Heaven at ‘the Grid’

It is hard to explain the unforgettable experience that is a meal at Grid and Grill Pub and Restaurant.

August 19, 2016

Erik van Dijk 3 minutes read

The enticing Surfer's Rump, with a 300g rump steak, fried calamari, three mussels and two queen prawns. It came with a side of creamed spinach and smashed butternut.

The portions are humongous and the flavour compares on equal footing.

My guest and I had enough food to last far into the next day.

And what a welcome prospect it was that following morning, as well as afternoon, to open up the fridge and dig into the still delightful main courses and starters.

I must admit our eyes were too large for our stomachs.

We ordered a double starter of garlic snails (R49) and cheesy garlic bread (R35).

When it arrived, we could not believe the size of the garlic bread, which was graced by two cheeses.

The snails were as yummy as could be, covered with cheese and a sauce reminiscent of Béchamel sprinkled with garlic.

The crispy garlic bread had the same effect, being filling and a pleasure to eat.

Although the cold season is nigh its end, we visited Grid and Grill on a fairly wintry night, but weren’t left shivering, as the staff had strategically placed heaters across the dining area.

The decor was simple, yet inviting, giving one a welcome feeling and, along with the amiable music, created a warm atmosphere to enjoy.

The service at “the Grid” was very fast and our waiter, Brian, was especially friendly and courteous.

He checked on us every now and then, but not so much for it to feel intrusive, which is (in my eyes) the “Goldie Locks zone” between what waiters often do.

As a main, I chose the enticing Surfer’s Rump (R120), with a 300g rump steak, fried calamari, three mussels and two queen prawns.

It came with a side of creamed spinach and smashed butternut.

My guest, Malissa, took the Chicken Cordon Bleu (R79) with potato chips as a side.

It seemed a dream or myth when our food arrived.

The plates, which are by no means little themselves, were filled to the brim.

Each of us ate perhaps half of our sides and less than half of our meat.

I was not able to resist diving for the prawns and calamari before all else and shared my mussels with Malissa, who is a big fan of the little food parcels.

They are not the most seductive links in the food chain to me, but on this night I loved them, as they were served fresh in half-shells and with a dash of cheese.

After the seafood was no more, I tackled the rump steak.

Don’t take my meaning wrong, it was juicy and perfectly grilled, but the sheer size seemed to make it daunting to take on, and yet, I am glad I did.

What a piece of heaven.

Malissa also gave me a taste of her Cordon Bleu.

She commented on the piece: “Looks like they gave me a whole chicken.”

The poultry worked well with the bacon and cheese which gives the meal its characteristic taste.

I’ll admit, my health goals are not so close to being reached and vegetables are not my usual choice at an eatery, but I was looking forward to creamed spinach.

No disappointment in sight.

The spinach performed well and though butternut is not on my top ten list of veggies, this was outstanding and very easy to get in.

The chips were complimented by all, being crispy outside and fluffy, yet not dry, on the inside.

Their potato chips must easily be one of the best three I can recall eating anywhere.

“Those were amazing chippies,” said Anastasia, a friend whom we gave a taste afterwards.

After the meal, we joined some of our friends for a drink upstairs, which is just another lovely aspect of the restaurant, it is both a bar upstairs, which hosts bands every weekend, as well as a classy eat-in establishment downstairs.

“The Grid” has specials every day, except Fridays, though a new everyday special is the 200g Rib Eye Steak, for R75.

Grid and Grill Pub and Restaurant is situated at 80 Pretoria Road.