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Microgreens, miso and Japanese TV: the #11 things on our radar
ANNELIESE BURGESS and LAUREEN ROSSOUW share the beautiful things, tasty things and interesting things that came their way this week.
Listen to actress Tilda Swinton's speech upon receiving her Golden Bear for life achievement at the Berlinale. The Fomolistas follow everything Tilda. Not only as a style icon but also because she thinks for herself, has stood on her own two feet all her life, has the courage of her convictions, and speaks out about everything she stands for and believes in.
We have long been watching the South African design duo Pedersen+Lennard. We love their clever take on old Sandveld and everyday farm furniture, reinterpreting them in contemporary ways and giving them a unique finish. Good quality and individual pieces set to be the heirlooms of tomorrow. The table costs R16 045 (we're just looking 😁), but you'd have to search a long time in a design studio for a table of this quality and perfect dimensions at this price.
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, grains (usually rice or barley), salt, and a cultured fungus called koji. It has a rich, salty, and complex flavour with a soft, pasty texture. It is commonly used to make miso soup, a staple in Japanese cuisine, but also to flavour marinades and sauces. Ottolenghi explains everything you want to know about this handy umami ingredient. It's widely available.
We're fans of Africology, the South African skincare and spa line made from indigenous South African and African plant ingredients. Their products are 100% natural, organic and ecologically sustainable. Our favourite product is the Anti-Oxidant Serum, but at R660 it's a luxury. We always keep our eyes open for their regular special offers. There is currently a 50% discount on certain product bundles.
Just launched and already in the top ten. All-In is the new kid on the podcast block. This brilliant team of venture capitalists describe themselves as “industry veterans, degenerate gamblers & besties, who cover all things economic, tech, political, social and poker”.
As old Quentin Tarantino groupies, it's always nice to hear what he has to say (we'll just make him and Tilda our #trueoriginals). Tarantino describes Battle Royale as the best film made by anyone during the first two decades of his career and also as the film he wishes he had made.
Just two hours' drive from Cape Town is one of the most spectacular nature reserves in the world. The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Gansbaai, part of the Cape floral kingdom, is surrounded by 900 species of fynbos. The area boasts staggering biodiversity, filled with microscopic wonders, and forms a unique haven for birds, insects and animals. Go on one of the guided tours and discover the many secrets of the Cape as an awesome fynbos region.
Herman Lategan reminds us of Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories. For those of you who haven’t seen it yet – each episode is 30 minutes long and is about a diner, a twelve-seat restaurant in Tokyo that is open from midnight to seven in the morning. Each episode tells the story of one customer and the connections between their lives and the dish they order. Watch on Netflix before it leaves and cook along.
Microgreens (from basil, coriander, sunflower, radish and broccoli to a variety of Chinese mustard greens) are basically densely grown seedlings that are cut at the seed leaf (cotyledon) stage. They are super easy to grow. Typically they contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than their adult counterparts, often four to 40 times more nutrients by weight, and most varieties can be harvested within seven to 14 days of planting, providing quick access to fresh greens. Look at the prices of microgreens in places like Woolies, and it only makes sense to grow your own (and take our word for it, you don't need green fingers). We already get all our equipment and seeds at Livingseeds.
We had an inexplicable craving for leeks this week, and this recipe from Ottolenghi hit the spot – a super quick comfort meal. It is delicious as a brunch with coffee or as a nice light dinner with a glass of wine. One can prepare the leeks and spinach a day in advance and keep them in the fridge, ready for the eggs to stew in.
Another on-screen gem is Jiro Dreams of Sushi. It's free on YouTube (and also now on Netflix). Laureen says this Japanese food story can change lives.
♦ VWB ♦
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