TATE’S Kasi Grill (TKG) was chosen as one of the seven finalists in the inaugural Shisa Nyama Awards.
TKG is owned by New Germany resident, Tate Mchunu.
Shisanyama has become synonymous with authentic food, friends, family and good times. And, of course, loads and loads of flame-grilled meat. The Shisa Nyama Awards were created in recognition of the value of this South African cultural phenomenon.
The judging process kicked off on Friday, 1 July in Durban, when an epic epicurean team of six judges comprising editors, food critics and renowned restaurateurs visited 25 of the city’s hottest venues.
A culinary award with a difference and the only body of their kind in South Africa, the Shisa Nyama Awards recognise and reward excellence in food, service, venue and ambience.
Mchunu said he felt honoured to be one of the seven finalists.
“I started TKG in 2010 after working with lots of artists and seeing a need of a place where upcoming artists can have a platform to shine.
“Shisanyama brings people together and my place is open to everyone.”
Mchunu, who studied marketing management, said it was important to treat your customers with respect and offer them great service.
“I really want to thank my wife, Nokuthula Mchunu, for being my right wing and for managing this place when I am away attending to other businesses”.
Mchunu also thanked the staff who works at TKG for the wonderful job they do keeping the customers happy.
“The awards also aims to drive business to the outlets and to stimulate township tourism in a real, more engaging way,” said founder of the awards, Michelle Lewis.
“It is about celebrating and growing small businesses – the more establishments like these thrive, the greater the impact on their communities and the economy.”
Lewis said she wanted to tell the world about the true entrepreneurs in society – like these shisa nyama owners – many of whom started out from humble beginnings and now command the attention of the country’s largest brands.
“I also crucially wanted to highlight the chefs behind the scenes who create delicious food for millions of South Africans each day but who are largely unknown.”
The winner among these will be announced at a Shisa Nyama Festival on Sunday, 25 September, at People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“Because if there’s one thing South Africans love to do more than eat loads of flame-grilled meat, it’s to party,” added Lewis.
Comfort Zone in Clermont, Emseni in Clermont and KwaThusi, New Germany did not make the top seven but came highly commended.
