A place where meat lovers meet
[caption id="attachment_35887" align="alignright" width="405"] TALENTED TRIO: Staff members Msekeli Pama, Dineo Debeshe and Xolisile Mqhinqi of Mans Buy and Braai are always ready to serve up some tasty treats[/caption]
TSHISA NYAMAS are nothing new, with thousands of South Africans taking the opportunity to braai and relax every week.
But new Port Elizabeth establishment, Man Buy and Braai, has taken the concept and elevated it to a whole new level.
Split into three distinct areas – the basic braai area , a bar where DJs and musicians entertain patrons and an upmarket lounge – owner Mbulelo Nkqayi has created a place where those who want to see and be seen have embraced.
Hearty home-cooked fare is also available for those who do not want to braai.
Located in Grahamstown Road in Deal Party, Man Buy and Braai has been the talk of the town since it opened in March, with the who's who of the city, ordinary township folk and lovers of a good braai flocking to the establishment.
Named after the owner – Nkqayi's second name is Archie so the name is an acronym of his initials – it is the entrepreneurial businessman's third tshisa nyama franchise.
He already owns very successful restaurants in East London and King William's Town.
Although specialising in braaied meat, hearty stews, salads, pap, bread, desserts and beverages are also available either as an accompaniment to the braai or an alternative.
The open area, close to the braai section and the butchery, is the ideal waiting spot for those wanting a take-away of braaied meat or stews.
The intimate lounge caters for those keen for serious chats and is tucked away from the loud music playing outside.
The inside area closer to the bar caters for those wanting a bit of both worlds.
Outside, there is also a fabulous section that caters for smokers and the outdoorsy folk, who clearly don't mind the winter chill as much as I do.
Last week was my second visit to this tshisa nyama and I chose to invite the kind of friend who really knows and appreciates braaied meat. The place was not as busy as the last time I visited but perhaps 2pm is still a little early in the day for the crowds.
Nevertheless, we settled in and decided to have just meat and drinks. At the butchery we ordered some pork chops, sausage and beef steak for two, which came to R102.
While we waited for the braai assistant to cook our marinated and spiced meat, we had some chicken wings (for R28) as a starter.
Within no time of waiting, our meat was ready and served to us.
We opted to sit in the area closer to the bar. The music playing there was the perfect backdrop for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
We had such a wonderful time, with cold drink refills and endless catching up, and before we knew it, it was after 5pm. We really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere – no pressure to look perfect and battle with a knife and fork.
With only a couple of other patrons around, though, we had to conclude that the winter's chill was perhaps the reason people had not come out in their numbers. That, or the fact that popular singer Heavy K was performing in a concert at the same time.
