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Wondering what to take the host of the dinner party you’re going to attend? A crate of Figs. Wondering what to eat when you last minute cancel that dinner party invitation because you want to lie in instead? That crate of Figs. Figary Figs available at @olivebranchdeli. #figs #Vegan #vegetarian #fruit #fig #southafrica #capetown #deli #fresh #health #healthy #fitness
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The way souls are instinctively drawn towards the Symmetry Tonics encourages me to believe: Humans can truly pick up the light in a product when a good-hearted person makes something. I remember asking the crafter why not offer a gift box option with 3 miniature versions of the different tonics. He very humbly replied how he wouldn’t invest in packaging (the gift box) that people would just later discard. If you make something, putting in all that time and effort, every part of it should be used and reused. People should want to treasure it. Such an answer I greatly respect. The elegant apothecary bottle stands for itself. It shines on the shelf. Sometimes he’ll deliver boxes upon boxes. And then the next day, he’ll come visit us and then ask, “Hey. Where did they all go?!” Over Christmas time, his young and bright daughter took pride in helping us price and stock the shelves with the Symmetry bottles. Even teaching me how to use the delivery pulley. The Symmetry’s heart is that of a perfumers. The floral tonic blows kisses of Rose Pelagonium, Lavender and Chamomile. The Citrus Blend essences you in with Lemon, Grapefruit and Buchu. And the last one takes you on a spice route of Cloves, Cardamon and Kapokbos. You hydrate these tonics with either gin and/or carbonated water. Or you can create wondrous trips like Botanical Sorbets. Have fun! Available at @olivebranchdeli! Model: @eytanseeligsohn :) #botanical #drink #floral #design #capetown #flowers #deli #vegan #vegetarian
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The other day a Herbalist visited us and requested a wild selection of our apothecary flowers and herbs. I swear, you’d think we were Hogwart’s Potions library. Amongst her collection were the following: Pennywort St. John’s Wort Wormwood Burdock Root Comfrey Nettle Horsetail Saw Palmetto Berries Rosehip Berries Siberian Ginseng Eyebright Buckwheat Flower Mistletoe Herb Marigold Holy Thistle Slippery Elm Galangal Angelica Root Milk Thistle Cat’s Claw And last but not least, Witch Hazel. Every jar holds in its perfumed breath for you, waiting to exhale upon your curiosity. Packaged in these miniature takeaway brown baggies. A range of brew botanicals await you at the @olivebranchdeli. #herbalist #brew #botanicals #food #deli #packagingfree
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Eat. Pray. Love. That is the most instagram girl caption I could think of today. I also made the drink an almond milk chai latte because well, you know...Instagram. Sourdough Jelly, Melktart, Coffee Cream, Cinnamon and Sugar and Royal Vanilla doughnuts available at @olivebranchdeli from @thatdoughnutguyct. #almondmilk #chai #doughnut
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It’s not a dunk if it doesn’t go down the hoop. @thatdoughnutguyct Sourdough Doughnuts available at @olivebranchdeli! #donut #doughnut #food #jam #dessert #pudding #sourdough
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Wait for it... I’ve always been fascinated by Cereals’ ability to summon intense nostalgic and emotional triggers. Maybe it’s because their innocuously, but heavily branded, cardboard boxes sat seemingly innocently on our childhood tables with impeccable routine and consistency. Or maybe it’s because the copious use of self-administrated sweeteners suddenly became legalised by the powers that be, whole granulated mountains hiding under a frothy veil of milky innocence. Whichever it is, it makes me happy to ponder the idea that imminently forgettable and unimportant daily traditions such as eating breakfast can, even decades later, flood back into memory piggy-backing on the vivid colors and flavours of and within the humble cereal box and bringing with them people, faces and places almost forgotten. Shreddies now available at the @olivebranchdeli #communitygrocer #deli #instafood #foodporn #shreddies #childhood #breakfast #nostalgia #capetown #kloofstreet #breakfast #mostimportantmealoftheday
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Photo 1: Fry streaky bacon in butter with spring onions Photos 2 & 4: First glaze duck skin-side with 70% Butter & 30% Olive Oil and then bake in oven for 30 minutes, covered in foil. Brush meat with shoyu at intervals of 10 minutes Photo 3: Reduce plum sauce with soya sauce in pan Photo 5: Add fried bacon & spring onion mix to cooked rice and stir in butter for sweetness Photo 6: Slice duck and allow to bleed/rest Photo 7: Assemble, add fresh green spring onion and drizzle with plum sauce #communitygrocer #deli #instafood #foodporn #duck #ricedish #healthandhappiness #recipe #olivebranchdeli #capetown
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Guys. This is the best milk chocolate. It takes your breath away. Mostly because you’re gobbling it down. It’s condensed with these tiny crunchy biscuit spheres inside. And then chocolate. All over. Available at @olivebranchdeli Maltesers Teasers. #reveal #vid #video #chocolate #maltesersteasers #food #deli #capetown #southafrica
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A Figary Dream :) #olive #OliveBranchDeli #food #capetown #figs #vegetarian #fruit #dessert
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This is very loud packaging. It’s not very inconspicuous for sneaking in a treat without anyone knowing or hearing about it. My favourite part of this video was my mother curiously yelling at me about what I’m doing on her carpet, as the squeaking was so loud. But I guess that’s a good thing. Its very sound of opening invites people in to its presence so that you are compelled to share its 6 individually wrapped packages. The Wagon Wheels’s soft centre reminds me of a Chocolate Marshmallow Easter Egg or a Sweetie Pie with a thin wafer for a crunch element. I can’t decide whether I like it or not but I keep taking bites to find out. This curiosity is available at @olivebranchdeli. #Wagonwheels #chocolate #dessert #deli #capetown #reveal #chocolate #candyreview #review
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Tomato Heaven. @meusefarm Tomatoes, Aubergines, and Italian Frying Chilies available at @olivebranchdeli!
