Urbanologi

This weeks restaurant of the week is Urbanologi. 

Based inside the Mad Giant Brewery, in the heart of Jozi, Urbanologi works side by side with the brewery team at Mad Giant Brewery brainstorming and testing new ideas in search of new flavours, ingredients, processes and techniques.

The essence of their food comes from using the highest quality of fresh Asian and local ingredients while harnessing the character of street food with an Avant Garde thought process.

Lets dig in and see what Urbanologi has in store 

G: What do you love about Urbanologi? 

U: We have a very young team, and the culture that we have is quite electric. Constantly bouncing ideas off of each other, always seeking new ways to stream line our systems, methods of bettering guests experience. It an incredible work environment and it is a very powerful tool. This electric atmosphere is passed on in a very contagious manner to our guests. The atmosphere is very upbeat but relaxed. We try push the envelope somewhat when it come to the food. Always trying to keep our ideas fresh and interesting. As a team we just want to create a unique experience for our guests.

We have a very young team, and the culture that we have is quite electric. Constantly bouncing ideas off of each other, always seeking new ways to stream line our systems, methods of bettering guests experience. It an incredible work environment and it is a very powerful tool. This electric atmosphere is passed on in a very contagious manner to our guests. The atmosphere is very upbeat but relaxed. We try push the envelope somewhat when it come to the food. Always trying to keep our ideas fresh and interesting. As a team we just want to create a unique experience for our guests.

Viva Youth Viva!!!

G: How did the restaurant’s name come about?

U:The name is a combination of three ideas.

1. Urban, refers to our surrounding. Set up in a warehouse in fox street. The setting is very industrial, bare and edgy. We feed off the energy that the bustling CBD provides.
2. The ologi, is the science behind what we do. We create dishes that are inspired by the surroundings, hence the coined phrase, “Urban Grande Cuisine “. Our aim is to use the urban space and the science of both food a brewing techniques. We work closely          together with the brewers to provide unique flavours to put onto plates. We strive to create a product that can be appreciated by all.
3. The “I” on the end is the Japanese connection. Street food. To tie the urban space with a culinary science as well as the Mad Giant Brewery we decided that Asian street food was the perfect way to do this. This can been seen throughout our menu which is broken down into the traditional preparations of street food. Coal fired on the yakitori grill. Steamed, Cured, Frozen and Raw.

Such an intricate name, this just shows the level of dedication that went into the restaurant and the items on the menu 

G: What is your signature dish? The one everyone keeps coming back for? 

U:We don’t necessarily have a signature dish that we push in the restaurant or in the media. We try and push our signature style, the Urban Grande Cuisine. When someone thinks of Urbanologi, the first thing that pops into their head must be the type of food we produce rather than just a dish. A great deal of thought is put into the way the menu is structured and how the dishes are prepared. We strive for food that is cleverly thought out, packed with flavour that you will never be able to find anywhere else.

G: What is your Favourite memory from Urbanologi? Was it when you opened, was it when you had a famous celebrity over?

U: In terms of celebrities, each to their own I suppose. Everyone gets excited by their own idols. We often have the pastry ladies giddy when musicians show face. There was quite a stir when George from master chef Australia joined us for lunch. However on the whole the collections of memories are the best. Listen to the guys the set up the shop tell you how it used to be and how they spent sleepless nights setting everything up all the way through to the present. So much has been crammed into a short space of time, it holds for some exciting prospects in the future. 

G: What is your favourite social media channel and where can Grate App users follow you on social media? Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest

U: Instagram is probably the best form of social media to follow. We aim to give our followers a behind the scenes look at what we do and what we are working at present. Its also a great way to follow the process of how dishes are conceptualised, services are conducted and getting to know who’s preparing your food.

We cant wait to see some Awesome Gratings from Urbanologi. Download the Grate App on www.thegrateapp.com and start Grating 

You can follow Urbanologi on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram