GIG REVIEW - NEIGHBOUR GOODS MARKET

Written by Mbali Langa 'Mystikal Ebony'

Photography by Nyiko Baloyi

Edited by Nyiko Baloyi

A new sub culture has been brewing in the once best avoidable Braamfontien, which is attracting people of all hues, accents, backgrounds and interests filling the streets with, color, laughter, and an energetic vibe that has brought a new air to Braamfontien. Heck, I remember living in Braamfontien in my days at Wits, how terribly lonely and dangerous the streets on weekends could be. So like any normal person after varsity I best avoided that part of town. But not anymore, Brammies has been face-lifted, as part of the inner-city regeneration project.

These days walking down the Juta street precinct is a similar vibe to that of the Maboneng precinct. Sporting trendy artsy shops, galleries, coffee shops, thrift shops and the now very popular Neighbour Goods Market which is tucked away in an old office parking building on number 73 Juta street just opposite the must be seen at joints, Kitchener’s Calvary and The Great Dane.

Neighbour Goods Market has gained quite a reputation seeing fahionistas and food foondies come in their numbers to experience and taste the offerings of Neighbor Goods Market every Saturday without fail no matter what the weather. Modeled around its mother concept from Cape Town, Neighbour Goods Market is truly a delightful experience to the young and old. Having heard such marvelous tales of this fresh and trendy market we took it upon ourselves (EMagazine First) to up and go discover this paradise of organic and homemade wonders.

My day at the Market started out in a frenzy bumper race for parking, which I finally secured 2blocks away from Juta Street. The walk down was enjoyable as my attention kept wondering from the tall Loyiso Gola dashing into a corner coffee shop to a skilled skater pulling tricks on the sidewalk, to a beautiful Ubuntisim shirt hanging in a window display of another coffee shop. It was the faint sounds of a jazz tune that finally enraptured me as I approached 73 Juta Street. Realizing the Sounds were coming from the rooftop of the Market my stride quickened a tad. I approached the Ramp leading to the first level of the market and I was greeted by a delectable whiff, a fiesta to my nostrils. Causing my tummy to grumble a bit.

 

  

The scene that greeted me was a buzzing environment with stands, aromas and people intermingling and filling the underground first floor to the brim. Dazed, confused and with a heavily salivating mouth I entered the labyrinth of offerings.  In amazement and with a “Jim comes to Jo’burg” feel my widened eyes took in the fascinating eatables. As far as my eyes could see it was a food fete, from wild mushrooms, paella, oysters, raw chocolate, pesto, crepes, waffles, curries, stir-fries egg benedicts, burgers, biltong, ice cream, mush mellows, breads. The spread was truly vast and continental ranging from Thai, Mexican, French, Dutch, Austrian, and African.

After wondering around for a while I finally settled at Mystic Yoeville, a food stall run by former YFM radio personality and vegetarian Sanza. His stand serves strictly African and vegetarian foods. Unfortunately he was sold out leaving me disappointed and back into the labyrinth in search of sustenance. I finally settled for a huge plate of vegetarian nachos, and my partner in crime, a chicken burrito from the Mexican stand. With food in hand our next hunt was for drinks.

 

Just like the food one was spoilt for choice in terms of drinks, with an array of Boutique breweries, margarita bars, cocktail stands, wines, champagnes, juices and smoothies. After much musing we finally decided on mint and lemon smoothies. With our food and drink choices in hand we finally approached the stairs leading to the next floor.  

Climbing the stairs with the Jazz tunes played live by the 3-piece band Planet Lindela getting louder, we were hit by sunshine and a further buzz of excitement and activity. With our food done we took a small walk around exploring the rest of the market where we saw vintage clothes, lovely jewelry another drinks bar and more people.

The rest of the afternoon pretty much flew by in that manner, sipping smoothies and intermingling with the cool kids on the roof. I spotted a few trendy people like Bob the stylist and his fashionista collective (BOS) the Boys Of Soweto, as well as rising designers (FBX) Fat Blakx. Some faces from local TV could also be seen in the crowds. Like Skeem Sam’s actor Eric and Live presenter Luthando. I also spotted some university peers like Athadwa Kani, John Kani’s son now the face of the new Savannah ad’s and most surprisingly, I bumped into an old high school friend who I haven’t spotted in a decade ever since I left my humble town in Mpumalanga. Now that was definitely a cherry topping up a wonderful afternoon.

 All in all, the market has a fantastically busy and bustling atmosphere. This market reached and preceded all my expectations! A place one must defiantly take a u-turn to now and then. With its inviting cool urban vibe, great fun, great food and a great mix of people.  Once the market vibe was done a great migration began to across the road for another fun filled session at Kitchener’s, but that’s a review for another day. For now I patiently wait for Saturday…