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I watched a movie called Downsizing where people were scientifically shrunk to thereby simultaneously minimize their problems- which always seemed to be linked to finance. So whatever money you had in the big world, it would be worth way, waaaay more in the small world. Your stresses would supposedly shrink too, as you left your old job and had all your wildest dreams (and mansions) available to you now that you were well-banked. Well, of course, that’s not exactly how the movie plays out. That being said, imagine being miniature and having to scale a giant chocolate brownie or snickerz bar from @thankgoodnessfoods at the @olivebranchdeli. #brownie #chocolate #food #deli #dessert
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Candy Heart Necklace Macarons of Conversation! From @bythewhisk available @olivebranchdeli. What’s your Candy Heart Story? #candyheart #macaron
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That’s what I look for in a doughnut. #donut #foodphotography
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Harry Potter and the Sunflowers. #deli #capetown #food #sunflowers #health #beautiful #shop
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We had some dangerous cat macs in the deli earlier, eyeing our Japanese knives. You could tell from their Disaronno breath, they were boozed up. Disaronno is the name of a liqueur that tastes like amaretto- that distinct almond extract impression. Thank you to the customer who explained that to me. #Japan #Japanese #macaron #knives #Japaneseknives #japaneseknivessouthafrica #food #deli #glutenfree #Disaronno #capetown
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Sometimes people just wonder in. And wonder out.
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Cream of The Crop. You can tell from how much time was spent elegantly wrapping these butters, that the person who makes them really cares about what she creates. They’re perfectly creamy and soft, ready to be spread thickly across a nice piece of toasted sourdough. Salted farm butter available at @olivebranchdeli from @mariavzyl. #artisan #butter #farm #deli #capetown #food #vegetarian
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As a 5-year old, I used to eat butter just as is. Fingers scraping against its yellow velvet like an ice-cream scoop across sweet snow. A buttery twirl forming. When you have butter as good as this, you’ll see. Light and soft, ready to melt at your touch. It dissolves into a savory cream puddle on your palate. Cream of the Crop is a handmade, small batch artisanal butter, wrapped like wholesome food out of a French cheese shop. With the added elegant touch of a flowery mold pattern. It’s just so beautiful, can’t wait to share it with you all. Available at @olivebranchdeli. #butter #chef #artisan #capetown
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So arty farty right now.
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There are people in this world who will come with two giant bouquets of bright sunny flowers for you just because. They exist. And they are lovely. And then they’ll float away back to heaven.
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This.
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Written by: @eytanseeligsohn. A mouthful explosion of nostalgia, the flavours of childhood one would never forget. Nothing but the blissful tang of a sourdough fermented doughnut draped with a sweet and cheerful table cloth of royal vanilla frosting. It capsizes and dissolves into the depths of your prized sweet tooth, sparking a firework explosion in the back of your mind. Sourdough Doughnuts available at @olivebranchdeli from @thatdoughnutguyct.
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@thankgoodnessfoods Dark Chocolate Brownies with indigenous Spekboom and worldly cardamom at @olivebranchdeli.
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Guys. Guys.... Guuuuuuuuys..... @thankgoodnessfoods delivered a fresh batch today at the Olive Branch Deli. A layer of Tahini Butter tangoing inside with a Medjoool Date Caramel under the mask of night chocolate, brittling with mini peanut nuggets like a forest of fairy lights. And there’s no dairy or gluten for those that are sensitive to those ingredients. And what’s more, @thankgoodnessfoods are just one of the most warm, talented and thoughtful families. I think that’s what really keeps people coming back for more. #Vegan #Vegetarian #chocolate #food #dessert #photography #peanuts #snickers #glutenfree
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Here we were demonstrating the Kai Shun Blade in slow mo action. I mean this kind of knife melts through its targets like it still retains the fire of its forging. And then in the slow mo replay, I realized oh this is actually normally speed for me when I try cut things with my blunt kitchen knife. I want to be like a Kai Shun Knife when I grow up, straight to the point instead of beating around (or at) the bush. At @olivebranchdeli, we have a range of Japanese knives for each purpose. Hand model: @eytanseeligsohn !! #Shun #KaiShun #Knife #CapeTown #food #chef #Video #slowmo #deli #Japanese
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The Bamboo Cooker is the womb that delicately gestates flavours until they’re perfectly ready, warm bundles of joy. Last night, the Olive Branch Deli pantry ingredients grafted another stem into our kitchen. Kimchi Dumplings filled with textured bits of fermented, red peppered vegetables diced into tiny crunchies of bite size pieces. A steamy bowl of white rice on the side like an angelic conscience. With a dark well of Yuzu Ponzo dipping sauce with shoyu, fine powdery chili flakes, rice vinegar, Worcester sauce and roasted sesame seed oil. I really can’t wait to go home for leftovers. #dumplings #Kimchi #rice #vegetarian
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Crates of Figary Figs available at @olivebranchdeli! You ever think about the first time you ever tried something as a child? I can’t remember who gave me my first fig. Our mom probably did, sliced thoughtfully into mushy petals for baby palettes. But I do remember my dad turning it into an experience. It was a hand reaching up from the heavens and pulling down a fig from the tree’s lucrative height. Him telling us that we should always wash the fig as he poured bottled water over it. And then breaking it open like a flower in bloom, assuring us that we can definitely eat this strange fruit as we fiddled with it in our matchstick fingers. You observe what your parents do, and out of trust, you follow the@ in suit. Experiencing whatever it is as they do. Down to the “mmmmm” sounds you mimic from them. Don’t just give your children food. Give them a memory to keep. When they try something for the first time, it’s a really magical moment. Because most of the time, it’s a bonding moment that involves looking at you. And in future, every time that foods flavourises their palate, this fond memory of you airbrushes their cheek with a rosiness of warmth. I know if I have a kid one day, it’s certainly not gonna be, “Now open your mouth for the ol’ choo choo train” of food on a spoon that needs to be devoured at meal time. It’s gonna be theatre. The spoon will be described as the Japanese Shinkansen Bullet Train that’s always on time so they better open the station promptly. Otherwise people won’t get to work on time and it’ll ensue the chaos of the belated Y2K horrors finally happening. I mean I won’t actually do that. I’ll probably just climb a fig for them like my dad did for us. #figs
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Fig Land at @olivebranchdeli from @wildsproutcpt! Did you ever notice how everyone has a different way of eating figs? What’s your way? #figs #fig #southafrica #capetown #food #deli #health #healthy #fitness
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Doughnut by Mike :) Available @olivebranchdeli. @thatdoughnutguyct is a “two Americanos but use the same cup” kind of guy. Which might give you the impression of a dark grump, but it makes perfect sense. When someone is the epitome of sweetness, they need a little bitter coffee to balance them out. Same goes for doughnuts, they’re traditionally sweet and therefore need a little sourdough to balance them out. Therefore, thus, hence, in conclusion, one simply must have a doughnut whether you’re grumpy or happy. As they provide balance. #dessert #vegan #vegetarian #donut #doughnut #food #deli
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What, what has @thankgoodnessfoods done.... Only a few left of what they have done is available at @olivebranchdeli. #snickersbar #vegan #vegetarian #peanuts #treat #dessert
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Sometimes not getting what you want and letting go of that allows the opportunity for something better to come along. I needed fresh mint for our tzanziki, but couldn’t find it in store for two days. Then @eytanseeligsohn said he’d get me “some” from his garden. And today he arrives with this giant branch of it. You can smell it without rubbing it between your fingers. It’s natural oil dashes around in the air like long distance runners - you could smell it from a mile away. This lush spearmint brightening up our days. Literally a breath of fresh air. Thank you @eytanseeligsohn for your constant generosity. #nature #mint #food #deli #tzanziki #travel #capetown
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Look how smart @dalida.loves is with her resourcefulness! We had extra sourdough baguettes at the end of the day so she took them home and turned them into sourdough Melba Toasts for us and her family to enjoy throughout the week. A little butter, a little love...what more do you need? It’s so admirable when people come up with ways to not waste food. And it’s beyond kind when you guys think of us and bring your creations for us to try. Thank you! #sourdough #food #deli #zerowaste #capetown #travel #capetown #bread #butter #breadandbutter #melbatoast
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Porcini Mushrooms from Kokstad available at @olivebranchdeli. The ‘Eureka’ Moment. For years I had heard the adopted word (eureka) and not known that it was biologically linked to my village of language. All because the phonetics change when you transcribe from one alphabet (Greek) into another (Latin). It reminds me of when you go to the dentist and they take a mold of all your teeth to produce a new one that will fit your mouth. It’s not the beautiful original tooth, but at least it’ll help you speak with it. In English, ‘Eu’ sounds like “U”, and in Greek it’s ‘Evf’. So in Greek ‘εύρηκα’ is pronounced “ev-re-ka” and means, “I found”. It’s ironic. A word that means to find and you find out it comes from your heritage. It’s like recovering a long lost relative. A mise-en-abyme, an εύρηκα in an eureka! That bursting feeling of discovery that results in elation. That’s how one feels when they go mushroom picking. You wonder around for hours of your life. A haunting feeling persists that you must be missing them as you go through the forest. And there, perhaps hidden under some pine leaves, stands a heaped pile. You move closer, bend down to inspect, and ... just a pile of leaves. But then you look up, and right under your nose, is the bold cap of the Porcini. Ready to be better acquainted to your palate, shaped perfectly to be devoured in one’s mouth later. #risotto #chef #food #porcini #mushroom #bolete #food #deli #capetown #travel #forest #vegan #vegetarian
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An Autumn Platter of tomatoes available @olivebranchdeli from @meusefarm. #health #healthy #food #capetown #travel #southafrica #tomato #fitness #colourful
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Imagine reimagined Bloody Mary’s with different tomato varieties. Or taking your favorite Spanish, Italian or Greek tomato dish and using these water balloons of flavour instead. And then experiencing the difference in bursts. Like yemesta (stuffed) tomatoes with seasoned risotto rice baked in the oven. Rubbing tomato slices and garlic across a slice of day old Sourdough bread that’s been roasted. And pouring some bitter Olive Oil like putting a rich cloak over it. Or doing fresh salsas. Or even just slicing it to eat it as is in all its imperfect glory. A variety available @olivebranchdeli From the beyond knowledgeable @meusefarm. #tomato #chef #capetown #food #deli #colourful #vegetarian #vegan #health #healthy #fitness #fit
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When I was a kid, when you went to the pharmacy there’d be these bright orange glow sticks of glucose candy right by the cash register. The color of child marketing and innocent orange juice. When mom would go pay, the “eyes” would come out. I’d sort of fiddle in the jar of glucose sticks, not really asking. Just Hinting. Hinting. Hinting. And Hinting. Every kid has the Jedi Mind Trick over their parents, at least in their own imagination they do. And my mom, being the provider of laughter and joy, would lovingly get me one for the car ride home. Something about that glucose - that deeper caramelization that resounded in warmer flavours unmatched by traditional sugar candies’ instant highs. Today a little girl expectantly pointed at them to her mom. The same innocent plead in her eyes. But alas, she was born in the wrong era of sugar approval. The life before GI labels (helpfully) appeared on bread. As for us adults, we have a strong immune system to sugar, and thus can totally indulge in a little amazing nostalgia. Now and again, at least. More of @isabellebonbon creations available at @olivebranchdeli. #candy #colourful #colorful #joy #deli #capetown
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“Darn it, it’s addictive.” From the sweet fingertips of the smiley & enthusiastic Isabelle. She has that candy sparkle in her eyes that one only finds in a confectioner who thrives on what they create. All of which you can pick up from when you eat one (or 6 in a go). There’s this burst of joy in the nostalgic flavours. She’s the only stranger you should accept candy from. Little Artisanal French Bon Bons. In Rooibos, Peppermint, Raspberry, Roasted Almond Amber Jewels, and my two personal favorites: the Salted Butter and the Banana palates. Available at @olivebranchdeli from @isabellebonbon. #bonbon #sweets #candyshop #capetown #travel #deli #light #fun #vegetarian #glutenfree #vegan
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@bythewhisk : Whisk Magic. People squeal when they see these in person. Their bellies are full of Raspberry and Caramel. Available at @olivebranchdeli. #deli #food #capetown #travel #pig #vegetarian
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The untangling of raffia twine loosely knitted in an uncomplicated relationship. The crinkle crackle of cracking open the wrapping by the sticky seal. The crisp tear along the borders. The satisfyingly sight of compressed flowers in brick format, blooming when you breathe air into it. Popping out to greet you. A package of Chrysanthemum buds from Thailand. Available from next week at @olivebranchdeli. Thank you @eytanseeligsohn for helping, and @dalida.loves for your sourcing skills! #chrysthantemum #tea #thailand #southafrica #capetown #travel #mixology
