Cape Town's Gatsby: A Delicious Legend

The Grand Gatsby of Sarnies: Cape Town’s Iconic Ggatsby

Cape Town’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of global flavors, but one local creation reigns supreme in the realm of takeaway feasts: the legendary Gatsby. This isn’t your dainty finger sandwich, darlings – it’s a behemoth of a baguette overflowing with savory goodness, meant to be shared with your besties.

From Humble Beginnings to Superstar Status

The Gatsby’s origin story is as delicious as the sandwich itself. In 1976, Athlone local Rashaad Pandy whipped up a quick and filling meal for workers renovating his shop. With a sprinkle of ingenuity (and possibly some leftover supplies!), he piled “slap chips” (thicker, vinegary fries), polony (a bologna-like sausage), and tangy atchar (pickles) into a giant Portuguese roll. A worker named “Froggy” declared it a “Gatsby smash,” likely referencing the then-popular movie “The Great Gatsby” playing at a nearby cinema. The name stuck, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Dish It Up, Buttercup: A Campy Gatsby Recipe

Ready to create your own Gatsby masterpiece? Here’s a recipe that’s as sassy and fabulous as F. Scott Fitzgerald himself:

Ingredients:

  • A gloriously large baguette (think “pool float,” not flute)
  • 1 kg potatoes, sliced into thick chips
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt and vinegar for the chips (because, duh)
  • Your choice of fillings: sliced steak, fried chicken, boerewors (spicy sausage), vegetarian options – the world is your oyster (or Gatsby)!
  • A dollop of each: tomato sauce, sweet chili sauce, and chutney (because a party in your mouth needs multiple flavors!)
  • Chopped lettuce, tomato, and red onion (for a touch of sass and freshness)

Steps to Stardom:

  1. Werk those chips: Deep fry your potatoes until golden and crispy. Don’t be shy with the oil – we want them gloriously fluffy on the inside. Sprinkle with a generous amount of salt and a good glug of vinegar.
  2. Grill those goodies: Get your chosen fillings sizzling on the grill or pan. Remember, this is a party, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
  3. Assemble your masterpiece: Slice the baguette open like a treasure chest. Pile on a mountain of slap chips, then layer on your grilled goodies.
  4. The saucy symphony: Drizzle with a generous amount of tomato sauce, sweet chili sauce, and chutney. Let the flavors mingle, darling!
  5. Veggie crown: Add a vibrant crown of chopped lettuce, tomato, and red onion for a touch of freshness and crunch.
  6. Slice and conquer: Slice that beauty into portions (enough for your whole squad, of course!) and prepare to be showered with compliments.

Camp it up with these Gatsby Glam Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! Think peri-peri chicken, crumbed fish, or even a veggie medley.
  • Channel your inner artist with the presentation. Drizzle with sriracha for a fiery red design, or sprinkle with fresh herbs for a touch of green glamour.
  • Remember, the Gatsby is all about sharing and good times. Grab your besties, put on some tunes, and prepare to devour this Cape Town legend!