Interview with Justin Anthony of 10 Degrees South & Yebo.

Atlanta | USA

Q. Hi Justin, thanks for taking a few moments to talk with us today about you corner of the world. I think the best place to start would be with South Africa where you’re from. How and when did you come to the States and Atlanta?

A. Soccer originally brought me to Atlanta back in 1996… I was signed to the Atlanta Ruckus Professional soccer team. A knee injury forced me into early retirement and my other passions were food and wine. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit so the restaurant seemed a natural fit.

Q. Have restaurants been in your family for years or are you the first to take that leap?

A. I had this crazy idea about opening the first South African restaurant in the USA.. My parents are great chefs, so I brought them over from South Africa and we all made the leap together.

Q. Let’s talk first about 10 Degrees South. How long have you been in business and tell us about the South African angle.

A. 10 Degrees South turns 15 years old this September. We started it back in September 1998. We wanted to show Atlanta and America the great cuisine and wines we experienced for so many years.

Q. You expanded 10 Degrees South a few years ago. Has there been a change in clientele since that expansion?

A. We have had a steady, regular and loyal clientele for 15 years now. The expansion brought in many new customers also and the beauty about being a South African restaurant is that we are constantly being discovered.

Q. What if any is the signature dish at 10 Degrees South that is a must try?

A. They are all a must try! My recommendation for first timers would be to start with the Boerewors Sandwich, followed by our grilled Calamari, then the Chicken Curry, ending in Di’s Delight for dessert.

Q. I see it is also a family business with your Pop and other members of the family. How are responsibilities divided?

A. Mom and Dad are in the kitchen while I’m front of house. We all love wine so those decisions are made together.

Q. Let’s move over to your newest venture Yebo. Tell us about what to expect when dining there.

A. Yebo is a spin off from 10 Degrees South. We focus on South African style tapas with some American influence… Southern Cuisine in particular. Think of it as South African Soul Food.

Q. The location of Yebo is great, right in Phipps Plaza center of so much of the action in Buckhead. I would imagine you get a great bar scene before and after dinner.

A. We have a great happy hour, dinner crowd and late night crowd. We have live Music Wednesday to Sunday and DJ’s on Friday and Saturday night too.

Q. South African cuisine is fairly unique in its blend of so many different influences. What are your favorite, stand-out dishes at both of your restaurants?

A. South African cuisine is a fusion of French, Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, Malaysian and Mediterranean influences. For those looking for authentic dishes I would go with the Sosaties at 10 Degrees South and the Bobotie Bunny Chow at Yebo.

Q. What’s next? Are you content with your current two establishments or are you thinking growing again?

A. We are constantly looking at opportunities to spread our Love of South African food and wine.

Q. You can go anywhere in America for dinner this weekend, what two or three restaurants would you pick in any city outside of Atlanta?

A. Per Se in NYC, and Nobu in Malibu.

Thanks Justin for spending a few moments with us today for this In The Kitchens interview series.

You can follow Justin on twitter at @justinanthony10