Review – Crafters Rooftop Bar @ The Factory on Grant

Beverages – Crafters Bar

Ok so I went M.I.A again,  I have been somewhat crazy busy baking and cooking and visiting new things and places however no great pics came of it so no blog post.

It’s really strange or even difficult to hold off a group of people or hungry family when you’re trying to take a pic of dinner. So some of the things I made this past week includes:

• Brownies
• Chocolate Fudge Cake
• Doughnuts
• Sundried Tomato Stuffed steak and…
• Dorito Enchilda Casserole

to name some of the more exciting dinners and treats. I also managed a pleasant brunch at Dobbs at the Val Bonne Country Estate in the Modderfontein Nature Reserve. Which is actually an amazing little oasis of nature in the midst of Johannesburg. It’s super popular with cyclists, I didn’t even know about it but I think I’ll definately be going back at some point. Alas no pics of brunch either I was too involved with friends and food and the beauty.

Bar

Crafters Rooftop Bar View

I did however manage to chronicle a great rooftop bar in my neighbourhood of Norwood. It’s called Crafter’s and sits at the very top of the Factory on Grant. It’s a very simple, unpretentious bar with great views across the Northern suburbs, it’s also a good place to catch a chilled drink with friends on a Sunday afternoon.

Rooftop Bar

Crafters has a small bar with a variety of cocktails, drinks and craft beer draughts on offer. The Vovo Telo caters you all your food, meal or snack needs, although since there’s multiple levels in between it does mean a bit of a wait and there’s no quick orders.

Burger with sweet potato fries – Vovo Telo

None the less, I am really happy to have an easy, relaxed place to go right around the corner. The great view is a total bonus!

Joburg Market : 1 Fox – The Sheds

One of the latest additions to Joburg’s Market scene is 1 Fox – it’s a new market and event space that is wonderfully located along the western edge of Johannesburg CBD.

The Market venue is within a group of original industrial warehouse spaces that date back to the 1920’s. The history and story of the buildings is really great and plays such a valuable role in the presence of the shed. In fact it is a character on it’s own, it’s a great space to spend some time in. You can read more about the History on the 1 Fox website.

I am a huge sucker for Johannesburg CBD, I love anything that happens within the CBD and I happily jump at the opportunity to visit exciting new places. I have to be honest I am thrilled about the nodal revival that is happening in Johannesburg. I hope that the people who visit the markets love and enjoy the experience and keep coming back. It’s a huge nerdy dream of mine that there’ll be a day where Johannesburg CBD will one day be a fun, friendly place again.

1 Fox is a market and event venue, the market itself is open from Fridays – Sundays and the Good Luck Bar (Which also has a rich history with the area) is open from Thursday night to Sunday. The bar has a wonderful stock of craft beers. The Shed also plays host to live music events and private functions.

The market has a great space within the shed, there is ample seating and an entertainment area for kids. The vendors at the market range from design and goods to artisan bakers. The food market is well represented with a large variety of food on offer, including the popular Balkan Burger and Black Sam. There is such a great variety it’s actually a little difficult to decide where to start, between the food, tarts, desserts and drinks it may require more than one visit.

The live music happens every Thursday night from 16:00 – 21:30 and the act’s change every week. To keep informed about all music events and exciting things happening at 1 Fox, follow them on Facebook or check the website.

Make a turn at 1 Fox with the family or some friends its really a great space with wonderful atmosphere for all. If you do give it a visit let me know what you thought.

 

Lenin’s Vodka Bar

Lenin’s Vodka Bar

Lenin’s Vodka Bar is in the Maboneng district in Joannesburg CBD. This bar is crazy cool for a few reasons:

1. It’s laid back and chilled – the small courtyard is slightly sheltered from the outside world by the container contained cycling store making the space feel very intimate yet relaxed.
2. Vodka, Vodka and more Vodka – If you are a Vodka fan then this bar is a definate must visit! Think a variety of Vodka’s from every corner of the globe with a little bit of background and an almost endless variety of Vodka inspired cocktails.
3. Half Price Happy Hour  – That’s right cocktails at half price from 5pm- 7pm (I think…) need we say more?
4. Selection of tasty foods such as sweet potato fries and Cajun Fried Calamari.

