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nelson mandela bay's family lifestyle
author:
theunis pienaar
a pinch of nostalgia
photography:
zuko, lifegate photography
issue:
9, easter 2009
There are those restaurants that are serious and then there are the ones that are fun, where you take your family or friends for a meal that is drenched in happiness and topped with a pinch of nostalgic excitement. In the heart of Nelson Mandela Bay, we discovered Grillers American Diner to be just that. Maybe “restaurant” is not the right word to describe this place. “Diner” is much more descriptive. The “Diner” is a truly American tradition, dating back as far as 1872. It is generally agreed the first diner was a horse-drawn wagon equipped to serve hot food to employees of the Providence Journal, in Providence, Rhode Island in 1872. “The first time I discovered this concept was back in 2000”, explains Andre Castelein. “We were on a trip to the US and everywhere we went, there were diners. They're 'eating-places' that specialize in serving breakfast and supper. On the way to work people would pop in for an affordable meal & good company and after a long hard day, they'd meet up with friends, have supper and a bit of relaxed conversation, before heading back home. I liked this idea. It is less formal than a restaurant and it is about more than just food. It is about connecting with people on a regular basis, building relationships and enjoying friendships.” Grillers American Diner opened its doors for business in June 2008, but Andre Castelein and his family are no newcomers to the hospitality industry. In 1991 they started the Cassies Group, with a Pie Factory and a single store front, growing it over 17 years to more than twelve stores in the Eastern Cape. Andre's history with food dates even further back. “After finishing school I spent some time in Europe. I worked in Amsterdam and Austria at restaurants and hotels, learning a lot about people's needs and serving. Then I returned to South Africa, training and working in local hotels and for national restaurant-groups. Starting Cassies was almost inevitable and although it's been hard work, it has been a lot of fun and the learning hasn't stopped.” With Grillers American Diner, Andre and his associates brought something very unique to the African Continent and our city, combining what they learnt through developing the Cassies Group with a well established tradition. What Walter Scott started, back in 1872, has now been perfected for South African diners. “The American Diner had humble beginnings. It was Scott selling sandwiches and coffee to his fellow pressmen at the Journal. Then in 1887 commercial production of lunch wagons began in Worcester, Massachusetts, creating lunch wagons that offered counter-side seating. These appeared all over the Northeastern US, serving busy downtown locations without the need to buy expensive real estate. The name 'diner', as opposed to 'lunch wagon' was not widely used before 1925. Over time the concept developed, later offering not only counter-side seating, but booths and tables, but the principle of the 'diner' never changed. They, or perhaps I should say 'we' serve good food, at affordable prices, with lots of convenience and lots of relationship.” As we sit down to enjoy our meal, with our children playing with other patron's children, the chatter of families and the Beach Boys in the background, I realize this is exactly what has been created. “The 'diner' originating almost in a workplace environment did not really cater for children, but in South Africa we are a 'family' people and this is probably the biggest adaptation we’ve engineered,” says Andre. “At Grillers American Diner your children can have a meal for less than fifteen rand, from a menu that offers food they enjoy, enabling you to enjoy an evening with your family. We have a very nice play area and caring staff that look after them. In tune with the 'diner' concept we serve an awesome breakfast, offer high value for money with a menu that has at its core an excellent flame grilled burger. There is nothing more American than that.” The attention to detail at this diner is astonishing and leaves the impression that this will not be the only Grillers American Diner to grace African soil. From the chrome finishes to the booths that have slightly higher backrests, to the light fittings, decorative finishes and staff uniforms, as you walk into Grillers American Diner, everything says “1950's and 1960's America”. “This is our flagship diner”, explains Andre. “It will be our training base as we develop into a franchise that takes Grillers all over the country. We don't take short cuts. That never works in the long run. We utilize only the best ingredients such as 100% beef patties and Ina Paarman spices. If I've learnt something it is that honesty and hard work cannot be replaced by anything. These two are principles of business, relationships and life.” On the menu at Grillers American Diner you'll find everything from Burgers, Grills, Surf & Turf Combo's to Sandwiches and Dogs, Fish & Poultry, even salads and pastas. For our recipe Andre prepared the Grillers ¼ Pound Chilli Dog, filled with Mexican Chilli Con Carne. “Chillli Con Carne is quite versatile,” he explains as he chops and fries. “You can serve it as a dog, as we do here at Grillers, or you could put it on a baked potato, or pasta. You could even put it on toast, or serve it with scrambled eggs and what is left over will keep nicely in the fridge. Actually Chilli Con Carne 'matures' well and I prefer tomorrow's left-overs on toast, for breakfast.”
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