The Old Biscuit Mill

One of my favorite things to do in Cape Town is visit the Saturday morning Design Goods and Neighbour Goods Markets at The Old Biscuit Mill. A former, uh,  biscuit (cookie) mill built in the late 1800s, the village-like complex now houses shops, galleries, farm stalls and cafes, as well as day and night markets, festivals and events. It's a must. (As is a visit to the Mill's website, which does a much better job than I of explaining it.)

The key to the Saturday markets is to arrive early. They officially open at 9 a.m., but it's best to get there as early as 8; the purveyors will still be setting up their stalls, but by 9:30 it's a mad house through which you can barely move, let alone get a decent photo -- or the pastry you've been coveting since you arrived.

And now I'm going to positively bomb this post* with photos because talk is cheap, a photo is worth a thousand words, and you're only here for the photos, right? 

*I know: I need to build galleries for photo heavy posts. Someday...

The Design Goods Market

Here you'll find designers selling clothing, accessories and toys for children, animals and the young at heart. My favorite stall is Petite Pois, where spunky children's clothes are sold out of a customized 1970s Mini. I couldn't resist getting a Rainbow Brite-ish outfit (top left corner of the photo below) for my friends Jake and Reagan's daughter, Piper. You can see Piper rocking the outfit -- and some other stuff I picked up for her -- here. (And, as Reagan would say, don't be jeal'!)

I really, really, really wanted one of these dolls, but I just couldn't justify it.

 Nor could I justify hauling this tipi back to America. (Sniffle.)

The Neighbour Goods Market

Words can't describe the awesomeness of the food and drink you'll find under the two giant tents at the Neighbour Goods Market. I've been stuck for hours trying to write something to do it justice, so I'll just tell you to bring your appetite and a big bag for hauling your goods home -- if they make it that far.

Something you don't need to bring, however, is a lot of cash. I'm making a huge generalization here, but compared to America, quality food is more affordable in South Africa, and not just because of the favorable exchange rate. Similar to what I observed in Europe, in South Africa fresh, local, organic, expertly crafted food isn't the luxury it is here.

Communal tables made from old doors.
I fell in love with the funky old striped refrigerator in the background on the left.

Bread, glorious bread.

A hummus platter bigger than my head.

The biggest spring rolls I've ever seen (about 3x5 inches each).

Veggie struuuuuuuudel.

Whipping up fresh Hollandaise for rosti Benedict.

With an exchange rate of about 7 South African rand to one U.S. dollar, these pies are about $3.50.

Veggie curry wraps.

Mushroom skewers at the Funky Fungi stall.

I loved the Bay Kebab stall because my maiden name is from the Dutch word, schoner.

The Bay Kebab truck. Brilliant.

$3!

Beer at 9 a.m.?

I prefer coffee.

Savory tarts.

Sweet tarts.

Apple galettes.

Giant apple strudel (about $2.50).

Carrot cake muffins with lime icing at Tina Bester's Queen of Tarts stall.

Lemon meringue tartlets at Queen of Tarts.

Milk tart (melktert). Very South African, very delicious.

"Really brilliant biscuits" at Dunk.

Artistry at Martin Senekal Confectionery Design. The sweet potato peanut cake was mind blowing.

Well, friends, that's about all the photos this little blog can handle. Thanks for scrolling -- I hope it didn't give you a finger cramp.

'Tis the Season: Gum Tree

[This is an independent, unsolicited and uncompensated post.]

Yesterday I mentioned the wonderful twig serving utensils I purchased at Gum Tree, and because it's December already (whoa), I thought I'd share more about my local destination for gifts, snacks and inspiration. Last year we bought nearly all of our holiday gifts at Gum Tree; every selection was perfect and we couldn't have felt better about supporting the business.

Owned and operated by Will and Lori Ford -- whose story is as charming as their shop/cafe -- Gum Tree is situated in a historic Craftsman home with a broad porch and lovely patio. The concept behind it is, "Think globally, shop and eat locally," and the Fords nailed it.

Lori uses her keen eye to stock the shop with irresistible finds for kids, adults and home, and she's always happy to special order or gift wrap something. In the cafe, restaurateur Will puts an Aussie spin on fresh California cuisine and serves the best coffee. On weekends we like to bring the Hounds for breakfast on the dog-friendly patio.

If you're in the area, don't miss it. They're offering complimentary hot apple cider to holiday shoppers, which is worth it alone. As are the Lamingtons.

If you're not local, call or email Lori for assistance with personal shopping, gift baskets and shipping. You won't be sorry.

Last weekend I picked up these handmade shell trees to decorate for Christmas.
We don't dare put up a real tree this year with a wild puppy on the loose.

Gift wrap is always offered and always complimentary.

Cutest. Eggs. Ever.

Dog-friendly patio.

Dog-friendly treats.

A Baby Shower for Food Lovers

This weekend I managed to sneak away from puppy-rearing duties to attend the most delightful baby shower at Tin Roof Bistro.

The bright decorations were a cheerful contrast to the dreary weather.

Flat Pak collapsible vases held heaps of fresh flowers. Genius.

I was particularly fond of the cheeky monkeys decorating the tables.

And the food? I'll let the images speak for themselves.

Charcuterie

Cheese, glorious cheese.

Tomato Bisque with Pesto Drizzle

Crab Melt with Taboulleh

Chocolate Fondant Mousse with Whipped Cream and Pecan Brittle Topping

We played baby shower Bingo...

And I won the most gorgeous gift: handmade goat's milk soap from the Beekman Boys. Check them out on Planet Green. Brilliant.

It was seriously the best baby shower ever. I'm so happy for my friends and I can't wait to meet their baby!

Speaking of babies, when I got home I snuggled up with Gemma for a nap. Baby showering is tiring.