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This was my first daring lipstick as a kid. Cherry picking on the farm was a Bonnie and Clyde moment. Someone dodging sharp edges of twigs (dad), investigating a narrow gap to climb through. Them pulling up their weight (after Christmas) by the trunks to retrieve the apparently “sweetest” cherries on top. Their arms stretched with strained effort, their veins highlighted like ropes pulled tight. Hands toughened by wood’s sandpaper skin. And precarious tippy toes pointing in slip slips. And then the handing down of picked cherries to the sweet child with the packet underneath, innocent in frilly white dress...and who’s completely goldfish-sidetracked by trees and birds bustling by. All the while, said hands continue in futile to wave down expectantly for the cherries to be taken. One in the basket, one in my mouth, one in the basket, one in my mouth, one in the basket, get distracted and forget rhythm, and then 5 in the mouth. Two crimson lips later, shining from the bruised cherry flesh, the equivalent of being caught red-handed. And of course someone occasionally falls from the tree somewhere in-between like an overly ripened fruit - spoilt rotten by the trees abundance. Get to the till point with 3 and a half bags. Dead face as we watch the person weigh the cherries. A shared wink hiding all the cherries eaten. Then the get away. The ridiculously long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long drive home for a kid. If that experience is too much for you, we are selling cherries this week. This will be our last order for the year. So limited stock available. #cherries #red #lipstick #food #fruit #vegan #vegetarian #health #healthy
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A brown bag. A doughnut. A good start. Happy Friday Doughnut Day! #sourdough #donut #art #doughnut
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We got Helga Huffelpuff in our Harry Potter Chocolate Frog! Who apparently was, “particularly famous for her food related charms.” I feel we can relate to that, hey? Harry Potter Chocolate Frogs and Gummy Slugs available @olivebranchdeli.
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The @olivebranchdeli will be open today until 5 pm. As well as the 24th of December from 9am to 6pm. There’s a real happiness in the air today! #shopfront #deli #capetown #food #southafrica
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On our table like floating lotuses of delicate clay, mosaic with natural kiln cracks perfectly veiled in gloss, are @dalida.loves ceramic display dishes. With @eytanseeligsohn little monsters. They’re so cute that you want to kiss them. One of them resembles Nacho Libre. #ceramic #pottery #art #clay #roses #deli #interior #design #fun #gift
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That young man that used to come during his high school breaks and test our limited food knowledge in comparison to his own extensive cannon. And then stand exactly in this stance when we didn’t know the answers to his really difficult questions. That’s our @eytanseeligsohn who we have all been very fortunate to have help us these past few weeks. He’s been giving in house recipes for some really cool dishes, and, because of his deep understanding of knife use, has been selling all our Japanese knives (which we keep telling him not to do because we like having a vast knife display). #chef #chef80 #deli #capetown
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Chef Eytan’s (@eytanseeligsohn) display @olivebranchdeli. Such a brilliant idea. Camembert Christmas Cheese decorated with Angel Hair Chili tinsel, globed with Pistachio Ornaments and Angel Wing Almond Shavings, lit with Bee Pollen lights. And Christmas’ed with Black Current Jam. It was so good. It was on the table and then it disappeared. With only crumbs as the evidence left behind. All ingredients available at @olivebranchdeli. Ps. We’re open today and tomorrow. And then we’ll be closed until the 7th. #food #deli #capetown #cheese #health #beepollen #vegetarian #foodphotography #styling #art #design
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Deli humour. But isn’t it just sooo life where you’re labelled as something you’re clearly not? And you’re expected to instantly become what you are called to be. You’re not an instant miso soup, you’re a sesame seed underneath. But all things can be fermented into something new and developed. All you need is the right Koji. All of which is available at @olivebranchdeli. #delihumour #delihumor #food
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Rosewater. The silk of water, draped over the face like a chilled flag of peace. Or a drop or two added from the mystic blue bottle into anything. Available at @olivebranchdeli. #rosewater #beauty #rose #food
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Chef @eytanseeligsohn ‘s magical hands, preparing an Olive Recipe for the @olivebranchdeli. The smells from the smoked Sichuan like toasted lemon peel. The sweet nose of roasted Nori sheets. The pestle and mortar of roasted hemp seeds like buttered popcorn perfuming the air with nostalgia. It’s elegance and refinement crushed with great heart. #chef #video #food #lighting
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One must let the day be a good day. Thank you Lord.
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Everyday somebody will walk into the shop and ask, “Where’s your mom?” And we just shake our heads and shrug our shoulders. We’re never quite sure. For this reason I call my mom the Unicorn. She’s magical, constantly in demand and always about somewhere- but it’s mostly unknown to us mere mortals. She doesn’t like to be photographed. It doesn’t matter. All I know is that my mom is always, always there when we need her most and least. There wasn’t a single moment where she wouldn’t sacrifice herself for us and show great happiness to do so. She never once took for granted or rolled her eyes at having to spend time with us growing up. But instead, emphasized how much she loved spending time with just us. It often felt like we were camping together, like we could get through anything together with God. When we were in the wrong, she wouldn’t call us idiots outright, she’d take the time to bring out the best in us through her words of understanding in response. My mom takes people under her wing like adopted children. And with all her heart, she calls them her other sons and daughters. I don’t mind sharing her though. She has repeatedly exemplified how the more love you give, the more love you have in you. She is our light. I know she is the best mom in the world (and I don’t like competition or putting other mom’s down, I know there are great moms in the world too). I wouldn’t know God’s love if it wasn’t for my mother though; I wouldn’t be able to comprehend it or understand the blossoming that occurs from sacrifice. How anyone could still love another human despite them not deserving it in the moment. I can’t believe we got so blessed to have her as a mother and best friend. Always glamorous, always a healer, always so talented, always so brilliant, and beautiful, and creative, and just - my entire heart, mom, is just a small brunch of yours. I don’t know how many Kilometers you’ve done in your car for us, all I know is that you gone more than the extra mile to be with us. And we’re so grateful to you for everything, everyday. I’m so happy other people get to experience your love. It wouldn’t be right to hog the treasure of abundance that is you. Happy Birthday!
