I love exploring our city in winter, as there are so many places to see and to experience, one of which made me feel quite nostalgic for the little Italy that used to be in Orange Grove. Last weekend, I found myself going back to visit the Italian Food Centre, Super Sconto, which is situated on Louis Botha Avenue, in what was the Standard Bank building years ago. There is secure parking and I ambled along the aisles of the store downstairs, picking out green, fruity olive oils, salty capers and pickled artichokes, all from the land of my birth. I stocked up on pasta with impossible shapes as well as bottled passata, tinned gorgeous Italian tomatoes and plump black olives.

The lure of the smell of freshly baked ciabatta bread led me up the stairs to the restaurant, where a cup of the most delicious cappuccino (R12.50!!!) awaited, in addition to an array of cheeses including Grana Padano, provolone, gorgonzola and ricotta next to the delicious meats: salame, pancetta, coppa, Parma ham and mortadella, to name a few.

Who could resist a panino?you can make up your own combination with mouth-watering marinated roasted brinjals, sun-dried tomatoes and pickled artichoke hearts to go with any of the meats and cheeses. You can't miss out...the address is 169- 171 Louis Botha Avenue (Corner 5th street) in Orange Grove. "Sconto" in Italian means a discount...it's well worth a visit for a bargain!