So as a Joburg foodie blogger who gets absolutely no opportunity to attend or blog about Kosher food – a little-known niche in Joburg’s wider foodie/blogging community, but something that I live and breathe every single day – I was pretty excited to see that local butchery, Nussbaums had invited two friends of mine, well-known foodies, Jozi Food Whore and The Food Musketeer to sample their excellent deli fare!!
I immediately contacted Nussbaums myself and asked if they actually knew that there were real, live kosher foodie bloggers (okay, at least one … me) living in their midst, and did they want to invite me over too!?! Which led to me and the Other Half (OH) having Sunday lunch at Nussbaums today!!
For those who don’t know, Nussbaums Butchery was actually established way back in 1936. I remember when many kosher establishments had their shops set up in Doornfontein, and this was one of them. We didn’t visit the area often though, as my mom opted for phoning in her orders which would then get delivered! Moving ahead a few decades, and Nussbaums is now a bright, modern space in the heart of Glenhazel. Think small-scale Golders Green with the big mommy-cars, the problematic parking, the Friday shopping frenzy, and you’re pretty much describing what to me is … home!
OH and I arrive in the midst of Sunday lunchtime on a beautiful, hot sunny day; one of the first we’ve had at the start of our Joburg summer. It seems like everyone is making the most of being outside. We’re greeted by the very friendly Dale, who is behind the incredible publicity that Nussbaums is now recieving on social media. Being that I’m no stranger to the shop, I’m quite thrilled to get the opportunity to take pictures (without looking like too much of a weirdo), and get behind the counter too!!
The range of products is impressive, and the stock levels are currently high, due to the expectation of increased buying in the coming week or so. It’s Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year – in less than 2 weeks, and everyone is anticipating the usual eating frenzy that accompanies holiday-time in most cultures. It’s a time of family, friends, get-togethers, and large meals … and a time when we give thanks for what we have, and offer up our prayers of hope for the coming year.
As Nussbaums say “We know meat”, and they certainly take that seriously! Their menu offering is based on the popular New York Deli style. We were presented with 3 of their most popular items: a Hawaiian burger, an Argentinian steak roll, and the piece de resistance, their Hot Beef on Rye!! Oh … My … Goodness!!! This is good, old-fashioned, deli food at its absolute best with no stinting on anything at all. Do your jaw exercises beforehand so you can get your mouth around the huge, generous portions! The smash burgers (because of the method used in ‘smashing’ a ball of mince down to give it its burger form) are really popular and the grill is constantly on the go, doing a steady business in takeaways.
The large staff contingent moves around both the store and outside service area like a well-oiled machine. They’re all extremely efficient, and ever so friendly, and above all, they know their stuff!
Basically Nussbaums is doing a sterling job in keeping up with current trends both in food and on social media. Why shouldn’t our local kosher establishments be marketing themselves in the same way that other stores and restaurants do, especially when they know that what they’re offering is of equal, often better quality? It’s all about being competitive, and knowing how to participate in the playing field, and Nussbaums knows exactly what they need to do to keep themselves relevant and current. Well done and good for them!
Go and visit! They’re at 53 Ridge Road, Glenhazel, and get yourself a smash burger or a beef on rye while you’re there! They’re open from 7:00 am – 20:00 pm Monday to Thursday; 6:00 am – 15:30pm on Fridays and 8.30 – 14:00 on Sundays. They’re closed on Saturdays for Shabbat (the Sabbath). Check which days they’ll be closed during the upcoming Jewish Holiday Season.
You can call them on 011 485-2303, or you can visit their comprehensive website at www.koshermeat.co.za where you can also order online and have your order delivered to you!
You don’t have to keep kosher to eat kosher … you don’t even have to be Jewish!
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