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When I was done playing with my toys as a child, they’d go straight back in their respective boxes. Aligned perfectly in their allocated slots within their pristine packaging. If it was a toy that looked like a human, care and consideration would be spent to make sure they were comfortable within their box confines. Their arms placed in a relaxed fashion. A miniature blanket cast over their cold legs. The teddy bears would be placed upright from their upside down position. They each would have air space to “breath” if they were to piled on top of each other. Basically, everything had a specific placing that when adjusted for would click in my head and everything would be calm. When I see boxes piled on top of each other with their goodies not quite yet in their proper slots on the shelf...well I go a bit mad. It’s funny how the quirks of children can manifest into future talents such as fitting as my dad likes to say, “Pick ‘N Pay in a tiny space”. Taking into consideration how a customer would reach for something and/or see a product better. While this may be my nightmare, I’m sure this is most parent’s nightmare for a different reason. But hey, it’s the time of year when Sugar is no longer Fugitive Number Uno. The Candy Wall of America/Europe/South Africa, ready to be demolished by people everywhere. Available at @olivebranchdeli, all the candy you grew up watching on TV but never actually getting to taste. Until now. #candy #southafrica #sweets #deli #presents
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Finding its right home on the shelf. Every knife’s right of passage. This is the Shun Premier Knife. So sharp that when a hair follicle makes eye contact with it, it bows ready to decapitated. Happy Saturday everyone. #knife #Japanese #Shun #food #reveal #deli
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Take 2: It’s unbelievably gorgeous. #Kai #Shun #Japanese #reveal #video #chef #specialedition #deli #capetown
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Have you ever tried to open a double wrapped Japanese knife whilst holding a camera? The excited nails trying to get a grip. The smooth pull that gets sidetracked to a loop and then a halt. The eager search for new “footholds” to scale one’s nails into. The pulling and pulling. The unwrapping to find another teasing, translucent wrapping underneath. The pair of trusty scissors like the second guard being sent in to tear down the new wall. The slip. The snip. The pulling again, and then alas- the one hand meets a new nemesis. The tight, black paper label, the flag to be captured in order to declare victory of ownership. Difficult to slip off. Let’s try again. Ring by the charming, unbelievably talented @philippagreenjewellery. #knife #food #deli #Shun #Japaneseknife
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In film school they call it Mise en abyme, “into the abyss”, when referring to a copy of a picture within the picture. For us, every Saturday we receive a lonely square box left behind for us. We don’t know what it will be inside each week, so every Saturday feels like Christmas morning. It’s already a gift. Imagine our surprise when we opened it.
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Is it just me or the chocolate bar melting over this artwork of food? @honestchocolate Limited Edition Chocolate Bars available at @olivebranchdeli. With the indigenous botanical of Buchu floralizing (Shakespeare also made up words) the dark chocolate essence of the bar. #art #painting #chocolate #limitededition #food #southafrica #travel #caprtwon #deli #HonestChocolate
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Some feelings in life are royal. The crinkle crackle of Christmas golden tinfoiled chocolate being slowly unearthed from its tight origami. The soil of the rich, dark chocolate boasting a garden of eden of stray Buchu leaves - like the footprints of a strong wind. All leading to an adventure you didn’t expect to take. I always appreciate a chocolate that plays a movie on your palate. Taking you on a journey from where the cacao fruit grew in the womb (Tanzania) to the country in which the actual chocolate bar was birthed in (South Africa). This is the beautiful @honestchocolate Buchu and Pineapple Dark Chocolate Bar Experience available at @olivebranchdeli. #pineapple #buchu #southafrica #gold #chocolate #darkchocolate #vid #reveal #light #food #film #movie
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People keep telling us we’re an Aladdin’s Pantry. And I have no idea why. I’m just polishing this genie-looking lamp. Anyways, we have these beautiful sets of Fousti and Olive Oil Fountain Pourer available at @olivebranchdeli. #aladdin #food #deli #capetown #oluvebranchdeli #beauty #interior #home #house
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Remember those old product commercials? Where they’d show you how useless your old version of a cleaner was by having someone drag it limply across the ground (un-plugged in)? And then shake their head in confusion as to why it’s so stupid and doesn’t work? I loved those adverts. Please feel free to droop your old, outdated vegetable peeler across your produce. But if ever you want, we have these amazing brushes that scrub the rough skin off the veggies. Made in South Africa.
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What is this? Imagine there’s a hidden pianist somewhere in the corner just playing to himself and his past. There’s a certain buzz in the air from the honey glow lights above. There a scent in the air of thousands of spices, roasted chocolates & caramel coffee bags. The pianist is gliding his fingers along the keys like a sail boat on quiet waters. That mystical melody resounding from a balance between pace and key. There on the table sits a stand. A tall one, an antique general store one. And lined on some white sheet sits these rings. If you eat enough of them, it would probably fit your finger perfectly.
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Available at @olivebranchdeli is @evoosouthafrica free Guide To Extra Virgin Olive Oil in South Africa. It’s concise and informative. With lots of pictures! But mostly, after flipping through it, it’s just really nice to see all our friends represented. Hopefully farmers whom you’ve met along the way too! #oliveoil #food #deli #capetown #southafrica #travel #olives
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Hands down one of the best meals we’ve ever consumed. Rumo Linguine buttered with Hemelrand Lemon Infused Olive Oil with a sauce of Black Pepper Corns, a Ladle of Pasta Water, Seasoned Cream, Brandy and thinly sliced Autumn Black Truffles. With a woodshaving’s worth of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Surrounded by tear drops of this-is-so-good mom’s homemade parsley pesto. Everything except the brandy available at @olivebranchdeli. #rumopasta #pasta #linguine #food #deli #truffles #blacktruffles #flowers #presentation #chef
90
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This is a Tonka Bean. Think of it like a Willy Wonka Bean. It mysteriously rhymes its flavour tract with vanilla and caramel, almond extract. Chocolate, Panna Cotta, Custard, Perfumes...Cocktail, Macaron, Bread & French stews. With a tonka bean, all this you can impressively do. Grate its fame against a microplane! There’s a tiny bit of a bitter bite, but otherwise the flavour will step out, real lady-like. And oh the fragrance! These train runs of spicy, vanilla cherry & almond aromas - all tempters into merry food comas. A little warning to heeded, they can be toxic if over eaten. But that’s just the Wonka in Tonka! Available at @olivebranchdeli. #tonkabeans #baking #pannacotta #dessert #bread #capetown #deli #vegan #vegetarian #glutenfree #chef #travel
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Mini Copper Cocktail Straws - cool for fancy sipping outlaws. Or for little ones to sip from in their mini cups, not too quickly though or they’ll be hiccups. Hygienic genius that is copper, perfect for those crawling toddlers. Like short rolls of shiny light, they wind chime to all one’s heart delight. Available at @olivebranchdeli! #packagingfree #plasticfree #copperstraws #gift #copper #deli #capetown #southafrica
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Oh so that’s what a truffle looks like. Someone once told me you could put a truffle in a carton of eggs and the truffle will infuse its fragrance through the shell into the yolk and whites. Black Truffles available at @olivebranchdeli. #truffles #food #deli #capetown
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This is a short story.
