TOYOTA CONNECT REMINISCENT OF A MORE INDUSTRIAL AGE, THE ELGIN


RAILWAY MARKET IS AN EPICURIOUS CELEBRATION OF THE LOCAL OVERBERG PRODUCERS.


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f your weekends of late have been about as exciting as having a conversation with a packet of dry spaghetti, it’s time to get living. And by


“living”, we mean jumping into your Toyota Corolla Hatch for a road trip with a difference. Abandon the idea of bad coffee at a petrol station and prepare for a journey of culinary discovery, a sojourn from terrible toasties and sad salads at your desk. This is a dedication to the weekend of artisanal living through markets, food and art.


VICTORIA YARDS,


JOHANNESBURG At first glance, Victoria Yards – in the historic suburb of Lorentzville – seems to operate as an artists’ colony alone. However, delving deeper, it’s clear that this is an urban complex dedicated to the creation of a thriving ecosystem which goes beyond simply paying lip-service to inner-city regeneration. Yes, there are many talented artists who fill the industrial-style studios available here, but as you adventure further, the flower gardens of Victoria Yards are more than they seem. An experiment in urban farming, the Victoria Yards Urban Agriculture Project not only lauds job creation as its objective, but also allows visitors to place orders for seasonal, fresh vegetables. Don’t forget to parch your thirst with a craft beer at Impi Brewing Co. Open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sundays from 9am-3pm. Visit: www.victoriayards.co.za


REEA, JOHANNESBURG Sandwiched between the edge of


Craighall Park and the green lung of Delta Park, the REEA complex is a sliver of land that plays host to a variety of makers who, in turn, support the residents of the REEA Foundation for adults living with epilepsy. At the fore is Johannesburg’s first


prominent garagiste winery, Gerakaris Family Wines. This small winery produces its own Chenin Blanc and Syrah varieties. Adjacent to it, you’ll find the organic veggie gardens which have long supported REEA’s residents with seasonal veggies for sale. Pop into the Rambling Rose Charity


Shop, with its fantastic vintage clothing selection, the REEA Reader Bookshop for literary finds or the Bamboo Palace


and Co2Lab Creative Space for bespoke furniture, paintings and ceramics. The REEA complex is open daily, but each trader keeps individual hours. Saturday and Sunday mornings are best. Visit: www.reea.org.za


ELGIN RAILWAY


MARKET, OVERBERG What to do with an old apple shed that needs to be re-imagined? Turn it into a steampunk-inspired market, of course! Reminiscent of a more industrial age, the Elgin Railway Market is an epicurious celebration of the local Overberg producers. This is the market where you show up


very hungry and ready to share, as that’s the only way you’ll be able to try the spicy flavours of Mexico and the comforts of fresh vetkoek, topped off with a sweet treat. Don’t leave without a piece of Amarula fudge from Fudge Kitchen. Open Fridays from 4-8pm, Saturdays from 9am-7pm and Sundays from 9am-5pm. If you’re going all in, book a steam train journey to Elgin from Cape Town with the Ceres Rail Company for R750 return. Visit: www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za


INXWALA SLOW MARKET,


CAPE TOWN Featuring local artisans unlike those you’ll see on the regular Cape Town market circuit, Inxwala Slow Market showcases African authenticity through its vendors. Inxwala, the Nguni celebration of the first fruits of the harvest season, was the reason this market came into being and the theme of marrying African traditions with contemporary culture is prevalent here. Delve into dishes offering a fresh take on traditional fare, such as tripe and chicken’s feet, all washed down with a few craft beers. Visitors will find mementos like beaded necklaces, vintage and tailored clothing, locally manufactured beauty products and unique artworks. Open monthly. Visit the Inxwala Slow Market Facebook page for upcoming dates: www.facebook.com/Inxwala


THE GOODNIGHT MARKET,


NELSON MANDELA BAY Held inside the iconic Tramways Building in Baakens Valley, this market’s


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been a catalyst for growth in Port Elizabeth. Each month, vendors fill the massive main hall of this restored building to display the best gourmand selection the city has to offer. From small producers to local


restaurants, the city’s residents flock here to get their foodie fix for the month. Keep an eye out for Asian-influenced meals from Foongs, one of the longest- standing vendors at the monthly market. Open monthly. Visit The Goodnight Market Facebook page for upcoming dates: www.facebook.com/ thegoodnightmarket


SIBAHLE COMMUNITY


PROJECT, SOWETO Not quite a market, the Sibahle Community Project in Soweto is well worth a look if you’re wanting something truly different to do over a weekend. Meaning “we are beautiful” in isiZulu, Sibahle was started as a food security project to help local clinics develop veggie gardens to provide meals for patients. The project’s flourishing beyond


its gardens, however, detailing the revolution in access to fresh produce through its Soweto Garden Route, a tour that shows how local residents are growing their own vegetables on urban farms amidst taxi ranks and petrol stations. You can even book a traditional beer-making workshop and cooking demonstration with the head of Sibahle’s kitchen, Mam’ Linda! Tours can be booked through the Sibahle Community Project website. Visit: http://sibahlecommunity.co.za


A FEW MORE TO MENTION… If you’re still hungry, these markets and


farm stalls should fill the gap:


Thamela Farm Stall, just off the R75 in Jansenville, between Port Elizabeth and Graaff- Reinet, sells what are considered the best kudu pies in the country (an unofficial record, of course, but try them for yourself and see).


Wild Oats Community Farmers’


Market in Sedgefield is a country market that’s actually manned by farmers from the surrounding region. Buy the boerewors!


Dassiesfontein Farm Stall &


Restaurant in the Overberg is a veritable treasure trove of local supplies. Everything from olive oil to cheese can be found here.


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