Courtesy of Nando’s
A couple of years in the past, whereas visiting Washington, DC, a buddy invited me to satisfy him for dinner at his favourite restaurant. When my GPS took me to a counter-service rooster spot, I used to be confused. It was positively a mistake. But there he was able to dig into some peri-peri rooster and “chips” (fries). It was Nando’s, a South African chain began in Johannesburg in 1987. With 1,200 areas all over the world, Nando’s has constructed a cult following for its quirky, on-the-nose messaging and recent, scrumptious meals. Now, Atlantans can be part of the frenzy with the primary Nando’s opening within the state on August 27. Positioned in Dunwoody’s Excessive Road growth (120 Excessive Road, Suite 210), it serves flame-grilled, preservative-free rooster, bowls, salads and sides in an informal but fascinating environment.
The important thing to Nando’s legendary standing could also be its signature peri-peri, a spice often known as African hen’s eye chili. It grows within the African soil of Mozambique and continues to be cultivated by the locals. Wealthy in capsaicin, stated to be a mood-enhancer. Relying on which layer of peri-peri sauce you select, it might probably positively get your blood pumping. Diners can select from plain, lemon and herb, mango and lime, medium, scorching and additional scorching (which, in line with Nando’s, is “like tackling a fiercely fiery dragon.”) The seasoning is combined with salt, garlic, lemon, onion, oil, and sauces. To make vinegar, which will be supplemented with each meal.
“That is really genuine South African meals. The meals is exclusive,” stated Sepanta Bagherpour, Nando’s chief advertising officer, who grew up in South Africa.
Celebrities corresponding to Ed Sheeran, Bella Hadid, Prince Harry and Drake swear by Nando’s, with some claiming to carry its mysterious black card, which supposedly grants the holder and 4 visitors free meals for a yr. Nando’s representatives, for his or her half, denied the existence of such a prized possession, additional contributing to the rumours. “I’ve by no means seen it,” Bagherpour stated.
Nando’s additionally makes use of its platform to encourage embracing democracy and equality. “We owe it to the place we got here from. Eradicating apartheid, opening borders and consequently, the unfold of Nando’s all over the world is burned into our DNA like an imprint,” he says. “We come from Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, the place something is feasible. The unfold of equality and love of mankind has impressed us. We work with and talk that development by means of all the things we do.”
Final election cycle, Nandos spearheaded a marketing campaign known as “Undemocratic Meals”, the place it served shocking, uncommon meals combos (assume served over rice or rooster burgers) at extraordinarily low costs. The meals was not meant to be good, however moderately geared toward combating voter sympathy. “For those who do not decide, a call will probably be made for you,” Bagherpour explains. “We’re extremely empowered to vote and wish to encourage everybody to take part.”
Each Nando’s additionally companions with neighborhood organizations that distribute meals to these in want. Charity companions for the Dunwoody location haven’t but been decided.
Courtesy of Nando’s
As with Nando’s messaging, the 68-seat Dunwoody venue has been adorned to replicate its heritage. It options curated South African up to date artwork, woven rope lighting fixtures made by small artisans in Cape City and a transparent view of the grill “the place all the things occurs,” says Bagherpour.
Spatchcock rooster is marinated for twenty-four hours on that grill and flame grilled to order in Afro-Portuguese cooking type. Then it is served as quarter- and half-chicken platters with a facet (perry mac ‘n’ cheese, roasted Brussels, corn, cole slaw, honey candy potato), and sandwiches, wings, wraps and extra. Appetizers embrace peri-peri drizzle, grilled halloumi cheese sticks and garlic bread. All Nando’s areas function the identical menu.
Courtesy of Nando’s
One other Nando’s location is within the works for Discussion board at Peachtree Corners.
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