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Do I even need to say what these two are and how heavenly it is when you pair them together? #glutenfree
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The ‘Controversial’ Hawaiian Pizza Macs with a pineapple buttercream and jam heart by @bythewhisk available at @olivebranchdeli. #glutenfree #macaron #almonds #pizza
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Japanese Higonokami Pocket Knives. It’s mind blowing to fathom how one can hold something from far away that another person has held in their hand as they intensely worked upon it for hours. Their concentration sparking with their tools. It’s like holding their hand. Their talents. Their years of experience and preciseness. All of it now neatly fitting in your palm. Hopefully rubbing off their skills upon you. And the fact that these are forged with the integrity of the past adds to the image- the present holding tightly onto the past’s hand like a child with its loving and knowing parent. The smiths harness the original materials in the old manner in which they were first introduced over a century ago. A barber-like blade blossoms from the metal bases of either Original Brass, Silver-Plate, or Black Oxide. What I’ve come to learn is that one gravitates towards authenticity. And I am completely enveloped by their presence. A pocket knife for me reminds me of my dad. It’s a thick piece of cheddar cheese being cut on a fishless fishing trip. It’s the pine mushroom ethically cut at the base on a foraging mission. It’s the Biltong being thinly sliced just until the bottom so that it fans out in easy to break of slices. A pocket-knife is symbol of provision; of sharing with others, but also a way to teach others about elegantly taking from nature. Available at @olivebranchdeli from my favorite Botha.
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It’s the Grinch who stole all the Peach Macarons.
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A very accurate portraiture of my brother and me. Can’t wait to get these for Christmas.
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Last week Saturday’s Macarons from @bythewhisk. In film school, we studied ‘El Espíritu de la Colmena’ (The Spirit of the Beehive). Where a movie about Frankenstein’s monster impacts a little girl to the point where she seeks him out in the real world. Despite the movie’s “monster” dropping a similar little girl in a river where she drowned. And him being hunted down but the village folk in revenge. Regardless, in the real world she pursues an escaped convict and tries to befriend him. Confusing, right? I’ll admit, the characters come off as a bit odd initially. I wrote a paper on the trouble of understanding a foreign language film within the confines of the English language. And what I found was beautiful: In Spanish, you don’t say that you dropped something. You phrase it as, ‘the thing fell from you’. As in, Frankenstein’s monster didn’t drop the little girl, the little one accidentally fell from him. There embedded in the language is this deep compassion towards people. Linguists call it the Sapir-Whorf theory. That language can be a guide to your reality, structuring your thoughts and the way you make sense of the world. Learning someone else’s foreign language can thus transform your perceptions of that person from odd or simple to something that attempts to encapsulate their beautiful complexities. From the perception of monster to the genius and heart behind Dr. Frankenstein creation of a friend. #macarons #art #frankensteinmonster #frankenstein #art #language #writing #elespiritudelacolmena #Spanish #food #deli #glutenfree
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The first doughnut. Soft and subtle, its youth puffs the fluffiness of clouds that waft you back to childhood days of barely seeing over the counter of tiny corner doughnuts shops. The smell of oil mixed with vanilla icing, decorating the air with anticipation. Lips unable to speak to stranger, but finger already confidently pointing. Small outreached hands cupping the serviette that cradled the often still warm doughnut. Every time like a first kiss. There is no saving it for later, there is only now. Miniature life coaches that teach you to live in the moment. Childhood is great. But being an adult and controlling when you can get a doughnut is flippen fantastic. Crimson nails to outfit the jelly jam oozing Centre. Florals and magic. #food #deli #doughnut #jelly #jellyjam #travel #southafrica #capetown #rednails #fashion
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These are my children. My Sour Patch Kids. Available at @olivebranchdeli. #sourpatch #sweets #candy #deli #capetown #food #colourful
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Look closer. Earlier today, I said under my breath, “No one’s bought one of these yet...” Immediately after, a kind looking gentleman asked me how much they were. And then proceeded to ask for 3. “They’re for my sister. She loves Macarons!” “Aww, that’s very sweet of you!! Does she like spiders?” A cheeky grin spreads. “No.” #macaron #dessert #drawing #spider #art #food #deli #capetown
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Your heart palpates. Its pre-exercise to prepare your body. You pull the doughnut up from the protective brown bag. Its crown of cream filling poking out from the top, ordaining your fingers. You save that for later. You give it a cheeky squeeze. Embrace its love handles of sponginess. And take a bite. It’s always the biggest bite as if a memory of a hungry seagull lurks, swooping in your suppressed memory to take away your joy. It can’t. The Custard smells like it’s still brewing in a warm copper pan. The sugars blossom in the cream. You look around, unsure as to why the world isn’t aware of how good this doughnut is today. The crumbly sugar coats your bottom lip like the glitter of a good night out. You save that for later too. It’s the goodbye kiss. #doughnut #friday @thatdoughnutguyct #capetown #food #dessert #sourdough
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I know a kid who’s gonna be stoked that we have these. I also know a parent who’s not gonna be so stroked that we have these. Candy Galore just arrived. #warheads #jelly #sweets #candy #sour #sourtwists #deli #travel #southafrica #capetown
107
6
