Eco-esti
Eco-Esti is your go-to destination for insightful reviews on the latest climate change books, documentaries, and the best plant-based dining experiences. Join me as we explore sustainable living, eco-conscious media, and plant-based gastronomy - all with a passion for protecting our planet.
The road
Cormac McCarthy's The Road is a haunting exploration of a post apocalyptic world, capturing the desolation of a planet ravaged by an unnamed catastrophe. The novel's sparse, poetic prose conveys a profound sense of love and resilience as a father and son journey through a dying landscape in search of hope. Their bond - tender yet strained by the brutal realities of survival - forms the emotional core of the story, raising questions about humanity's capacity to endure in the face of collapse.
Rick's Cafe
Rick's Cafe, located on Kloof street in Cape Town, is a charming eatery that offers a delightful blend of Moroccan-inspired cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. Known for its vibrant decor reminiscent of the classic film "Casablanca", this restaurant provides a unique dining experience that appeals to both locals and tourists.
Woolworths Cafe
Woolworths Cafe in St Jamestown, Stellenbosch is a delightful spot for those seeking fresh, quality food in a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its commitment to sustainability and healthy eating, the cafe offers a variety of options, including some excellent vegan dishes.
Blue Kiwi Organic
Blue Kiwi Organic Market and Cafe, located in the Harbour Bay Mall near Simon's Town, is a wonderful destination for those seeking fresh, organic produce and delicious meals. This charming cafe is dedicated to supporting ethically sourced, local, and organic products, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious diners, especially those looking for vegan options.
Review: How Bao Now
How Bao Now at the Cape Town Time Out Market is a culinary gem that offers a unique twist on Asian street food, and their vegan option, the Banana Blossom Bao, is a stand out choice for plant-based eaters. It was by far the best thing we ate on our holiday.
Review: Shift Espresso Bar
Shift Espresso Bar, located on the vibrant Kloof Street in Cape Town (and many other locations) is a delightful spot for coffee lovers and those seeking delicious vegan options. Established in 2014, this cafe and eatery has carved out a niche for itself in the bustling cafe scene in the city.
Emirates Flight Vegan meals
Long haul flights with layovers are not a joke, and the added stress of having dietary restrictions can make it even worse. I had a terrible experience on my last trip home, and dreaded the thought of having to go through it again. I decided to book with a different airline this time. When we got this meal, my heart sank, but I decided to just stay positive. It was on a red eye flight and I wasn't hungry anyway.
The South African Vegan Scene
I visited Cape Town, South Africa in 2023 and again in 2024 and wow the vegan scene in Cape Town and Stellenbosch has truly began to flourish. This reflects a growing awareness and demand for plant-based dining options. As a traveler, I've noticed a vibrant array of vegan eateries and initiatives that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Introducing: Monkey Banana Beginnings
Monkey Banana Beginnings invites readers into a vibrant jungle filled with adventure and discovery. This enchanting tale centres around a curious little monkey who finds a magical banana suit, enabling him to communicate with and assist the various animals in his jungle home.
Review Yuan
Yuan by Lubuds is a fine-dining vegan restaurant located in the heart of Central, Hong Kong, offering a sophisticated plant-based culinary experience.
Review: Habitu
f you're looking for a spot to relax after browsing and buying books at Eslite Bookstore, Hysan Place, Habitu is a good choice as it is accessible from the bookstore. Offering a mix of wholesome food and unique drinks, this cafe provides a serene escape from the busy Causeway Bay area. Among their offerings, the beetroot latte and kale salad stand out as some of the only vegan options they have.
Review: The Secret Life of Groceries
The Secret Life of Groceries: The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket by Benjamin Lorr is a compelling expose that delves into the intricate and often hidden world of the grocery industry. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Lorr uncovers the complex supply chains, labour practices, and economic forces that shape the way we shop for food.
Review Wanaka
Nestled in the historic Blue House in Wan Chai, Wanaka offers a delightful vegan dining experience that is both unique and refreshing. The Blue House itself is a heritage building with a rich history, dating back to the 1920's. It has been beautifully preserved and now serves as a cultural landmark, adding a touch of historical charm to the dining experience.
Book Review: The Pivotal Generation
The Pivotal Generation: Why we have a Moral Responsibility to Slow Climate Change Right Now by Henry Shue is a compelling and ethically charged call to action. Shue, a prominent ethics scholar, extends his significant contributions to international climate justice by crafting a convincing reflection on the urgency of climate action against the background of justice imperatives (Generation Investment Management & MIT Press).
Review: Africa Tea and Coffee
Nestled in the vibrant district of Wong Chuk Hang, Africa Coffe and Tea (ACT) offers a unique culinary experience that transports you straight to Africa. This cozy cafe and bar is not just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea; it's a celebration of African culture and flavours, with strong emphasis on sustainability and community support.
Review: Oh Se Gee Hyang, Seoul
Oh Se Gae Hyang, 오세계향 is a vegan restaurant located in Seoul. It's owned by the well-known Korean vegetarian food company Vegifood. The cozy interior features a traditional hanok structure with around 60 seats.
Review: Root Vegan
Root Vegan in Central, Hong Kong is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy delicious vegan food. Located on Wellington street, this upper-floor cafe offers a cozy and modern industrial ambiance, perfect for casual meals. With both indoor and outdoor seating makes it a great spot for lunch breaks or relaxed dinner.
Review Years
Years is a delightful plant-based eatery in Hong Kong, known for its innovative and delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. They have several branches across Hong Kong, all with different menus. I often frequent the one in Whampoa, called Be with Years.
Review: Veggie Express
One of my favourite restaurants to visit in Hong Kong, is Veggie Express. Nestled away in the busy suburb of North Point, it never disappoints. This restaurant is a testament to the versatility of vegetarian cooking. And for those of us who choose not to eat animals, we can still get the opportunity to experience traditional Hong Kong flavours in a vegetarian setting. The menu is clearly marked with which dishes contain eggs and dairy, so it is easy to navigate if you are a vegan.
The Great Acceleration
"The Great Acceleration: An Environmental History of the Anthropocene since 1945" by J.R. McNeill and Peter Engelke is a significant work that delves into the profound environmental changes that have occurred since the mid-20th century. A period that the authors argue marks the beginning of the Anthropocene - a new epoch in Earth's history defined by human activity being the dominant influence on the environment.