Many years ago there was a wonderful shop in Joburg called ‘The Shop Around the Corner’. It made, amongst other things, the most marvellous sandwiches, packed with delicious fillings. Its motto was – A little of what you fancy does you good.
I like the thought, even if I tend to sometimes ignore the ‘little’ part of it.
I was reminded of this last Sunday when we visited the French Market - Au Marche de Provence - at the Morningside Shopping Centre. We were met by a fascinating arrangement of stalls, set out in the open walkways. Very friendly people offered a mouth-watering array of attractive food and drinks, and we were happy to join in the relaxed atmosphere, and to chat to the stall-holders, whilst we sampled the various offerings and decided what to buy.
The selection included breads and cheeses, pate’s and sauces, wines, cordials and meats, coffee and ‘cream-treats’, rugs and clocks, samoosas and fruits. We kept going back to stalls and finding items that we had not noticed before.
I chatted to the lady selling Casalinga Coffee. It has a growing following and is produced at the site of the Casalinga Restaurant, owned and run by Gary Player’s daughter. Casalinga itself has now been running for 21 years, and is well worth a visit for a meal.
Doriane Bellucci-Pieterse, of Outdoor Markets, is the inspiration and organiser of the market, and is delighted with the way in which it has attracted people and been supported. Such is this support that it now alternates between the ground and first floors so that all the shops are exposed to the people who come.
I was surprised to hear that approximately 6000 French speaking people are said to live in fairly close proximity to the centre. A number of them are here to assist with the development of the Gautrain and other engineering projects.
The shopping centre itself is attractive, with restaurants, a supermarket, chemist and hardware shop, as well as a small gallery and a number of ‘personally owned and operated stores’ which include designer gifting, jewellery, fashion and beauty. It has open air and covered parking for 650 cars.
Some of the restaurants seem to open towards midday – but we had a very good breakfast at the Green Peppercorn. The staff were extremely welcoming and efficient, and the service was better than we have experienced in many other places.
It is a different and relaxed way in which to spend a part of your Sunday morning, and to come away with something that will continue to delight you during the week.
Details
Time: Open every Sunday from 09h00 to 14h00
Venue: Corner Rivonia and Outspan Roads, Morningside.
Do you have any suggestions for Jerry?
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