Baharat: A spice blend represents a blend of cultures too. It’s a trail across sand and soil. An arranged marriage of flavours to facilitate peace between kingdoms. Baharat is the Middle Eastern version of Masala. Also known as Lebanese 7 Spice. It differs from country to country. In North African ones, they add crushed rose petals. In other places they add the gold of turmeric. This quilt of spices patch-worked together: Cinnamon, Cumin, Cardamon, Cloves, Coriander Seeds, Nutmeg, Smoked Sweet Paprika, and Black Pepper. Their spirit released from the Shakespearean thumping of a Pestle and Mortar. The smell is mystical. Like each exotic aroma has read Pride and Prejudice. All waiting to take you by the hand and dance with you. You spiral in deeper and deeper. From gentle small talk of the nutmeg to the deeper kind, as you find yourself having a long conversation with base notes of Cinnamon and Cardamon. A dashing, tall, dark and handsome Black Pepper pets your nose. It’s well composed. To be rubbed on life. Baharat Available at @olivebranchdeli. #baharat #Lebanese #food #meal #spice #travel #capetown #healthy #masala #colourful #vegan #vegetarian #chef
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5
I grew up with a family who lived for a while in a house that used to be an old age home. And every time we went over, the mom (who’s like my “Theia”- aunty) would take great delight in telling us how there were spirits in the house. They made mushrooms grow on the walls. And black mold. And in the lounge, there was this window-sized square on one of the walls, which was plastered over. Layers of paint, implying hidden narratives. In there, we were told as impressionable young children that there was a severed head. And that the plastered wall window would bleed if we misbehaved. I loved going over. Then as the night side-bumped the day away in a fascist fashion, a nude granny’s stocking would be pulled from a drawer and slid over my aunt’s head in another room. Features distorted and demented by the constricting tights. We would be in the kitchen enjoying a wholesome meal of spaghetti souped in red Old Gold Tomato Sauce. And my masked aunt would jump into the room with a screech, skinny scarecrow arms branching out into the space. And in good character form, she’d ruthlessly chased us around. I remember screaming and laughing, screaming and laughing. Especially laughing when she was chasing the other kids. And especially screaming when she narrowed me in her vision. Hiding under bar stools until my bladder wanted to mark the territory of the floor. And then having the masked face invade my hiding spot with a sudden jolt. It was painfully scary until it ended, but endlessly hilarious in retrospect. It’s such an odd thing to have two contrasting feelings rumble your tummy. Laughter and Fear simultaneously rough housing within you. It’s like mixing alcohols or eating fish and meat in the same meal. You probably shouldn’t do those ones though. But ever since then, I can endure scary movies with chuckles whilst everyone else has to leave the room. (Now I just don’t watch them because I don’t want to have a negative/skewed view of the world.) But here’s the thing: Take that of which is scary to you, create a fun memory around it, and you’ll live a more brave life. One where you laugh down a path where others fear to tread. @bythewhisk Ghost Macs!
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There are two things in our deli that I dare you or anyone to buy. The first one is the Japanese @tadafusa_hocho_kobo Soba Noodle Knife, almost as wide as an A4 book. And the second is the Wakamomo: the Baby Mountain Peaches from Japan in Syrup. If you hashtag #wakamomo, you’ll see what an incredible ingredient this preserve can be for your culinary adventures. Sliced into petals or even in half, Wakamomo can be incorporated into ice-cream, sorbet, parfaits, cakes, jellies and even cocktails. They resemble green olives - a flavour surprise awaiting for those who wants a new take on an Olive Martini. And imagine cutting into a pastry and having an emerald jewel fruit sparkle at you from inside. Dominique Ansel, one of the best pastry chefs in the world and the person who invented the Cronut, inspired a new desert with it called the PopFleur (the push-pop that creates a rose effect when you pop up its contents). It’s filled with a whipped Wakamomo Yoghurt Creation. The flavour: Muscat, Grapes, Plum and Peaches all hiding under the sour green colour facade. Health-Wise: They contain a waxy lipid called ceramide, which helps maintain your skin’s moisture. And it’s used in Chinese Medicene. It called either Bi Tao Gan or Yin Tao Gan, and is used to treat night sweats, pain and to stop bleeding. #health #domiqueansel #popfleur #wakamomo #southafrica #japan #chinese #peaches #dessert #cocktail #creation #chef #travel #deli #capetown #Tadafusa
67
4
Hay fever: In grade 1 or 2, I remember if someone sneezed twice in a row, you had to outdo them with a brag about how you could sneeze 3 times in a row. And then they suddenly “remembered” their profound ability to actually sneeze 4 times in a row. And then you yourself suddenly recalled how you could “in reality” sneeze 6 times consecutively. And so on and so on until it dawned on me we were competing to see who was the most defective at breathing. It is a thing, isn’t it? To compete for the inadequacies crown. But hay fever is different, hay fever’erers are different. They can sneeze 12 times in a row. Thus, they deserve respect and compassion. If you or anyone suffers from Hay fever, there’s a super pungent tea blend that will knock your socks off, put them in the washing machine, dry them and then neatly fold them back into your drawer. Putting your life back in order. Chamomile, Ginger, Green Tea, Peppermint and Honey. Chamomile and Ginger help relive fever symptoms. While the Green Tea green lights a natural anti-histamine effect and builds up your immune system. And peppermint tea Moses’ your nasal and sinus congestion like the Red Sea. Highly recommended grating the ginger with a zester, you’ll get the biggest punch out of their juices then. And the honey is there to make everything better. #hayfever #tea #remedy #homemade #chamomile #ginger #deli #capetown #alternative #healthy #health #antique #food #fitness
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And so the knife collection grows... Japanese style Utility Knives, angled for Bar Tendering. As well as various Chef Knives. And a Carving Set. Made in Cape Town by the iron giant Jerald Blaber and available at @olivebranchdeli. #knives #capetown #deli #food #chef #art #wood #Japanese #travel #utility
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3
Bum. #surprise #reveal #video #food #deli #capetown #travel #food #dessert #coconut #lime #buttercream #summer #fitness #glutenfree
31
2
Oh so that’s how you get a Summer’s Body by eating one. Implanted with a silicone of Coconut and Lime Buttercream, with a suntan of Carmel Centre. By the best plastic surgeon of pastry in Cape Town, @bythewhisk. Available at @olivebranchdeli. #surprise #reveal #video #food #deli #capetown #travel #food #dessert #coconut #lime #buttercream #summer #fitness #glutenfree
78
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D-day.
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5
Royal Chocolate Brownies.. bronzed like the armour of a Spartan Warrior, ready to defeat your thought enemies. @thankgoodnessfoods Dark Chocolate, Spekboom and Cardamon Brownies made with Pecan and Almond Flour, sweetened with Coconut Blossom Nectar. #refnedsugarfree #chocolate #darkchocolate #brownie #food #dessert #dessert #glutenfree #vegetarian
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Good morning from Sandwich Land. #sandwich #food #deli #meal #lunch #capetown #travel #lights #stars
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3
There’s no time for pretty. Only rough cuts. Sometimes we try something so good that we instantly have to share it. I guess that’s why Instagram was invented. Tightly wrapped like a present in maroon wax, a satisfying feeling occurs when you slice through and can perfectly unpeel it from its casing. Then it’s a game of flavour courting. The first flirt is slightly mature from the conservative yet seductive glossy red lipstick of wax. The second date is more smooth, as its creaminess relaxes. And the third date is when you find out she smokes a light cigarette, but only socially so it’s culturally acceptable. It’s the epitome of refinement. And available at @olivebranchdeli. #cheese #cheeseboard #spoon #food #deli #travel #capetown
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3
The Persian Macaron by @bythewhisk. A tale of golden threads of saffron spun with orange into a sunny Buttercream of Middle Eastern charm. And it’s not just any saffron, it’s literally the best saffron from @soltansaffron. #saffron #macaron #art #persianfood #Persian #sun #sunrise #sunset #food #deli #glutenfree
89
3
Good afternoon and have a Glorious Day! #doughnuts #sourdough #chef #pastry #food #deli #dessert #travel #capetown
90
3
Honey fountain dripping down into our decanting pot of gold. @urban_delicious ready to be poured into your honey jars. Available at @olivebranchdeli. “I don’t feel very much like Pooh today,” said Pooh, “There, there,” said Piglet. “I’ll bring you tea and honey until you do.” “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.” #pooh #honey #video #food #deli #travel #capetown #zerowaste #packagingfree
79
10
Every Monday and Thursday, @thankgoodnessfoods delivers such incredible baked goods that they have ruined me for other sugary desserts. I pull out the trusty ruler, get into the zone and then mark off the appropriate measurements. The end result is hopefully fairly similar in size Chocolate rectangles (mostly because baked tray goods never have perfect corners). But sure enough, someone of logic will come along and frown at the method. “A ruler hey? Surely there’s an easier way of doing that? Why don’t you do xyz and it’ll be quicker.” I remember learning in Anthropology how time saving things just end up freeing up more time so that you can fill it with more work. And then some more work. And then you sort of loose the plot in the stress of it all. But here’s the thing. I’d rather be slow and take the deepest pleasure in doing something, than to be quick and heartless. I mean how many people get the honour of slicing Freshly baked brownies and Millionaire Shortbreads every week? How many people get to use a ruler for complete fun and deliciousness? To glide the knife across the markings. To hear the crisp sound of cold chocolate breaking under the weight of the blade. Melting the knife through the soft, salted Date Caramel. And then listening for the triumphant and satisfying sound of an oat crumble crunching as you break through to the bottom. Well I get to! And it’s really a joy rather than just a task to perform. #glutenfree #brownies #millionaireshortbread #sugarfree #dates #knife #vegan #vegetarian #travel #capetown #deli #anthropology
51
1
Heritage Macarons with a Buttercream brewed with Rooibos from the mad stippling skills of @bythewhisk. Available at @olivebranchdeli. When your family drifts from somewhere else, you become something of a floating raft. As your birth country differs to theirs, a testing tide currents you into learning navigation between two worlds. To guide your parents into acclimation, one must have their feet wet in both seas at a young age. And to know the stars in many languages. You may have roots in that somewhere else place, but there’s an alien grafted onto the stem. A Protea for a Heart and Dried Oregano for feet. So you never feel like you’re fully accepted. The impression of slight difference is a longstanding wall graffitied with the notion that there’s something odd about you. And this happens on both sides so you end up feeling like Cremora: you’re not inside, you’re sitting on top. Your heart with a bed of bricks to lie on instead of a mattress to rest peacefully on. At least that’s what I used to focus on. There’s this beautiful line about how our our pain should be seen as an ally to others. Thus a deep sense of disconnection should be experienced for a purpose. If you feel like you don’t belong, take to the time to make others feel accepted. Take the story thread of your heritage and, instead of hoarding the yarn, use it to stitch together differences into a new identity. #art #macaron #southafrica #travel #capetown #food #dessert #painting #drawing #arttechnique #glutenfree #vegetarian
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Mom’s love.
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Whenever a person gifts my mom a plant she names it after them. Which sometimes becomes alarming when she says someone something is dying. The plant that is. So meet Helen, Kirsten and Stefan. Thank you guys. Somehow all our friends matched each other with their flowers into a beautiful bouquet. #bouquets #flowers #deli #travel #capetown #protea
88
9
Forgive me for being naughty, But does this count as a wet dream? Black Vietnamese Coffee naturally Chocolatey poured over the last Chocolate Sourdough Doughnut from @thatdoughnutguyct at the @olivebranchdeli. #slowmo #coffee #vietnamesecoffee #doughnut #donut #sourdough #food #deli #travel #video #reveal #fountain #chocolatefountain
98
2
Today, we received an unexpected new bread delivery. Shaped in my mind as an Olive Branch. And comprised of easy to break off Mini Baguettes. Their crisped shell hiding a soft center that practically screams, “Soup me!!”. I thought I’d display them to Paul Hollywood, considering how he’s always showing off/taunting his Cinnabons to me every day. The breaking of bread and the olive branch is a beautiful symbol of peace. It’s a funny, unexpected blessing. So here’s a literal Olive Branch Baguette. #bread #olivebranch #food #deli #capetown #baking #PaulHollyood #capetown #beautiful #art #light
146
5
Seems like cockily speaking about the Jaws movie the other day has come back to bite me. #Shark #Macaron #Art #Drawing #Painting #chef #pastry #joy #happy #deli #travel #capetown #southafrica #saturday
