westcliff, where he led the award-winning pass at Flames, tells us that while he might be looking to break the mould in some instances, he and his team are pushing to put it back together in a totally unique way. Cooking from the heart and memory as odes to aunties or grannies are no longer platitudes when you consider the selection Jacobs shared. And it's not just Heirloom that are under his care - with Bascule Bar and the Library Lounge as part of his culinary canvas. The lunch menu certainly has set sizzling aspirations for the season ahead. The Cape Grace is inviting guests to join them for an adventurous pairing of chardonnays at the end of June, featuring Atlas Swift - just ahead of their new winter menu launch in July. Advanced booking is advised.
Daily Maverick
02-05-2025
- General
- Daily Maverick
AirFryday: Ouma innie air fryer!
Hang on to your rolling pin, tannie. The beloved comfort supper known as 'ouma onder die kombers' (granny under the blanket) is adapted for an air fryer in today's AirFryday recipe. Skande! Cabbage and meatballs are found in cuisines from Sweden to Serbia, north Africa to Asia, but in South Africa we regard this soul-warming comfort dish as all our own. For the uninitiated, ouma 'innie' air fryer is a colloquial alternative to ouma 'in die' or 'in the' air fryer. But 'innie' just works better. Meatballs wrapped in cabbage leaves are a popular family supper in both the old Cape Dutch and Cape Malay traditions, though in slightly different ways. The Cape Malay version differs in that the blanketed meatballs are cooked on top of a partially cooked bredie, or mutton stew. To get right back to basics, let's start with the standard South African dish as described in SJA de Villiers's classic Cook & Enjoy. Her recipe is straightforward, no frills, and the meat is either beef or mutton mince with a smaller amount of pork mince. Like most recipes it includes milk-soaked bread (which must be squeezed out so that your meatballs don't become soggy), onion, parsley, a little nutmeg and the binding of an egg. Instructions vary from recipe to recipe in this regard; some call for two or even more eggs, others for two to four slices of bread. Cook & Enjoy requires only one slice of bread and one egg. My recipe differs slightly. In my browsings I found a recipe that includes ginger, another with cumin, and some of the old traditional recipes call for the dish to be served with mustard on the side. In my version, I have taken some of these elements but ignored others. I wanted to keep it simple while ensuring a delicious flavour, and it's important to salt the meat fairly generously or they will turn out too bland. So I did use garlic, and I included a heaped teaspoon of hot English mustard in the mince before forming meatballs, while also serving some mustard on the side. I also added the grated zest of an orange, because it's orange season now and I felt the mixture needed a bit of zing. I chose to make big, really plump meatballs and to use the outer leaves of a large cabbage, which is more in line with traditional old Cape recipes. Polite versions of how to deal with the cabbage leaves would have you cutting away the hard stems of the leaves, but look at how the spines of the cabbage leaves relate so beautifully to the meat inside. The traditional Afrikaans way is to arrange them in a greased baking dish and add any remaining juices from the pan in which you fried the meatballs, then bake them for 20 minutes to half an hour. This is the part that I did in an air fryer instead. The result was good, but a little different. As you can see in the photo, the cabbage and meatball somehow melded together, with the cabbage turning opaque, so that you can see the meatball through the leaf. I find this visually appealing. Parsley is commonly used in the meatballs for the traditional recipe, but since I could not find any in my local shops, I compensated with other ingredients, chiefly orange, nutmeg and a generous hand with the mustard. By all means add some finely chopped parsley if you like. Tony's ouma innie air fryer (meatballs in cabbage leaves) Ingredients 700 g lean beef mince 1 large onion, very finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 slices day-old white bread soaked in milk, then squeezed out Grated zest of 1 orange, but not the juice 1 heaped tsp Hot English mustard 3 gratings of nutmeg Salt and black pepper to taste 1 XL egg, beaten 3 Tbsp cooking oil (canola or sunflower) Cooking oil spray A little flour Method In a bowl, combine the mince, orange zest, onion, garlic and nutmeg, and season well with salt and black pepper. Using clean hands, thoroughly mix the ingredients. Soak 2 slices of day-old household bread in milk to cover and, a minute later, squeeze out all the milk and crumble the sodden bread into the mixture. Mix again with your hands. Add the beaten egg and continue to mix, still using your hands. Scatter some flour on a board. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a meatball. Roll them around in the flour on a board. Set aside. Pour a little oil into a pan on a medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Season with salt and pepper on both sides during the cooking. Wash the cabbage leaves and plunge them into boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly. They don't need to be refreshed in cold water. Pat the meatballs dry and wrap each in a (patted-dry) cabbage leaf. Preheat the air fryer to 170°C. Spray the bottom with cooking oil spray. Arrange the meatballs in the basket (do them in batches if necessary) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are cooked to the centre. Serve with mashed potato and wholegrain mustard on the side. DM
The South African
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
7 fantasticly unique food markets to visit in South Africa
South Africa's food scene is diverse, bold, and rooted in culture. Beyond the fabulous restaurants and wine farms, the country's food markets offer a raw, authentic experience. They're where locals go to eat well, shop fresh, and connect. Here are seven standout markets worth visiting across South Africa… 1. Neighbourgoods Market, Cape Town Located in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, this market has become an institution. Every Saturday, it draws crowds with its mix of gourmet street food, local wines, craft beers, and live music. You'll find everything from wood-fired pizzas to Cape Malay curries, alongside fresh flowers and designer clothes. Best for: Trendy food lovers and artisan finds. 2. The Boeremark, Pretoria This is not your average market. The Boeremark is a no-frills, early-morning farmers' market where Pretoria locals shop for biltong, homemade rusks, farm eggs, and boerewors straight from the source. Doors open at 5:30, and by 9:00, the best stock is gone. Best for: Traditional Afrikaans fare and serious foodies who don't mind waking up early. 3. I Heart Market, Durban Hosted monthly in Durban, this market focuses on local creativity and seasonal food. Think gourmet samoosas, vegan donuts, spicy curries, and small-batch condiments. It's also family-friendly and packed with handmade goods. Best for: Durban's laid-back beach vibe and inventive local snacks. 4. Oranjezicht City Farm Market, Cape Town Located near the V&A Waterfront, this market blends an urban farm feel with upscale food offerings. Shoppers can buy organic vegetables, freshly baked bread, free-range meats, and enjoy meals from a curated selection of food stalls. It's stylish but grounded, perfect for brunch or a casual foodie stroll. Best for: Farm-to-table freshness in a scenic urban setting. 5. Bay Harbour Market, Hout Bay Inside a repurposed fish factory, this buzzing weekend market blends food, live music, and local art. Expect everything from Cape Malay street food to sushi, craft gin, and fresh oysters. The crowd is a mix of tourists and Capetonians escaping the city. Best for: Coastal views, eclectic eats, and an energetic vibe. 6. Market on Main, Johannesburg Located in the Maboneng Precinct, Market on Main reflects Joburg's creativity and hustle. It's a Sunday staple for foodies looking for pan-African street food, cold-pressed juices, and Joburg's best Ethiopian coffee. There's also a rooftop bar with city views. Best for: Urban explorers and those wanting a taste of Joburg's cultural mix. 7. Root 44 Market, Stellenbosch Open rain or shine thanks to its covered setup, Root 44 is a family-friendly market with everything from craft beer and wood-fired bread to Korean BBQ and bubble tea. There's also live music, a play area for kids, and lots of space to roam. Best for: Weekend outings with friends or family. Which is your favourite food market in South Africa? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- General
- Forbes
Can You Eat Meat On Good Friday? What Tradition Means Around The World
Many still skip meat on Good Friday—but the food traditions go far beyond that. Here's how five ... More countries turn this quiet holiday into something meaningful at the table. Good Friday is widely recognized—even by those who don't observe it. For some, it's simply the Friday before Easter. For others, particularly within Christian traditions, it's a solemn day of reflection tied to the crucifixion of Jesus, believed to have taken place on this day according to biblical accounts. The day's cultural footprint often stretches beyond the church. It's not a federal holiday in the U.S., but it still prompts annual questions: Are banks open? Can I eat meat today? What do people eat—and why? In many Christian denominations—including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox churches—Good Friday is traditionally marked by pared-down meals, fasting, and a general sense of stillness. For those who observe it, that often means skipping meat and sitting down to simpler dishes. But even in largely secular households, the food traditions tied to Good Friday can linger—quiet, nostalgic, and deeply regional. From pickled fish in South Africa to hot cross buns in the U.K., here's how five countries bring meaning to the table on this quietly enduring day. In medieval Europe, Good Friday meals reflected both faith and survival—meatless dishes made from ... More fish, legumes, and preserved foods marked the season's scarcity and restraint. Historically, Good Friday has been associated with fasting and restraint—not just in spirit, but on the plate. In medieval Europe, these limitations shaped entire culinary traditions, emphasizing meatless meals made with fish, legumes, and preserved or pickled ingredients. As Yale University Press explains, these customs were not only religious in origin but also tied to seasonal rhythms and scarcity, especially in regions where Lent overlapped with the final stretch of winter. Over time, many of those traditions evolved, regionalized, and—perhaps most notably—became cultural markers that persisted long after religious observance faded. Today, you can see echoes of those same values in the dishes that still appear on Good Friday tables around the world. a serving of hot cross buns and pickled fish which is a traditional meal enjoyed at easter in the ... More cape culture of south africa. A Cape Town staple, pickled fish blends sweet, sour, and spiced flavors—a dish rooted in preservation, history, and Cape Malay tradition. In Cape Town and coastal communities, pickled fish is a beloved Good Friday staple. Made by marinating fried white fish in a spiced vinegar sauce with onions and curry, it's tangy, sweet, and sour all at once. The dish has Cape Malay roots and speaks to both preservation and celebration. Italy's Good Friday tables often feature zuppa di pesce, a rustic fish stew that reflects both ... More religious abstinence and regional abundance. Italian households often skip the meat and serve zuppa di pesce, a rustic fish stew made with tomatoes, garlic, and shellfish or white fish. In coastal regions, it's a centerpiece of the La Vigilia tradition, which also includes pasta dishes with anchovies or sardines. In Argentina, empanada gallega—a tuna-filled pie with Spanish roots—is a Good Friday staple, ... More honoring Catholic tradition with flaky, meatless comfort. In Argentina, empanada gallega—a savory pie typically filled with tuna, onions, and bell peppers—is a traditional Good Friday dish, especially among Catholic families. This Galician-influenced preparation is often made with puff pastry or bread dough and served either warm or at room temperature. Some versions are dusted with powdered sugar, creating a sweet-savory contrast that reflects both Spanish culinary roots and local adaptation. A northern German favorite for Good Friday, pickled herring in cream sauce with boiled potatoes ... More keeps the meal humble, briny, and Lenten-friendly. In parts of Germany, pickled herring served in a cream sauce with boiled potatoes is a common meal for Good Friday. It's a dish tied as much to Lenten abstinence as to practical, everyday fare—light, cold, and simple to prepare. While it's also considered a go-to hangover remedy, its presence on Good Friday tables reflects the tradition of fish-focused meals that avoid richness or indulgence. Soft, spiced, and marked with a cross, hot cross buns were once reserved for Good Friday alone. ... More Today, they remain one of the most iconic Easter season foods. Perhaps the most iconic Good Friday treat, hot cross buns are spiced sweet rolls studded with raisins or currants and marked with a cross in whitre icing on top. Though they're now eaten throughout Lent, they were once reserved for Good Friday alone—meant to symbolize sacrifice and shared comfort. However people choose to observe (or not observe) Good Friday, the foods that show up on this day tell a bigger story. They connect people across time and place—not just through belief but through memory, habit, and what gets passed down.
Telegraph
10-03-2025
- Telegraph
The residential neighbourhoods where tourists are ruining everyday life
I was 11 when my South African-born dad first took me for bobotie in Cape Town's Bo Kaap district. He had a craving for the sweetish Cape Malay alternative to shepherd's pie that he'd adored in childhood, so we drove into the city centre (at that time, well off the tourist map) and bought two portions from a hole-in-the-wall takeaway. Then we sat in the car and devoured it greedily – and not a soul went past. It was 1990, the year that Nelson Mandela was released from prison, and the mood in the city was cautiously optimistic – but Bo Kaap was still one of only a handful of non-white neighbourhoods in the city centre. In 1957, it had been declared 'Malay-only' under the Group Areas Act, meaning that those descended from the Muslim slaves who'd arrived from Asia and settled in the neighbourhood just about held onto their homes and continued to forge a strong culture. Meanwhile, black residents of nearby District Six were evicted to the new townships of the Cape Flats, their own histories erased like their homes. Bo Kaap's residents are concerned that the recent influx of visitors aren't aware of its past. Three decades have passed since that bobotie excursion and the neighbourhood has become a bucket list destination for the social media savvy, who come to take pictures of its paintbox-shaded houses, arriving in tour buses that jam its narrow alleys and quickly leaving without spending money. 'Tourists create traffic challenges as we don't have dedicated walking spaces. They walk on the side of the road, or in the road depending on space,' says local resident and heritage activist Jacky Poking. 'Those in tour buses are off-loaded in the middle of the street, causing traffic jams and delays. Then buses park in the street, not parking bays, and wait there while tourists take pictures. Their vehicles are idling while they wait for the tourists to return, which can be 30 minutes later.' Meanwhile, prices are rising as second home owners move in, chipping away at a unique culture forged over centuries. 'As more and more people buy in Bo Kaap, our rates increase because they're based on the market value of your home. They see it as an investment to resell at a later date, not a home. But for residents, our investment in Bo Kaap is that it is home. We want to continue living here and raising our families.' Residents acknowledge that tourism could be good for the neighbourhood. The problem is that many fail to visit its museum or eat in its cafes and restaurants, meaning little of their money is spent locally. It's still possible to visit and be respectful: among the Airbnbs are homestays with local families, and there are still great places to eat bobotie too (try Biesmiellah on Lower Loop Street). Bo Kaap isn't the only residential area with a visitor problem. As overtourism becomes part of the everyday, it has begun to seep into local neighbourhoods across the world. From sleepy riverside suburbs to the swishest city streets, we take a look at some others below. Arashiyama, Kyoto By mid-morning, the quiet peace of this Kyoto suburb, whose river and mountains seem to have hopped from an ancient painting, is shattered. Snakes of tour bus tourists wind their way to the same points around town – Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo grove and monkey park – before buying souvenirs in the Miffy-themed bakery or Snoopy chocolate shop along the neighbourhood's main thoroughfare. Kyoto has an acknowledged problem with overtourism and inner city areas such as Gion are waging a well-publicised battle against inappropriate visitor behaviour and congestion. But here – where ancient houses quickly segue to the green and gold of empty forest – it can seem just as incongruous. Now, residents are concerned about over-crowded buses and trains, as well as how to contain the rubbish created by visitors according to English-language website News On Japan. Surprisingly though, just minutes away from Arashiyama's well-trodden tick-off points, you can mooch its spiralling streets and bamboo-encircled shrines in absolute peace. Leafy Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street winds its way upwards to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple, with traditional houses dotted between shops and restaurants and only a trickle of tourists. The city is trying to tempt more visitors to this lesser-trodden area. 'In November 2024, the GPS-linked digital map and Saga Arashiyama Tour Guide was released in both Japanese and English. It promotes the attractions of Saga by introducing recommended courses for sightseeing, displaying the locations of trash cans, toilets, bicycle share facilities and more, as well as introducing limited-time events,' said a spokesperson. Meanwhile, it seems that some local residents have embraced the new buzz of this once-sleepy suburb. Feedback to city officials revealed that 'the increase in tourists has led to an increase in cafes and other restaurants, which has contributed to the liveliness of the town.' Trastevere, Rome The shady streets of this working-class neighbourhood were off-the-tourist-radar a few decades ago, but a central location and plenty of charm have put them well and truly on the map. Now, the area is crammed with Airbnbs for tourists seeking a more 'authentic' experience – though authenticity is being lost as locals struggle to afford to live in their old stomping ground. Almost half have left over the last ten years according to The Times while a 2022 study by the Italian National Research Centre and others found that more than 10 per cent of housing in Rome's historic centre (including Trastevere) is now given over to Airbnb listings. These days, visitors cram the bars and restaurants of the area's piazzas while permanent residents complain about the noise and the rubbish they leave on the streets. Meanwhile, old shops have moved out, the victims of rapidly increasing rents. In their place, souvenir stores line the cobbles, making it hard to buy everyday items locally at competitive prices. It's become so bad that, in 2024, a band of anonymous activists glued the district's Airbnb key boxes shut in protest against rising rents and evictions. 'A home is a right, not a goose that lays golden eggs,' they said in a statement released at the time. 'Rents are rising and the number of people being evicted is sky high.' Dumbo, New York Thirty years ago, Dumbo was a grimy part of town in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge, packed with neglected warehouses. But, since then, the neighbourhood has made a virtue of its position glancing towards the skyscrapers across the water: Washington Street is now a key stop-off for millions of Instagrammers keen to position themselves in front of the bridge and right at the centre of things. In 2024, a World Economic Forum report highlighted the problems of overtourism in the area, citing an increase in pedestrian accidents, traffic issues and small businesses struggling to stay afloat. Meanwhile, residents complain of tour bus traffic, street traders and plenty of rubbish during regular town hall meetings. In 2022, some of them sent a petition to their local councillor. 'We cannot understand why our quality of life has been sacrificed so that the Dumbo Bid [Business Improvement District] can attract more hordes of tourists to our home,' it said. 'This also deeply affects business owners, many of whom are afraid to speak out about not being able to get deliveries and having constant running smog from idling food trucks, not to mention zero dedicated space for parking for their businesses or residents.' Notting Hill, London The side streets of Notting Hill used to be quiet enclaves, a world away from the buzz of its main thoroughfares. Even in the midst of Boho Chic, when thousands of Sienna-alikes pounded the pavements of Portobello, the residential parts of the borough remained largely unwalked. But things are different now: the area's 'painted streets', full of neat rows of pastel terraces, have become a thing to Instagram – like Japan's Seven-Elevens and Paris's best croissants. Tourists can follow online trails past the pink house featured in Love Actually towards Boris Johnson's childhood home amid the candy-coloured terraces of Elgin Crescent. However, in 2020, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea urged visitors to stay away from the former, with a spokesperson explaining it was 'stepping in to help protect the resident's privacy and encourage visitors to try out other famous locations in the borough.' But for other Notting Hill homeowners, a profusion of TikTok and Instagram-driven tourists underlines just how lucky they are. As the chairman of the residents' association of the sugared-almond Hillgate Village conservation area puts it, 'you have to look at the bigger perspective. It's better to live in an area like this than an area that has very different sorts of problems and that tourists wouldn't want to visit. I think we are very privileged'.
