Franschhoek is best known for its French heritage, but it also has a serene southeast Asian corner in Ōku restaurant. The swish little town trades on those French roots; think Bastille Day celebrations, French names and architecture, and plenty of fine dining. With its warm, continental climate, the valley – a top destination on the Cape’s wine routes – is best for heavy, robust red wines and rich, fruit-driven whites. Ōku, the fusion restaurant housed in a courtyard towards the top of the main drag, close to the monument to the original French Huguenot settlers , has added a smattering…
Garlic is renowned for its many nutritional benefits. It is a powerful herb that will not only enhance the aromatic experience of your dishes, but it can also help to heal the body in both its raw and cooked states. Garlic is widely known for its antioxidants, and antimicrobial and anticancer properties too. Studies also suggest that garlic may be able to prevent heart disease. The benefits of eating garlic on an empty stomach: 1. Boosts your immune system Consuming garlic on an empty stomach will help to boost your immune system. Eating garlic first thing in the morning…
Being the person that everyone avoids due to a funny smell is quite embarrassing. However, it is completely normal to smell a little less fresh than usual on some days, especially during summer when your body tends to be sweatier than usual. According to Cleveland Clinic, body odour is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on your skin. Your body odour can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Some home remedies prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help with body odour. Here are 3 easy to find foods you can…
Time flies when you’re having fun in the kitchen! June just passed over 2023’s doorstep, which means we’re halfway through the year already. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up your 6 favourite recipes from the last 6 months. Recreate your most loved recipes with this easy recipe roundup: 1. Light lemon sponge pudding This delicious self-saucing light lemon sponge pudding is perfect for feeding a crowd, especially after a Sunday meal. It’s the ultimate quick and easy comfort dessert, that’s ready in under an hour. As it bakes, the mixture separates into two layers, forming a light sponge at the top…
If you’re keen on a trip and are you a fun guy (get it?), then mushroom foraging is for you. It’s like going on a treasure hunt in the forest, where you get to go home and make a delectable lunch. Of an estimated five million fungi species worldwide, around 1 000 occur in South Africa. How many of them are edible, though? My fungi fundi friend always says every mushroom is edible at least once, so heed caution when foraging. Always search for mushrooms with someone who does it regularly, only on your own once you have enough experience,…
Are you tired of the same old boring pantry staples? It may be time for you to shake things up and introduce the vast world of Korean cuisine onto the menu rotation. Strong flavours, spicy condiments, and fresh ingredients make Korean food a great option to keep in your kitchen artillery. With pantry staples like fermented chilli paste, soy sauce, and dashi, your warming winter broths are about to get a lot better! Here are all the staples you need: It’s all about the condiments Korean food is all about depth of flavour, and the easiest way to get there…
Easy chakalaka This is a go-to dish in South Africa. Your chakalaka is essential to every Sunday brunch or dinner. You can make it as spicy or as hot or mild as you like. It’s all up to you and the path you want to take. Here’s an easy chakalaka recipe to follow. Serves up to four people, but you can adjust it to make the recipe smaller. INGREDIENTS 1 onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 1 yellow pepper, chopped 1 red pepper, chopped 3 chilies, finely chopped 2 teaspoons of crushed garlic ¼ cup of vegetable oil 5…
Red chicken salad A tasty 20 minute chicken salad recipe that could definitely fill you up at lunch. TOTAL TIME 20 minutes (+ STANDING) | SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 160 ml white wine vinegar 60 ml caster sugar 1 red onion, halved, sliced thinly ½ red cabbage, shredded finely 20 g flaked almonds 450 g cooked baby beetroot, drained 3 cups shredded cooked chicken 60 ml chives, cut into lengths 2 small radicchios, leaves separated 150 g goat’s cheese, crumbled 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil METHOD WHISK vinegar and sugar together in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add…
With elegant interiors, opulent aromas and decadent dishes, restaurants are undoubtedly one of the best options for any kind of outing, whether it’s a catch-up session with friends, a romantic date with a loved one or a solo outing. The experience of enjoying a multi-course meal is worlds apart from the fast food runs we’ve become accustomed to given the busyness of our day-to-day lives. The only dilemma is that, for most, this kind of dining experience often costs a pretty penny or two – but it doesn’t always have to. Here are two restaurants serving multi-course meals for under…
When it comes to eating healthy, it’s not just about what you eat, but also when you eat it. This is where eating seasonal produce has the best of both worlds – it’s not only delicious but also has numerous health benefits: Fresh and flavourful In-season produce doesn’t undergo extended periods of artificial ripening or chilling. Such practices tend to reduce the flavour and nutrient value of fruit and veggies. Instead, it undergoes its natural ripening process and is eventually harvested when the time is right. Nutritional Have you ever noticed that during the winter, in-season vegetables like…
Clico Boutique Hotel & Restaurant has added an exciting new al fresco dining option in the heart of Rosebank. This new addition elevates their offering with an entirely new eatery in the terrace area named 400 Degrees at Clico. Chef Dario De Angeli’s passion and flair for great food are evident in the launch of this new eatery which allows for a casual dining experience. Beautifully prepared food is not just for nourishment, it brings people together and creates memories which are cherished for years to come. Fortunately, Jozi is a city where even our winters are filled with sunshine, which means…
On Friday the 3rd of March 2023 we attended the avocado season launch hosted by the South African Avocado Growers Association. The event took place at Upper Union Restaurant in Cape Town. The restaurant’s aesthetic was on brand for the event with its different shades of green. READ MORE: Stylish eatery Upper Union to open in Kloof Street Upon arrival, we were served avocado margaritas to sip on while mingling with the other attendees. We were welcomed by CEO Mr Derek Donkin who gave us a brief talk about avocados. In this avo season, we will be spoilt with dark skin…
Crunchy Thai salad with peanut dressing This easy Thai-style salad is such a refreshing addition to your lunch repertoire as a side dish. It is easy to prepare and packs a big punch with flavour. Add some shredded roasted chicken or sliced smoked chicken for a meaty variation that’ll stand on its own as a delightful lighter meal. Toss the salad with the peanut dressing just before serving. SERVES: 4-6 as a side dish INGREDIENTS 3-4 cups red cabbage, finely shredded 2-3 cups gem lettuce, finely shredded 1 yellow or red pepper, finely sliced 1 large carrot, finely julienne…
Ever noticed that the salads you order at restaurants are somehow more delicious than the ones you put together at home? Every bite seems to have perfect crunch and zest, and a more satisfying, full flavour. It doesn’t have to be this way. By paying attention to flavour pairings and textures, as well as getting creative with seasonal ingredients, there’s no reason why you can’t whip up restaurant-worthy salads in your own kitchen. South Africa is blessed with an abundance of home-grown produce, and as the end of summer nears, you should be taking full advantage of the stone fruit…
Crab stick salad Try this colourful Crab stick salad by Jenny Morris for Juicy Delicious! INGREDIENTS 500g shredded crab sticks 1 large carrot julienned 2 firm ripe nectarines cut into thin matchsticks 3 firm red plums cut into matchsticks 1 cup shredded red cabbage The Dressing ¾ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo is great) 1 ½ Tbsps lime juice 2 Tbsps soy sauce Zest of 1 lime 2 cloves crushed garlic 1 Tbsp grated ginger 4 Tbsps honey salt & pepper to taste 2 teaspoons Wasabi paste METHOD Stir all the ingredients together and dress just before serving. Garnish…














