Maybe you need a new pair of shoes....

So after visiting the Bizarre Bazaar this past weekend - the one "item" that keeps on resonating with me are these SHOES:

These shoes are produced locally here in Nairobi by a small company called Tropical Muse. Whilst the owner doesn't have a website - she does have plenty of smart and snappy designs!

I truly believe she will be picked up and be a bustling success soon.

Of course she had plenty of options for women:

These ankle boots are ROCKSTAR. As you can see she has designed are shoes using what I would call
lapa cloth: Images of lapa cloth .

The designer, Tina Masese, uses newly made soles, produced here in Nairobi. The construction is handmade, well made, and extremely durable. These shoes are even washable!

The shoes are competitively priced at almost $50 US. Not bad for a hand-made, original design shoe!
Ms. Masese's shop also does made to order shoes! So if you don't see what you like - you need to ask!

Dreams do come true and I look forward to wearing my new pair of Tropical Muse slippers!

Tree Tomato - Tamarillo

Tree Tomato / Tamarillo

All I can say is that Vamsi and I are obsessed with the Tamarillo! And surely, plenty of you have heard and eaten this fine FINE fruit - but for me (and he) this is a wonderful new taste - and not about to deny our obsession. 

I've tried to do my research and find out who, what, where, and why. There seems to be conflicting accounts of all sorts - but the Tamarillo tree seems to have originated either in South Africa or the Andean Mountains - in fact I also found a source that roots Tree Tomatoes from Jamaica! - yea that's what I said. 

Jamaican Ancestry

South African Ancestry

Either way it again seems that somehow Dutch settlers/Missionaries either brought Tamarillo to the new world or brought it back to Africa. Either way - I am finally, FINALLY benefiting from this amazing fruit.

It does seem that New Zealand and its' agricultural industry have taken steps to "own/breed/manage/produce" this wonderful fruit. And unbeknownst to me, ironically, US is the largest importer of Tamarillos! Who knew? Maybe you!

New Zealand Agriculture Profile: Tamarillo

So blah blah blah...let me tell you - these fruits are simply amazing - they are sweet and tart and have a "tomato" after taste that is sublime!  The fruits arrive in a variety of colors from yellow, browns, and reds. they are in fact egg shape, and BEAUTIFUL.

Once they are ripe you can tell by their firmness, cut them in half lengthwise like so...

Is your mouth watering yet? Because mine is!

Next, take a spoon and scoop out the "insides." Seeds/pulp/juice and all! Proceed to eat from spoon!

MMMMM....

It is that good - and if you have had a Tamarillo, you know! And if you have had one and never shared this magic with me; p'shaw!

Here are some nutrition facts for my friends who need that kind of information:

Nutrition Info

Nutrition Facts

I have read here and there how Tamrillos are sliced and put a top cakes and pastries - and mostly utilized and appreciated as a dessert. All well and fine - but the tomato flavor really makes me want to use this fruit in a savory format.

Tonight for dinner - I scooped out and chopped 8 Tamarillos, scooped half a large Avocado (they grow them BIG here in Kenya), added a tablespoon of olive oil, half a key lime juice, and salt to taste.

Mixed, stirred and served in a small bowl, topped with toasted salted sunflower seeds! YUM!

But I found these simple recipes online! Hope you can find a Tamarillo tonight!

Recipe for relish on warmed Brie

Recipe for Tamarillo Salsa