Cape Town - Vanessa Marx, head chef at Dear Me, says she always knew Oranjezicht City Farm in Cape Town was “there”, but didn’t expect that it could supply the kind of produce in the quantities she needs for the restaurant.
But then she read an article about it in a leading foodie magazine just a few weeks ago.
“I called Sheryl (Ozinsky) right away and told her I couldn’t believe we weren’t working together,” said Marx.
She now harvests from the farm two or three times a week, and has set up an exchange programme to supply the farm with the kitchen’s vegetable waste for compost.
The food at Dear Me is as natural as possible and definitely always seasonal, said Marx.
“It’s cheaper in season, and when you pick it with your own hands you know it’s definitely in season.”
At the moment there are loads of squashes in the garden, as well as butternut, courgettes, carrots, radishes, beetroots, lettuce and herbs. “The mint is growing like a weed. And there is so much spinach.”
The menu at Dear Me revolves around what Marx can source. So this week she was making a delicious, light, summery risotto with squash and herbs from the farm, prettily decorated with flowers.
There is something very special about knowing that what you’re putting in your mouth at lunchtime still had its roots planted in the soil – just up the road – at dawn.
“It’s a nice way to be connected to the produce, and connect people to what they are eating.”
Marx often notes the origins of the ingredients on the menu.
“It’s a reminder as to how far we’ve come in terms of providence. We’re proud of that.”
Most of the lunch dishes at Dear Me are available in full or half portions. There is also a counter where they make amazing-sounding shakes (like peanut butter, milk, chocolate, cocoa powder, banana and raw honey), freshly squeezed juices, and sandwiches on freshly baked bread to have there or take away.
The only reason I didn’t get a gold-dusted chocolate espresso cupcake was because it was hot and I still had places to go.
Next time. - Weekend Argus
If You Go...
l 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town. Telephone 021 422 4920. Website: www.dearme.co.za Open Mondays to Fridays for breakfast 7am to 11am, lunch 12 noon to 3pm, dinner on Thursdays.
The Tjing Tjing bar on the top floor of the 200-year-old building is open from 4pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays, with free wine tasting on Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm.