This month on Foodtripper we sent food writer Will Roberts exploring South Africa from Port Elizabeth to Knysna. Crossing the euclyptus-fragrant Garden Route he meets with township hospitality for a glass of umqombothi – the locals’ favourite home brewed-beer, an artisan cheesemaker, springbok at every turn and less expectedly, apricot jam on just about every menu. His final destination - the sumptuous Pezula Hotel - happens to be on the shores of the saltwater lagoon the famous Knysna oysters call home. January marks the start of the South African plum season which kicked off at a glittering gala dinner at the Dorchester early in the year. When British varieties aren't available to us, the Western and Eastern Cape offer up sweet juicy plums in a rainbow of reds, yellows and deep purples until the end of March - providing a vital vitamin boost and a vibrant splash of colour to our winter fruit bowl. Continuing on our quest for much needed rays - we swing by Santa Monica California where correspondent Lori Ansaldi catches up with developments in the Raw Food revolution. There is more good eating in the warmth of St Lucia - we have details of a tempting cookery holiday including expert-led visits to plantations and farms, chef-guided market tours and plenty of beach time Mark Best, chef patron of Marque in Surry Hills, New South Wales is the subject of our chef profile. Mark's career began in Australia's goldmines - hardly a conventional career path for a chef who 20 years later is at the helm of one of Australia's most exciting eateries. The menu, especially the 'caramelised tomato stuffed with twelve flavours' has me intrigued. On Foodtripper TV watch Jean Alberti as he explores organic food in Guizho China, and Part 2 of our Street Food Kolkata series which is now live. Win a Burns Night Supper Box from Inverawe Smokehouses and don't forget to check our events section for forthcoming food and drink festivals all over the world. And on that subject, Foodtripper is delighted to announce its online media partnership with The Real Food Festival at Earl's Court this May.
Best wishes Helen |