1. MUSHROOM MAGIC!
Goodmind and vida e caffè have launched SA's first Functional Mushroom Cappuccino (R40), available at selected vida stores. The water-soluble Functional Mushroom powder sachet (R20) combines seven types of adaptogenic mushrooms and has been formulated to enhance mental capacity, improve the body's response to stress and nourish mental well-being. For details, go to foragoodmind.com.
2.FOR THE LOVE OF GIN!
From their superior gin to their unique and beautifully handcrafted bottles, Cape Saint Blaize is 100% authentic. In the small coastal town of Mossel Bay, artisans dedicate their time to creating each bottle. The Classic Gin is crisp and heady, the Floristic Gin is ambrosial and fragrant, and the Oceanic Gin is fulsome and aromatic (all from R449 each). Visit the distillery next to the Bartolomeu Diaz Museum in the heart of Mossel Bay for a gin-tasting, factory tour or masterclass. Go to capesaintblaize.co.za.
3. Survivor Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (R900 for a case of 6 bottles, online or cellar door) shows a lively character on the nose with aromas of sun-ripe gooseberry and freshly crushed herbs. The wine boasts a crisp acidity and subtle minerality representing the pure fruit flavours of the Elgin Valley wines. Go to survivorwines.com.
4. FOR YOUR KITCHEN
Sumien Brink, former editor of Visi, is lovingly known amongst friends as Mrs Style. She recently launched her 100% linen Fauna and Flora tea towel range(48 x 68cm, R300 each) - and it's too beautiful! Apart from being a superb addition to your own kitchen, the tea towels also make lovely gifts; email sumienbrink@icloud.com to order yours.
5. Jenna Clifford Italian Rose Salad Bowl (23cm) R379, yuppiechef.com
1. Colourful embossed hi-ball glasses R45 each, thehomequarter.co.za
2. #SAVINGSAWINE
Bellingham Wines has incorporated the work of two leading local artists with the release of three exclusive new wines, and Pick n Pay has committed to selling25 million bottles as part of their "Saving SA Wine" initiative launched as a response to lockdown.
Named The Masterpiece, the range includes a Bellingham Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (R100) featuring an artwork by Thami Jali, a Red Blend 2021 (R150)and Chardonnay 2021 (R120), each boasting a visual by Keneilwe Mokoena. Go to bellinghamwines.com.
3.ONE OF A KIND
The Kind Kitchen (R380, Penguin Random House) isn't just the title of a cookbook, or the name of a restaurant, it embodies a way of living for author Jason McNamara. Being vegan doesn't have to mean a lifetime of lentils and lettuce leaves. Jay's innovative recipes reimagine all your favourite dishes from mac 'n cheese, chicken wings, burritos, bao buns and maki rolls to burgers and bunny chow.
When it comes to sweet treats, he has adapted family favourites such as milk tart, pumpkin fritters and cheesecake, while his smoothies and plant-based milks mean less reliance on store-bought products. Jay Mac has mastered the art of turning mushrooms into chicken, carrots into lox, celeriac into fish and beetroot into burgers, as well as the even darker art of making meat from wheat. Learn how to make tasty and affordable vegan food at home! Check out thekindkitchen.co.za.
4.SO REFRESHING!
Premium Two in a Bush Rooibos Iced Tea Cordials (R95 per 500ml, twoinabush.co.za) are crafted from natural ingredients in the old-fashioned way with no preservatives or artificial additives and a low sugar content. Organic rooibos tea leaves are brewed with pure mineral water and blended with natural fruit and hand-picked botanicals to create a cordial that not only tastes good but is also good for you.
Foodies Marie-Louise Oosthuizen and Hetta van Deventer-Terblanche are the creators of this cool new beverage."We wanted to make a drink we could enjoy with our families, that's guilt-free but still packed with flavour," says the dynamic duo.
5. Essentials Red Wine Glass R49.99, mrphome.com.
6. Zassenhaus retro timer R399, home.co.za
1. COFFEE WITH A CONSCIENCE
Cape Town-based start-up 4WKS is tackling the enormous problem of single-use plastic/aluminium coffee capsules with its 100% compostable pod. In collaboration with six of SA's best micro-roasters, 4WKS grinds, packs and ships freshly roasted coffee in a pod.
In an effort to have a low impact on the planet, 4WKS pods are sold in a zero-waste, refillable glass jar (30 pods) and a 100% compostable refill pouch. Available nationwide at 4wks.coffee as well as in partner roaster caf s and select retail outlets.
2. Colourful glass plate R44.99, pepstores.com
3. THINK PINK
The elegant Steenberg 2021Ruby Ros (R105, cellar door) is perfect for picnics, light lunches, sundowners and all those happy occasions in-between. Crafted from 100% Syrah grapes by cellar master Elunda Basson, the 2021 vintage is dry and vivacious with a bouquet of strawberry sherbet, blueberry coulis, rose petals and watermelon. Click here for more.
