If you're in Linden: Ceramic Factory

I have recently moved into my apartment, so I am always on the look out for interior design additions.  The Ceramic Factory caught my eye after breakfast at The Whippet (see The Whippet review here), and once I stepped it I was sold on the ceramics.

The Ceramic Factory is a crisp, white space that is illuminated with ceramic light shades that illuminates the wide range of other ceramics on sale. The palette of ceramics on show at the moment includes the traditional, crisp white, deep and subdued greys as well as lemon yellow.

I went in looking for nothing in particular and ended up buying two items. A dark grey kitchen tool holder for your spoons, whisks and such. The second item I haven't quite decided what I will be using it to either pot an orchid or to hold pasta. I will post an update as soon as I have decided what I will use it for.

The Ceramic Factory is such a gem, if you can't make it out to Linden they will have a stall at the House & Leisure Night Market next Thursday 16 May 2013.

Ceramic Factory
Shop 59, 4th Avenue, Linden
011 057 4314
Best for: Ceramics, pop in if you're looking for quirky gifts or for a ceramic tagine (the vessel).

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If you're in Linden: Cheese Gourmet

I'd like to say if you're in Linden and hankering after a piece of cheese, but really if you're in Johannesburg and looking for a large selection of local (South African) cheese with a few imports thrown in then Cheese Gourmet is the place.

Cheese Gourmet is owned and run by Brian and Jo Dick, those who visit the Irene market must know Brian, he's been there for 22 years. The store is stocked with local and imports, but they do strive to support local and smaller farms, such as Klein River cheese. Along with a selection imported cheeses including Tallegio and Stilton.

Cheese is not the only thing you'll find Cheese Groumet also offers a selection of charcuterie, pork pies and frozen homemade meals. Along with cheese condiments like konfyt, honey and of course teas & coffees.

I'm a cheese lover and had to stop myself from breaking the bank. I am going back tomorrow though for hotcross buns and to pick up some of the Eat Out award winning fare. The dairy (cheese) winner Pepe Charlot crotin and the dairy (other) winner Gourmet Greek greek yoghurt.

Cheese Gourmet
71 7th St Linden
011-888-538
Best for: Need I say it, local and imported cheese. They stock Buffalo Ridge Mozzarella and Eat out produce award winners Pepe Chalot and Gourmet Greek
Going back for: Goat's milk ice cream and to have a cuppa at the Cheese Cafe

If you're in Linden: The Whippet

This is the first of my If You're in the Neighbourhood series. This is the beginning of a series of posts that will cover the length and breadth of a specific neighbourhood, foodie find by foodie find.

I thought it an absolute must to start with The Whippet. As it embodies the essence of "supporting local", The Whippet sources from the local butcher and bakers.  It's also shining a spotlight on the peach history of its neighbourhood Linden and reviving the neighbourhood coffee shop culture.  Did you know that Linden was once a great peach exporter? I sure didn't.

How may times can I say neighbourhood?! ALOT!

I have spent two afternoons at The Whippet, at first glance I was taken by the clean lines whites and dark greys against wood tables and tops. Along with the quirky touches.

The staff are super knowledgeable about the history of the neighbourhood, the sources of the ingredients and their sustainability, along with the dishes themselves. Also they are diligent about getting introductions and names of patrons, made me feel like regular on my first time. This is warm service!

The coffee is Malawian and awesome! I recommend a flat white, which is my fave (future bf take note)

To eat we ordered the Whippet burger and the chicken salad. The Whippet burger has a mozarrella cheese centre, great surprise and super tasty. Alas the pic could not do it justice.
Although tasty the chicken salad should be renamed, baby spinach salad with chicken croutons. Please sir may I have some more chicken. The green olives are spectacular, I must remember to ask where they source them from.

I left with a takeaway lemon curd mini cake, a jar of peaches celebrating Linden's peach export heritage and lemon cordial.

The Whippet
Corner of 7th Street and 4th Avenue, Linden, Randburg
011 782 7310
Best for: Cup of coffee on the go, a dessert pick me up milk tart & the Whippet burger
Going back for: The Whippet signature breakie, to try the poached & tempura battered egg
Not sold on: The chicken salad, it's mostly greens with chicken breast croutons