When I lapped up carbs like the junkie I was, I frequented an Asian noodle bar, Canal Wok, that made the most fabulous Thai Green Curry noodles. I wrote about the owners Sharona and Peter Vassiliades many years ago about their authentic, delicious and inexpensive street-eat offering. Imagine how thrilled I was to find Sharona, effusive and lovely as ever, now cooking Greek food - something she knows even more about than Asian cuisine. Don't miss their Greek lamb with a Tatzikki that will blow your socks off. She uses full-fat yogurt so if you're on the high-protein, high-fat, low-carb option that is a winner.
I avoid starches of all kinds but if I could mainline coffee I would. Having Origin and Deluxe coffee available for purchase improves any shopping experience but don't leave it at that. Rabbit is about to become the new go-to food for people seeking low fat high protein meats. While the bunny-huggers can decamp at Adams Apples (fourth-generation green grocers) I head to Angus meats for his large selection of rabbit in many easy-to-cook cuts, beef - real beef and other speciality meats and poultry. You have a Jewish food experience at Berkie's who provide Kosher items although most have high carbs and sugar. Their hummus is good though, rich in tahini and seriously delicious. Another Jewish food option although not Kosher, straight from New York's famous Second Avenue Delis, is Waymenels, the original salt beef bar. They serve their corned brisket on bread but it is so good I'd suggest you simply ditch the bread and pop the butter-tender meat into your mouth. They also sell a Stellenbosch craft beer, Stellenbrau there.
If you're looking for things that boost flavour, Froggit's range of intense vinegars is a winner. Watch out for the sugar content of the infused balsamic reduction if you're off the sweet stuff and opt instead for the French Onion Preserve that achieves its sweetness from slow caramelisation of the onion's natural sugars.
Upstairs there's bench seating and free Wi-Fi. You have to give your email address, which is a pain, but I suppose that nothing in life is truly free. There are also spice merchants and curry options worth a visit. All in all, lots of amazingly delicious options. I can't wait to get more of the aubergine biltong, which is sensational, and another helping of Sharon's lamb.
According to their media statement, V&A Market on the Wharf co-owner, Greg Anderson this is a world class fresh food and produce market. "This is the first permanent market of it's kind in Cape Town and I believe it competes with the best in the world offering fresh, artisanal and gourmet foods", he added.
Since opening in December 2012, the V&A Market on the Wharf, is growing in popularity as locals and visitors to the Waterfront discover the international array of delectable fare, as well as locally produced and organic produce.
You will find everything from cheeses, prime-cut, grain-fed beef and freshly caught fish, to olives, flowers, marmalades, teas, coffees and chocolates, the market is geared towards your weekly grocery shopping.
Open Wednesday to Sunday: from 0930 to 1800 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 0930 to 1930 on Friday and Saturday. Situated in Nobel Square between the Two Oceans Aquarium and the V&A Hotel, with parking just 20m away, you will find shopping at the air-conditioned market for fresh produce easy and enjoyable. The drop and go service means that you don't have to carry your produce-laden shopping bags around all afternoon; simply drop them off and then collect them on your way out.
See www.v&amarketonthewharf.co.za https://www.facebook.com/marketonthewharf and https://twitter.com/VA_Market_Wharf.
