Restaurant Feature: Cape Town Fish Market

I love sushi. All of it - any time. There's just something so satisfying about a perfectly constructed bite sized California Roll that puts my endorphins into overdrive. I was introduced to sushi through a friend, Rishaad who had spent three glorious weeks in Japan. While there, he discovered a 1 Yen sushi restaurant and I guess you would develop an appetite for raw fish after eating it for 21 days straight. We ordered a platter to share and he took us through the process - why the pickled ginger cleanses the palate, how wasabi is grown over a long period in flowing water and harvested at specific times (which is why authentic wasabi is incredibly expensive), how to hold your chop sticks and what the different types of sushi entail. From nigiri, maki, rolls of every variation and the cream of the crop, sashimi, we grew to love this indulgence. 

Sushi culture in Durban has blossomed over the years, with many restaurants popping up around eThekwini due to the growing demand. I've sampled sushi from many establishments and I keep going back to Cape Town Fish Market for some of the freshest sushi made by very experienced chefs. Cape Town Fish Market in Gateway Theatre of Shopping provides a seafood menu that ranges between starters, main meals, platters, desserts and of course, a fully fledged sushi bar. The cosmopolitan and modern restaurant has a team of dedicated staff to keep diners smiling and offers daily specials - can you say winning! 

Since tomorrow is #TreatYourselfThursday  - in my mind anyway, check out their Thursday specials with discounted sushi platters. We're big on saving, especially in January. 

Where have you had the best sushi in Durban? Comment below and give me some of your recommendations!

Love,
Yo Homi

So Whipped Cafe - Unicorn Poop Hot Chocolate

So Whipped Cafe, located in Gateway Theatre of Shopping is owned and run by Durban business woman, Candice Courtney. The Cafe is a magical coffee shop located on the Ground Floor, just outside the Wavehouse on the northern side of the super regional shopping centre and offers some of the most delicious cafe lite meals and decadent cakes, cupcakes, eclairs and coffee. The Cafe describes itself as a "happy, creative, carefree space" and that's exactly what you get.

Their latest offering, Unicorn Poop Hot Chocolate, released this year is everything! It's a feast for the eyes and combines the latest Unicorn trend. You've seen this trend all over Pinterest, from unicorn make up tutorials to unicorn hair (colourful hair in beautiful shades of pink, aqua and green), body tattoos and even unicorn macarons!

I can't wait to get my tastebuds into this fun creation and here's hoping it becomes the drink of the year!

Find So Whipped online here: 

Website: www.sowhipped.co.za
Email: events@sowhipped.co.za
Facebook: So Whipped
Instagram: @sowhipped
Twitter: @sowhippedcakes events@sowhipped.co.zaevents

Love,
Yo Homi

Raeesah's Butternut Soup Recipe

My sister in law, Raeesah, is a whizz in the kitchen and I could definitely learn a thing or two from her. She passed on this deliciously creamy and wholesome butternut soup recipe to me and it was a winner from the word "chop"!

TIPS: 

• Save time in the kitchen (and your fingers) by purchasing diced butternut from the supermarket. It does work out marginally more expensive in comparison to buying a whole butternut but the time saved is actually invaluable. 
• Serve your soup with toppings like sunflower seeds (which pack an extra punch of Vitamin E and are a very good source of copper and Vitamin B), feta and a light dusting of chilli powder for a kick. 

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 40 minutes 

INGREDIENTS: Yields 4 - 5 bowls 

• A knob of butter 
• 1 large white onion 
• 1  small butternut chopped or 1 punnet of  chopped butternut 
• l litre (4 cups) Ina Paarman vegetable stock 
• 125 ml fresh cream (optional)

METHOD: 

• Melt the knob of butter in a heavy based pot over medium heat ensuring that the butter doesn't burn. 
• Add the chopped onion to the pot and let sweat until translucent in colour. 
• Throw in the butternut pieces and cover with 500 ml vegetable stock. I used Ina Paarman's Vegetable Stock in this recipe which is full of flavour and great quality too! 
• Simmer on medium heat until cooked through and the butternut is soft to the touch. This should take approximately 30 minutes. 
• Using a hand blender, puree the soup until it reaches a silky smooth texture. If you find the soup to be too thick, add water slowly to rectify.
• Add the fresh cream to the soup and bring to a simmer. 
• Adjust seasoning here by adding a crack of pepper or if you prefer, a tablespoon of sugar. 
• Serve soup in bowls and garnish with feta, sunflower seeds, chilli powder or a sprig of thyme. 

Let me know if you would try this recipe out or what you would add to make this comfort meal even more indulgent. Comment below and let's get chatting!

