If you happen to subscribe to DSTV, you are probably all too familiar with Guy Fieri. Not only is he the host of Food Network shows such as Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Big Bite, he also hosted Minute to Win It. In fact, it’s become almost impossible to watch TV without seeing his face. Now, that face is coming to South Africa.
For those who haven’t been to Pretoria lately, Menlyn Maine is undergoing some serious development in the form of a new Time Square casino. Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar will open on the 1st of April and feature some of his signature dishes like his Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger and The Motley Que which has American barbecued pulled pork. As reported by Times Live, he said:
We take pride in our big-time hits … killer burgers, buffalo wings and craft cocktails … but we also take a look around the local area and see what’s special.
I mean, if you’re going to do South Africa, you got to have some scratch-made rubbed and sauced peri-peri chicken wings, right? You’re not going to find grilled springbok loin from Mokopane in New York City but after trying it in South Africa, I may have to change that .
In case there’s any wonder about the caliber of the restaurant, there will even be a mechanical bull in the venue.
I have some pretty mixed feelings about this. I find Guy Fieri vaguely entertaining, although his food seems to lack any nuance and according to reviews is actually pretty awful. His Times Square restaurant was so bad, this New York Times review of it is one of my favorite pieces of writing. I am strangely drawn to the concept of a Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger, almost just to say I’ve tried it, but I have a sinking suspicion that it will be awful and give me an instant heart attack. And then there’s the issue of local vs international restaurants.
Obviously we want all the awesome things our international equivalents have. Remember the queues for Burger King, for Krispy Kreme, for Starbucks? We want the international brands and restaurants to come in, but I’m not always so convinced when it comes to restaurants like these. I never went to chain restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe or Planet Hollywood when I lived in the States – those were tourist traps meant to lure in the uninformed. But here in SA, the Hard Rock Cafe in Sandton or Jamie’s Italian is an exciting import that even reputable “foodies” feel compelled to visit.
While places like these can offer a specific experience for South Africans, I have to wonder the impact they have on local restaurants. Will the success of a Guy Fieri restaurant mean the demise of a better, local experience? Will it change local food culture to prioritize scale and flamboyance of food over quality and taste?
Whatever the impact, I will probably wait and see what reviews come in before I make the journey to Pretoria, and then cry about my massive cravings for Mac-N-Cheese. Also, Darryn says I’m not allowed to write about Fieri without including one of these videos, so enjoy…
Last Updated: April 3, 2017
Original Heretic
March 28, 2017 at 13:36
Don’t listen to Darryn, Zoe, that’s a slippery slope that will not end well for you.
Geoffrey Tim
March 28, 2017 at 13:40
Pretoria? Bruh, you’ll fit right in.
Another episode of Donners, Douchebags and Divas.
miaau
March 28, 2017 at 13:47
Excuse me. Um. What?
I happen to like it here, thank you very much.
Geoffrey Tim
March 28, 2017 at 13:57
I said nothing. You saw nothing. That there’s evidence to the contrary is moot.
(I should be in government!)
miaau
March 28, 2017 at 14:02
Yeah, sounds like it.
Dunno about you, but I am not happy at the moment with current affairs and how they stand.
If I was in Government, I would be keeping my head far down.
Geoffrey Tim
March 28, 2017 at 14:13
I am very, very concerned about the state of government.
miaau
March 28, 2017 at 14:26
I am so concerned, I am concerned to say I am concerned on a website comments section.
Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd
March 28, 2017 at 13:41
Will pass …
miaau
March 28, 2017 at 13:49
I think it might be interesting for a diversion, but fine dining it is not supposed to be.
I think they want to serve food that can, legally, give you a heart attack from smell alone.
that said will pass too. My wife has too many food allergies to realistically get a good experience from eating such interestingly made food.
Gavin Mannion
March 28, 2017 at 14:17
I want to go just to say I’ve been… but I don’t buy into the idea that international things like this would hurt the local industry.. it’s not like we are going to get a Fieri restaurant on every corner.. right? That’s not a thing right?
Gardos
March 28, 2017 at 15:02
I must visit Pretoria to see this place?! No thanks my chaayna…
Lu
March 28, 2017 at 15:45
YESSSSSS!
Dresden
March 28, 2017 at 17:06
Who is this Guy?
HairyEwok
March 28, 2017 at 17:33
Opening 1 of April….. April foooooools!