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Courtyard

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Courtyard

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Lemon Drop

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Menu

Lenin’s Vodka Bar – Inner working

So do the right thing and captilise on a warm sunny weekend afternoon with some comrades and the best of mother Russia.

Read Everyday – Karin Slaughter

I love to read!!! I am the quintessential internet meme on reading. There is no better feeling than to get absolutely absorbed into a story, live in a far away place, be friends with the characters…to be fully lost in a book. Better yet, a set of books!!

I am also not fussy about the types of books I read, I’m pretty keen on most genre’s and I find I go through phases so I get through quite a variety. In the last month I’ve read a murder/crime thriller, the maze runner series including the prequel, a drama about a family with secrets and I have just started the Roald Dahl book set for a trip into childhood with The BFG.

This blog post though is to highlight a particular author. I think crime thriller’s are generally an easy read and are definately very popular. If I walk into my local bookstore the range is almost overwhelming. So it can be difficult to find a stand out book. I at some point, a few years ago stumbled across Karin Slaughter, I bought one of her older books and came home, I started and finished that book the same day. I naturally went back the next day to get any of her other books and ended up placing an order for all the books they didn’t have. Over the past few years I have read and re-read almost all of her books, both from The Grant County series and the Will Trent series and the books that didn’t fall into a series.

Her writing style and her ability to tell a story through the characters is something special. The language and stories themselves draw you in and keep you with every page and every chapter. The quality of her writing is consistent with every book. Honestly at no point have I struggled to finish a Karin Slaughter book.

My best Karin Slaughter book was part of the Will Trent series. Criminal, this book was so well written, it really brought together the characters with a detailed history, whilst simultaneously entertained with a somewhat disturbing murderer that comes a bit to close to home. I’m not going to review the book right now but I do suggest that if you haven’t read a Karin Slaughter book, you do so as soon as possible!!

What brought this blog post on, is that Karin Slaughter recently announced that her new book “pretty girls” will be released (in the UK…) mid July, which means I just need to hold out until mid August for it to be released here in Johannesburg. I almost cannot contain myself. I just would like to make it known that for roughly 24 hours in approximately mid-August I will be hidden somewhere with a new Karin Slaughter book!!

A Taste of Turkey

The Turkish Kebab House is a small out of the way, not fancy place that serves up a wonderful array of turkish foods, mainly in the form of grilled meats.

Store Front – Turkish Kebab House

It’s one of those places that isn’t well known and is not in a popular location but the food, quality and experience is well worth the effort of a visit. Another bonus is the prices are really decent for what you get. They have a take away order menu and a sit down restaurant. They also offer a fully fledged turkish butchery and mini grocer with various items such as cheese’s, labneh and spiced kebabs.

Turkish Kebab House Menu

The food itself is actually really healthy which is one of the reasons I feel I will be investing time at this place.

The grilled meats are well spiced and flavourful and you’re served with freshly baked turkish roti/breads and a colorful variety of salads and vegetables. For me personally my favourite would be the yoghurt and cucumber side dressing and the tomato salsa that also comes with every meal. The grills come in the form of chicken, beef kebab, donner kebab and even lamb chops. Needless to say that serving sizes are more than adequate for a hearty meal.

Mixed Grill and Salad

Beyti Kebab Turkish Kebab House

On my last visit we tried a pide which is basically a cheesy pizza, turkish style. They come with a variety of toppings including chicken, mince, cheese and spinach to name a few and I have to say it was absolutely delicious! They use a thicker, creamier cheese (which they sell in the adjoining grocer/butcher) which makes it a perfect combination of rich and tasty.

Pide

The Turkish Kebab house is for me a wonderful little hidden gem, it’s not in the best neighbourhood and they don’t serve alcohol but it is totally worth the trip!! Its a great new experience and highly recommended!

The Turkish Kebab House:

Address: 79 Church street, Mayfair

Tel: (011) 025 1123

Love Norwood

Love Norwood

In recent years Johannesburg has seen a movement towards community revival. As a result there has been an increase in markets, local music and an overall coming together. It’s always a great day for family and friends to visit a new market get some amazing food and be entertained for the day.

This past weekend my local suburb celebrated itself and hosted Love Norwood day in the local park. It was a fantastic way to spend the day! The organisers which were the local residents association managed to organise a fantastic event with a pop up market, great live music, entertainment for the kids and an overall festive celebration of the wonderful and creative offerings our small “hood” has to offer.

Pop Up Market

Artisan Food

I was one of the creative participants with my baby and kids range of clothing and products – Mokopu. The event was held at a local park that borders the main road through the suburb, the events extended from the park all the way down Grant Ave. where all the local businesses got involved.

Pop Up market

It turned out to be a roaring success and a wonderful way to spend the day. In addition to the array of restaurants and shops down Grant Ave. there was a pop up market with a variety of craft and food stalls. Health and fitness such as bootcamp and “self-defense” training had demonstrations. There were short guitar sessions and kids paint sessions. I personally was somewhat saddened that I didn’t get the opportunity to tour the permaculture garden that was offering tour’s throughout the day. I didn’t even know it was in the area. I did however get to enjoy the music, the event had organised a range of local performers and band’s that did an amazing job of entertaining the crowd. Undoubtedly the best part of the day was seeing people come through grab a spot on the lawns and spend the afternoon listening to great performances.

Kids having Fun at the Mokopu stall

Other aspects of the event included an instagram competition that ran through the weeks running up to the event and photo tours on the day. All those instagram images can be seen using the #lovenorwood. Other great pictures from the day can be found on the Republic of Norwood Facebook page.

Lounging to Live Music

Overall, I love our little neighbourhood from the tree lined streets with people jogging or walking their dogs to the coffee shops and central stores on Grant Ave. (where I always bump into someone I know). I knew we had something special but Love Norwood day brought that little something out for everyone.

This is what love is!!

Valentines Day is almost upon us!!

I wanted to post this recipe mainly because I think it is the perfect treat for some Valentines Day celebrations or any celebrations, ok not even a celebration, at any time at all really.

I’m having some difficulty naming this delicious tasty dessert since there are so many wonderful aspects and flavours. Rich white chocolate, vanilla bean , chocolate butter pastry, fresh berries, creamy marscapone cheese and delightful cream cheese.

Then there’s the shape, I managed to make two one dainty and beautiful in a fluted tart pan and another rustic and wholesome in pie form both were delicious although the pie had more of the delicious filling. Finally, would the addition of cream cheese lean towards a part cheesecake making it a cheesecake pie/tart….

Names such as

• Black & White berry cheesecake pie
• Chocolate Vanilla tart
• Double Chocolate Berry pie….

URGH!!! I don’t know what to call it other than delicious and amazing!! Any suggestions???

So the story behind the tart/pie debate came about since I made both with one recipe. I made the tart for a dinner with friends and for the beautiful blog pictures and I made the other with the remaining batter and crust in pie form for family consumption. The tart was delicious and beautiful and I managed to halt us devouring it so I could take some beautiful pictures for the blog post but alas the pictures just weren’t as great as I wanted. It was so delicious I knew I had to try get better pictures with the pie version. Hence the identification debate.

The inspiration for this dessert came about from Chocolate Marscapone Tarts over on La receta de la Felicidad and I used the pastry recipe which worked out perfectly. I completely redesigned the filling and i can vouch for how well it turned out.