Love,
Yo Homi

Monday morning inspiration

Beauty Review: Vaseline

Let's just say I'm really not what you would call "high maintenance". In fact, give me the simplest route to perfect skin and I will probably fall hook, line and sinker. I saw the adverts for the new Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser online and in-store and it immediately piqued my interest. A moisturizer in a spray? Like a deodorant for your legs? HELLO!

The product claims to moisturize and absorb into the skin in seconds while restoring dry skin. It's also non-greasy and includes micro droplets of Vaseline jelly. It's a continuous spray where you hold the product 10 cm's away from your skin and spray all over your body in a continous motion. The three varients of the product is Aloe Soothe (featured above), Cocoa Radiant and Essential Healing (cream in colour). Sounds cool, right?

I was impressed with how light the texture of the product is on my skin. It's hydrating without leaving white residue all over my legs and arms, which I love. It was quick to apply, which is great if you're in a rush in the morning (like we all are).

I picked this up at Clicks this weekend and it's currently on promotion until the 23 January 2017 (selected stores only) where you receive 30% off and pay only R59.95! Try it out and let me know what you think - pretty certain this is going to be your go to beauty product for 2017!

Love,
Yo Homi  

5 ways to get the most out of your weekend

The weekend is here. You've been anticipating the slow ticking of Monday through to Thursday and before you know it, it's the WEEKEND! Like most people, you probably have this soul encapsulating "sigh" escape your lips at approximately 5pm on Sunday and if that doesn't fill you with dread, I don't know what does.

Turn that frown upside down and let me give you 5 ideas to get the most out of your weekend!

1. Plan ahead: Weekends tend to be the dumping ground of what I like to call "Life Admin". This is stuff like going to Woolworths to pay your installment or getting the car washed. Life's too short, ain't nobody got time for that. The malls are generally quieter in the morning, so wake up early and get in there before the crowds gather. Resist the temptation to browse and head to the stores you need to, mapping our a route for yourself. Once this is behind you, you have all the time in the world for FUN stuff.
2. Do your research: There are loads of local weekly and monthly markets that take place in Durban and surrounds. I love getting excited about a favourite local retailer popping up at one of these markets - from handmade onesies to food indulgences - there's something local for everyone. 
3. Explore the city: Exploration needn't cost you, especially if you're on a budget. Visiting local tourist spots can be fun, and show you a different perspective of your city. Take a walking tour of the Durban CBD, checking out famous historical sites and tasting the local food - from grilled mielies on the side walk to a good old fashioned steak sandwich or bunny chow to share. 
4. Catch some waves: Durban prides itself on great weather all year round, even in winter. Take advantage and head to one of the many beaches on the coast. From Ballito, Umhlanga, Glenashley and North Beach you'll find fun and great food along the way. 
5. Make time for family: Life get's you busy and stressed so what better way to unwind than with family. Plan a no-fuss braai or bring and share and don't sweat the small stuff. Bust out the Monopoly or Uno and the winner gets to host the next braai at their place. 

Wishing you a chilled weekend, lovelies. 

Love, 

Yo Homi

Popeye Spinach & Feta Muffins

Easy as 1, 2, 3 - I've found the easiest recipe for what I've named "Popeye Spinach & Feta Muffins". You could probably convince yourself this is healthy, seeing as it includes spinach and honestly, whatever soothes your soul. All I know, this is a quick and filling comfort food that is perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or a mid-afternoon savoury snack with a cappuccino.

TIPS: 

• Using fresh spinach is advisable rather than frozen spinach. 
• Make sure your oven is preheated and your muffin pan has been greased well. I used Spray & Cook rather than muffin holders, simply because I usually don't have any on hand! 
• The recipe is adaptable so feel free to add peppadews, pitted black olives, a variety of cheese toppings and cherry tomatoes. 

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes 

INGREDIENTS: Yields 12 muffins

• 2 cups white flour (sifted)
• 2 tsp Royal baking powder
• 1 tsp fine salt 
• 1 cup whole milk 
• 1/2 cup oil 
• 2 fresh eggs 
• 2 feta rounds (I prefer Clover feta, plain)
• 2 cups spinach finely chopped 

METHOD: 

•  Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
• Grease muffin pan with Spray & Cook or line with paper holders.
• In a deep bowl, add sifted white flour, baking powder and salt. 
• In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil, eggs until smooth and combined. 
• Add chopped spinach and cubed feta to the liquid in ingredients and lightly mix together. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and lightly combine. Do not over work this mixture. 
• Spoon mixture into the muffin pan, bearing in mind that the muffins will rise during the baking process. Ensure that each spoonful has enough feta and add more to the topping if required. 
• Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and a skewer is inserted to come off non sticky. 
• Remove from oven when done and let cool on a wire rack. 

 I usually slice these in halves, smother in rich butter and nibble in front of the TV watching Masterchef Australia because what else? Super fancy!

Let me know if you've tried this and what you would add to make it even more fabulous and indulgent!

Love, 
Yo Homi.