-
Farming the V&A -
Farming the V&A -
Farming the V&A -
Farming the V&A -
Farming the V&A
WORDS Mary Anne Constable PHOTOS Jan Ras
The farm-to-fork distance doesn’t get much shorter than at the new Moyo restaurant in the V&A Waterfront, where an urban farm system is growing fresh greens right in front of patrons. VISI went to sample the garden-fresh produce and discovered that the farm will soon be harvesting trout too!
All of Moyo’s restaurants are situated on iconic sites that are beautiful and unique spaces, says Dries van der Merwe, group brand manager for the Moyo group. The Moyo at the V&A Waterfront is no exception. Its location, adjacent to the historic clock tower (painted yellow in anticipation of Cape Town hosting the World Design Capital 2014) and overlooking the harbour waters of the V&A Waterfront, sets the scene for the open air “African Souk” that was the essence of the spatial design concept by architect Tsai from Tsai Design Studios.
A semi-covered white steel arcade rises over the terrace outside the front of the main restaurant building. Underneath, small decorated market food stalls are scattered, in a spontaneous and playful way, creating a rich African flavour (literally). “There are beautiful stories to tell in Africa,” says Dries, and the market creates a platform for these to be expressed. “District 9”, reads the tongue-in-cheek name of a seafood and prawn stall.
Extending the African market to an African farm, you will also catch sight of the chef gathering fresh rocket and herbs from the “green” walls that are watered and fed with an aquaponic system. Food security is an important issue in Africa, and as the Moyo brand always emphasises its African essence, it’s appropriate that this is addressed.
The aquaponics system combines fish, microbes, worms and vegetables, explains David Masureik of New South Energy who were involved in developing. this symbiotic ecosystem in which the fish waste provides nourishment for the plants and vice versa. “We will be getting trout outside that we will start cooking soon!” says Dries. Home aquaponics units can also be purchased at a reasonable price – think of it as a functional (and tasty) pot plant.
If all this ain’t green enough for you yet, the roof panels of the arcade not only provide shade from the sweltering sun, but also harness solar energy! This energy feeds back into the market stalls. “We were experimenting with the idea of capturing energy efficiently in an urban setting”, says Tsai. The photo voltaic (PV) panels produce approximately 98 KwH per day, which will save them in the region of R54 000 in the first year. Digital pads fixed below the panels will show the patrons how much energy is actually being saved. It’s all about creating a learning experience.
Tsai emphasises that the project is experimental and the idea will evolve over time. The Moyo brand is “like a plant,” adds Dries rather appropriately. “We keep on growing. We never stagnate. If something doesn’t work we relook at it and change it”. Combined with the playful offbeat character of the stalls, this urban farm provides not only healthy goodness for patrons and the planet, but also a hearty portion of fun!
For more information about the Moyo at the V&A Waterfront, click here or Tel: 087 351 1121.
