So, there've been some truly epic meals this year, not least the much celebrated Galvins at Pompadour. However, it has taken something truly very special to dust off the old blog, and this might surprise you; Shebeen. Previously in Leith and now located on Morrison Street, Shebeen is a meat lovers' Mecca.
South Africa is a beautiful and very special place, and Shebeen indulges in a true passion of South Africans - the braai. Barbecuing is a favourite past-time and they know how to do it right, and so does Shebeen. Two visits have confirmed that this is the place to come for high quality, expertly cooked meat - from their on premise butchered local 35 day aged beef to home-made boerewors and the truly epic Jo-burger - this place has my mouth watering just thinking about it.
The Jo-burger needs a special mention; this is a 1.2kg burger in a custom made 12 inch bun (they use a local baker to custom make a number of items for them, including for the bunny chow - see below). Now, yes this is epic, but it's not a tacky men vs food gimmick; billed as for four hungry people or two very hungry people, this had to be one of the best burgers I've ever tasted. Home made, the Jo-burger included off cuts of fillet from their T-bone steak offering and was cooked to medium-rare juicy perfection; needless to say we couldn't manage the fries (but a previous visit had already confirmed these as fantastic).
The quality of the meat, the heat of the braai, and the prospect of a 'Lion size' steak - think 900g T bone folks - confirmed this place will be a firm favourite, and we'll soon be checking out their lunchtime deals too. While your vegetarian friends won't necessarily thank you, make sure you get along to Shebeen and experience some great South African hospitality.
