Embracing A Conscious Living: Cape Town’s Good Life Show Review
It was a typical cold and wet Cape Winter weekend (Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2), where thousands of us—brave souls, including myself—flocked to the CTICC for the Annual Epic Good Life Show. Foodies, wellness warriors, and eco-enthusiasts all gathered under one roof, tasting and sampling vegan food, soaking up features, info, and nothing but good vibes!
The Good Life Show? Wait… You’ve never heard of it? Well, imagine a four-course meal for the soul—all under one roof! So, what was on the menu? Here’s the delectable lineup:
- The Plant Powered Show: Africa’s premier plant-based food, drink, and conscious living event.
- Natural & Organic Show: Powered by nature, this show focuses on organic products.
- The Free-from Show: Embracing alternatives for a healthier lifestyle.
- SustainEx: A showcase of sustainable products and experiences, where eco-warriors unite!
The Good Life Show, Cape Town – A Great Success!
And it is Show time at the Good Life Show. The first person to open the ceremony is Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security, Alderman JP Smith where he:
“The Good Life Show captures the very spirit of conscious living, and the city is committed to helping our communities to uplift their economic opportunities as well as their understanding of how to live a good life, which is why we fully support a show such as this.”
Elizka Ferreira, Woolworths Head of Brand Communications for Foods said:
“In choosing to sponsor an event such as The Good Life Show, it’s important that Woolworths values align closely with the goals of the event. We believe in the power of making conscious choices and implementing sustainable business practices, and this expo demonstrated that we have the same mission in mind. The Woolworths Masterclass with PlantLove and the Woolworths Good Life Kitchen were really well attended throughout the weekend and gave us the perfect opportunity to allow visitors to taste and experience our delicious Woolworths PlantLove products. It was inspiring to see so many individuals eager to learn, connect, and contribute to this growing movement.”
Monique Chinnahfrom SimplyBiz, powered by Nedbank says:
“We were delighted to have empowered 30 SMEs who are offering sustainable and plant-based products and have them in our pavilion where they had the perfect platform to network, gain feedback and sell some of their amazing products to the public. For them and for Nedbank Simplybiz, it was a huge success.”
Heidi Warricker from Live Events says:
“The Good Life Show is right for our time … it gives our exhibitors and sponsors the vehicle to reach new and interested audiences – people who are actively seeking new ways to live a good life. We are delighted that the show was such a success for everyone, and we look forward eagerly to bring all these wonderful features, products, flavours, and inspiration to Gauteng audiences at the end of July.”
As the doors swung open, I stepped into uncharted territory… it was all new to me. You see my fellow foodies, this is my first time attending the Good Life Show, and honestly, I was not entirely sure on what to expect.
Let’s be real for a moment or two: I’m definitely no vegan guru (as you’ve probably noticed from the recipes I share). And plant-based foods? Well… they’re not exactly my vibe! My taste buds have danced with vegan dishes in the past, and… well… they were certainly not doing cartwheels. Is it the texture? Is it the taste? Maybe it is mixed bag of both.
Now please… don’t get me wrong—I mean absolutely no disrespect to those who follow a plant-based lifestyle. It is just my personal experience.
But anyway, here we are, ready to enter the show with an open mind, hungry hearts and a curiosity of a cat, ready and eager to unravel the secrets of the Good Life Show.
My Boozy Kitchens Good Life Show Highlights
As we strolled around, wondering where we are to begin, my eyes landed on an exquisite sight: BOOZE! And what a pleasant surprise it was… I hadn’t expected to see booze at the Good Life Show. Staying true to MBKitchen style, this was the obvious choice as to where we would kick-start our Good Life Show journey!
Abstinence – Premium Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Let’s make our first stop at Abstinence Non-Alcoholic spirits. One of the vendors that left a massive impression on this booze-loving gal! A plot twist, right? I mean, who’d have thought? Despite the lack of alcohol, they totally bowled me over. How, you ask? Well, my taste buds did a happy dance—flavors, complexity, all without the buzz. It’s like they whispered, ‘Hey, we’re here to surprise you!’ And boy, did they deliver!
The nice thing is that you can still use booze and incorporate Abstinence to help lower the alcohol content, especially in cocktails. The flavors are still there, but a little less boozy.
Now, let’s dive into what makes Abstinence special:
- Inspiration from South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom: It’s the world’s smallest yet most diverse floral kingdom. Abstinence Spirits draws from this rich biodiversity.
- Unique Botanical Extraction: They extract fynbos botanicals through small-batch distillations without using alcohol. Techniques like maceration, vapor infusion, and hydrosols create their distinctive flavors.
- Individually Blended and Tested: Each batch is meticulously blended, tasted, and tested before being bottled.
- Low to Zero Sugar and Calories: Abstinence Spirits are guilt-free—low to zero sugar, low to zero calories, and no artificial flavors or colorants.
- Botanical Variety: Each botanical spirit boasts its own unique selection of botanicals.
- Gin Alternatives: Choose from Citrus, Spice, and Floral. Mix them with premium sodas and tonics for Cosmos, Negroni, Gimlet, and other gin cocktails.
- Apéritifs: Blood Orange and Lemon can be mixed 1:1 as Campari or Aperol alternatives.
- Ready-to-Drink Aperitivo Spritz: Sparkling Blood Orange & Sparkling Lemon in a 750ml bottle—just chill and pour over ice.
- American Malted Bourbon Alternative: Perfect for mixing with cola, ginger ale, fresh lime, or crafting an old fashioned!
After all – Just how absolutely gorgeous are these labels?? How can you not fall in love with the branding?
Blackwood Spirits – Small Batch Gin
Blackwood Spirits, a micro—no, let’s call it nano—distillery nestled in Hout Bay, has a story that unfolds like a hidden treasure map.
Picture this: a converted storeroom at their home, where every step in the process—from sourcing high-quality local raw materials (yes, they even dive for kelp!) to the hands-on distilling, bottling, and labeling—is done with a touch of je ne sais quoi.
Their first handcrafted gin, a glorious nod to the Classic London Dry style, is a brilliant adaptation inspired by an old Dutch recipe from the 1950s. This exceptional gin uses just six botanicals and is distilled in the traditional one-shot method, producing a wonderfully dry gin with a fresh citrus finish.
Delightful as a gin and tonic, it becomes even more refreshing with a twist of orange zest for summer, or a touch of cinnamon for a cozy winter drink.
But wait there is more… and the plot thickens with their second gin. This gin is a love letter to nature. You see, wife and husband team Helene & Guido Zsilavecz are SCUBA divers, and their souls are anchored to the ocean.
Their love for the wild coastline is where the kelp-infused gin takes root. Here they were inspired to create a gin that whispers of cold Atlantic Ocean and salty breezes.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show for a second: the legendary Cape Kelp Gin. I really enjoyed sipping this gin even more so neat— It took me on a mini sea faring journey.
The first sip is as smooth as a full moonlit sea. Then it hits you. Not a stormy wave… more like a rip current, silently pulling you deeper into its savory depths. And the taste? Savory notes that rolls on your tongue, and there it is—the cold Atlantic Ocean. You’re sipping the ocean itself, my boozy friends!! It’s a gin quite unique, which will make your taste buds go Ahoy, me matey! Forget the rum! Yō-ho-Yō-ho, bring me a bottle of Cape Kelp Gin!
The Cape Mead Company
As a passionate enthusiast of both food and drink, and as a content creator, I recently stumbled across Cape Mead Company’s Instagram page. However, I was still perplexed about what exactly they made. So, you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon their exhibition at the Good Life Show. We chatted up a storm and I walked away with a wealth of information.
You see my boozy friends; the Cape Town Mead Company is dedicated to reviving the world’s oldest fermented beverage. Drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes and rich history of Africa, each batch of mead that they craft is made with precision, passion, and a commitment to sustainability.
Did you know that over 20,000 years ago, in the African bush, a delightful elixir began its journey? Feral bees buzzed about, elephants roamed freely, and seasonal weather patterns shaped the landscape. During the dry season, hollows formed in the crowns of Baobab and Miombo trees—branches broken by elephants. The bees would nest in these hollows, and during the wet season, these hollows would fill with water. And when these hollows filled with water, they became the cradle of something magical. Osmotolerant yeast (or high sugar-tolerant yeast) joined the party, and with a little patience, time worked its alchemical wonders. Voilà! Mead was born—or as the African bushmen called it, ‘!Karri’
Cape Town Mead Company
I definitely will be writing more about Cape Town Mead in the near future. So, watch this space!
Woolworths Good Life Show Kitchen
At the Good Life Show, sustainability, wellness, and conscious living take center stage. Woolworths, as a responsible retailer, joins this movement wholeheartedly. Their commitment to conscious food choices and thoughtfully developed products aligns seamlessly with the show’s mission. Together, they inspire informed decisions for a healthier planet.
Top Chefs in Action:
- Imagine watching renowned chefs showcase their plant-based culinary skills. Their recipes? Bursting with health and flavor, all crafted from sustainable ingredients.
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- And let me tell you something which took me by surprise but, Woolworths’ selection of plant-based products in-store is rather impressive I had no idea there was so many options available. Even more of shocker to me most of them was tasty to.
Meet Rutendo (Ru) Furusa: My food hero of the day!
- Born in Zimbabwe, Ru’s culinary journey began at age 5 as her mom’s personal sous chef. Talk about an early start!
- Ru’s food blog celebrates diversity, local ingredients, and plant-based cooking. She brings creativity, community, and conscious living to every table.
- Her cooking demonstration featured Vegan Pea Arancini with Pumpkin Seed and Sage Pesto Sauce—a mouthwatering delight that left us craving more.
Behind the Scenes: Unveiling Culinary Magic of The Woolworths Masterclass
The Good Life Show Woolworths Masterclass is the ultimate playground for foodies like me. And guess what? We were all guided by the country’s top chefs and mixologists, ready and waiting to reveal their culinary secrets to us fellow foodies and wannabe chefs.
Two in a Bush & Groovy Green Giant: A Cocktail Affair:
My heart totally skipped a beat when I signed up for the master class with Roxanne Read. After all, cocktails are totally my jam. I mean I do run “My Boozy Kitchen,” right? Plus, Two in a Bush brand is a brand that I absolutely adore. Sadly, time played its tricks, and our class got canceled due to schedule delays. But hey, life’s all about twists, right?
Unexpected Delights: Chipotle Pulled Mushroom & Spinach Tacos:
Our initial disappointment melted away as MC Björn L. Salsone took the stage, infusing the room with his enthusiasm and laughter. He had a way of getting our minds and tummies ready for Chef Emma-Claire Peter.
She introduced to us to a mind-blowing concept: King Oyster Mushrooms that shreds just like cooked pulled pork. Yes, you read that right! These earthy fungi transform into tender, flavorful goodness. But hold on—there’s more. Cashew cheese sauce— what an absolute revelation! Creamy, nutty, and utterly delightful. Who knew vegan could taste this good?
The Takeaway: Easy Peasy Vegan Creations!
As we devoured our tacos, we both (my sister and I) realized something profound. Vegan cooking isn’t rocket science; it’s an art. It is actually not that difficult to make, instead it’s beautiful, with an approachable process that anyone can actually embrace.
Whether it’s mushrooms or cashews, nature’s bounty holds endless possibilities. And that’s the magic of The Good Life Show—it inspires, educates, and leaves you hungry for more (pun intended).
In Conclusion: A Flextarian’s Journey
As the days and weeks have passed since The Good Life Show, I still find myself reflecting. The intriguing tastings and interesting chats with exhibitors left flavors lingering, etching memories on my palate. But would you say that I am now a converted vegan? Nah! Having said that, I prefer to embrace the term “flextarian.”
Being a flexitarian means you can cook between worlds. And yes, I’m certainly more open-minded and ready to explore more plant-based foods. My kitchen will now witness a food revolution—more veggies, more plants, more conscious choices.
So, here’s to The Good Life Show—a catalyst for change, a celebration of mindful eating. As I sip my green smoothie and savor that mushroom taco, I look forward in being flexibly fabulous!