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Recipe: Double Chocolate Vanilla pie wonder (Another name…)

Serves : 24cm Tart / 20cm Pie

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 200 g flour (1 3/4 cup)
• 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup)
• 1 pinch powdered cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 80 g sugar (1/2 cup)
• 150 g butter, very cold, and cut into squares (2/3 cup)
• 60 ml Full cream milk

Filling:

• 100 g good quality white chocolate
• 250 ml fresh cream
• 100 g butter
• 1 tub mascarpone cheese at room temperature
• 1 Vanilla pod
• 200 g Philadelphia Cream Cheese
• 1/2 cup icing sugar (confectioners sugar, sifted)

Topping:

• Strawberries or any berries of your choice
• Chocolate sauce drizzle

Method:

1. To prepare crust: Combine Flour, sugar, cayenne pepper and salt in a large bowl. Using a grater, grate butter into bowl and using your hands work the butter into the flour mix until mixture is crumbly. Slowly add milk to the mix until it combines and comes together. Cover dough and place in a freezer for 15 min whilst heating the oven to 180C /350F.
2. Remove crust from freezer and roll into circular form that will comfortably fit into a tart pan or pie dish. Place crust onto tart pan/pie pan cutting away excess dough at the top. Blind bake pastry for 25 – 30 min at 180 C (350 F). Allow pastry to cool completely.
3. To prepare Filling: Place a medium saucepan on a low heat setting with the fresh cream. Once cream comes to a light boil, remove from heat and add chopped white chocolate and butter. Stir until all ingredients melt. Add vanilla seeds from 1 vanilla pod and stir all to combine.
4. In a seperate bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer blend cream cheese and icing sugar together, until a smooth mix forms. Add marscapone cheese and blend again until smooth. Slowly add cream, butter and chocolate mixture into the cheese mix until a thin, smooth mix results.
5. Once pastry is cooled add filling into pastry and refridgerate until set or overnight.
6. Remove from pan and decorate with berries and chocolate sauce to your hearts content.

Don’t forget to let me know what you think.

Maboneng – Sevensounds

Common Ground – The Maboneng Precinct

This past weekend saw the opening and first Seven Sounds event at the Common Ground park in The Maboneng Precinct. Firstly, let me mention that The Maboneng Precinct is a the leader in the revival of Johannesburg’s inner city. The Maboneng Precinct and its many attractions definitely deserve a post of it’s own and I guarantee it will come soon.

Playground

Slide

Industrial inspired swings

Chess Anyone?

The first Seven Sounds live music event was held at  Common Ground in Maboneng, Which as the name suggest’s is a musical line up made up of seven distinct and unique artists, the event started at 11 am with Matthew Mole as the start up entertainment, followed every hour by the rest of the line up including The Muffinz, Guy Buttery and Runaway Train Cult to name a few.

Overhead view of the Park.

Surrounding Street Art

Synonymous with Maboneng, the event was centred around community interaction and being held at the Common Ground park fed directly into that ethos. The park is architecturally designed and utilised by the Spark Maboneng School and the Maboneng Precinct community. This lends itself for industrial recreation as is evident in the adaptations of childrens play area and facilities.

Bar

Stage is set

The “stage” was set in a mini amphitheatre within the park. Food stalls and a bar catered the event and made for a easy, delicious offering. The day started off with wonderful sunny skies and slightly maybe too hot weather, however it was temporarily interrupted by a freak storm, which put off the festivities for a while. However once the bad weather passed over the music and chilled Saturday vibes returned.

Overall, it was a great way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon. The music was really great, the full line up looked something like this:

• Sound Zero – Gates open – 10h00
• Sound One – Matthew Mole – 11h00
• Sound Two – Shotgun Tori – 12h00
• Sound Three – The Muffinz – 13h00
• Sound Four – Guy Buttery – 14h00
• Sound Five – Tidal Waves – 15h00
• Sound Six – Nakhane Touré – 16h00
• Sound Seven – Runaway Train Cult – 17h00

Tickets are limited and details for future events can be found both on the Seven Sounds Website and through a link on the Maboneng Precinct website. I personally love any reason that gets me into the Maboneng Precinct, it’s always a pleasure to spend time in the city the entertainment is a welcome bonus.

Common Ground Surrounding street art

 

Sunset @ Katy’s Palace

Katy’s Palace Bar – Classy ride

It has been ridiculously hot in Johannesburg the last few days which is uncomfortable during the day but makes for wonderfully warm evenings, perfect for spending time at an eclectic quirky rooftop bar like Katy’s Palace Bar.

Exotic Entrance to Katy’s Palace Bar

I had heard about Katy’s Palace but hadn’t really been mainly since it isn’t open to trade everyday. In fact it’s main function is as an event venue, however they do a Sunday lunch buffet that has received rave reviews. I eventually made it to Katy’s Palace for an event (a work event…not my work event…I didn’t crash I was a plus 1) and I have to say from the moment we arrived I was blown away by the space and the decor to the extent that I didn’t really notice that it wasn’t really my event.

Katy’s Palace is situated in Kramerville Johannesburg, which has in the last few years really become a spot for trendy lifestyle spots and furnishings. Katy’s palace is located in a large warehouse space above a charming an exotic furniture and artefacts store which only adds to the charm. From the moment you approach the building and as you make your way up to the venue you are enticed with a variety of quirky and interesting art and objet d’art.

Quirky Art and Deco at the entrance

Interesting Art

Once you enter the space you find yourself in a voluminous palatial open area, decorated in a rustic and eclectic array of furnishings and artifacts.

 

When we entered the sun was just on the horizon and streamed through the space highlighting and illuminating all the deco. The bar is a well placed an attraction on it’s own and the space flows out onto a veranda with the most spectacular view of the Sandton skyline.

Sandton Skyline view at Sunset

The veranda was the perfect spot for the warm summer night and as drinks came and the band started playing, it really made for a beautiful evening. Since it was an event appetisers were served and ranged from sushi to haloumi, before single servings of chicken curry and rice and pasta came around. The food was delicious and the staff were friendly.

Katy’s Palace Indoor Venue with Upper terrace

Indoor Decor – Fireplace

Overall, Katy’s Palace Bar is definately a distinct venue and one that shouldn’t be missed. I think a Sunday lunch will be on my agenda soon.

Quick Classic Scones Recipe

I had a happy “kuier” (visit) with some good friends yesterday, and even though I knew they were coming I didn’t think to make something yummy until they got here.

It’s for that reason and those moments when you’re caught by surprise that classic scones are the perfect rescue! They’re delicious, quick and generally all the ingredients you need should be at hand so with minimal effort you have tasty treats.

There are numerous recipes for scones available and I love making different variations of the original such as lemon-blueberry or chocolate chip but as mentioned this is the quickest surest thing! There are numerous variations of the traditional scone recipe and I have tried a few, the recipe that I use is a combination of a few attempts and various recipes.

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Recipe: Quick Classic Scones

Prep: 10 min           Cook: 15 min

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cup self-raising flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup butter, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp icing sugar
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice

To Serve:

• Butter
• Jam
• Whipped Cream
• Grated Cheese

Method:

1. Heat oven to 180C/200C. Mix flour with salt, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Using a grater, grate butter into mixture. Using your hands mix the butter into the flour mixture until it’s crumbly.
2. Put the milk into a cup and add vanilla and lemon juice.  Make a well in the middle of the flour mix and combine the liquid using a fork. The mix will initially be a little sticky.
3. Scatter additional  flour into the bowl and fold the dough over a few times until the dough forms a smooth pliable shape. Scatter some more flour on teh work surface and tip the dough onto the work surface. Pat it into a circular shape roughly 1 inch thick and using a round cutter (5cm diameter) cut circular shaped scones.
4. Reshape the remaining dough and repeat the process until you have between 6 or 8 scones and you’ve used all the dough. Brush the tops with beaten egg, then place onto the baking tray.
5. Bake for 15 mins until risen and golden on the top.

Devour!! You can have these fresh out of the oven with an assortment of condiments as above or whipped cream with a splash of honey which is my current favorite . Or you can save it for later…which is unlikely.