Saturday’s Subculture guests Dixon Avenue Basement Jams have made the outstanding No Way Back Cafe in Glasgow’s Southside their centre of operations so we thought we’d pay a wee visit to Strathbungo to see what the story was. Kenny Grieve is one half of DABJ and is also the man behind this cracking wee cafe where everything is cooked from scratch using only the best of ingredients. The vibe in the cafe is much like the scran itself – easy going street food with a laid back social vibe – big flavours with no pretence.
The cafe was named giving an obvious nod to this seminal house track by Adonis in line with their motto that “it’s just as important that what the customer hears is as good what they eat…”
They have created these Subculture specials ahead of the big event…
The Domenic inspired Deep Italian. Scotch beef marinated and slow cooked in a young Sangiovese, then roasted with a pesto and parmesan crust. Served sliced on a toasted ciabatta roll with mozzarella, sundries tomatoe, smoked salami and rocket leaves.
The Harri inspired Durty Dawg. Big beef snarler in a crisp Sub. Covered in a Jamaica Street Jerk marinaded pulled pork, topped with crispy onions. (These will be on special offer from Lunchtime on Wednesday 25/6)
Ahead of his return to our own dinner party at Subculture this Saturday, we caught up with Kenny about the Soo’side, Sangeovese and Summertime soirées…
1. Tell us how the cafe come about, How did you end up chasing Sangeovese suppliers instead of sales leads?
I was completely scunnered after a decade in sales and needed to reclaim my soul, or at least a percentage of it. We had a couple of ideas, a sneaker/denims store being one, but the cafe made more sense.
2. The interior and decor of the place creates a laid back vibe which we love – was this all your own doing or did it require a woman’s touch?
I visited places in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and a whole weekend of searching/bevvying in Berlin. A lot of inspiration came from and amazing little vietnamese place called District Mot in Berlin. Everyone should try it out and of course I ran everything past the wife!
3. The Southside and back streets of Shawlands has turned in to a right little hunger hot spot. Are your roots in the Southside? Have you noticed the ‘eating out’ options change over the years?
I’ve been a resident in the dirty Soo since i moved to Glasgow over 13 years ago and pretty chuffed that I can now add something to our area of the city. The growth of our wee district in Strathbungo was kick started by the vision of the owners at Cookie and carried on by the guys at Buddies, Gusto and Relish, Tapa etc. The introduction of ‘the fridge’ at the Allison Arms is also a most welcome introduction.
4. For your customers it’s just as important that what they hear is as good as what they eat, can you list for us your 5 favourite summer BBQ/Alfresco type tracks…
“Here are 5 that are floating my boat this week…”
Marquis Hawkes – Honey Kiss
Alice Smith – Love Endeavour (Maurice Fulton Remix)
Ian Dury & The Blockheads – Reasons To Be Cheerful
Madonna – Into The Groove (Shep Pettibone Remix)
Candi Staton – Night on Broadway
5. You’re also showing the football on the big screen. As we are almost halfway into the World Cup, who do you see reaching the final?
We’re doing a DABJ show in Berlin on the 12th of July, so we’ll be there for the final and are hoping for the Germans to complete the party with an appearance in the final. The dutch look pretty tidy and would make for a tasty affair.
6. Have you got an Brazilian treats up your sleeves for the World Cup Season?
Yeah, I’ve been messing about with a few different fillings for Empanidhas (wee Brazilian pies) and a brazilian coffee and brisket stew topped with sweet tatty mash that we named after the great wing wizard Garrincha.
7. No Way Back recently launched a reward card app. How do you guys reward yourself after a hard day’s graft? When you’re not mixing chick peas or records how do spend your spare time?
I love to say I’m bang into my yoga in between hitting the gym and running a few times a week, but the harsh truth with the World Cup being on, is that I spend most of my free time drinking beer on the couch watching fitbaw.
8. We are looking forward to the daytime event at NWB ahead of the Sub Club soiree later in the evening. What’s your expectations of returning to Harri & Domenic’s very own dinner party at Subculture?
Myself and Dan are both pretty excited and extremely honoured to be asked back to play for Subculture. We’d like to say Thanks to Harri and Domenic and everyone involved with the Sub for all the support and encouragement that you’ve given us with DABJ. TAPS AFF!
Here is an Exclusive D.A.B.J. Subculture Mix from last time they hooked up with Harri & Domenic…
Dixon Avenue Basement Jams are hosting a Windae Sessions daytime event ahead of Subculture with DJ sets from Subculture’s own resident Domenic Cappello & Telford.
***This is a BYOB affair and is on from 1pm – 4pm. For full info check the Facebook Event Page***
£8 Advance tickets for Subculture with D.A.B.J are on sale from RA & in store or online from TS. TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR FROM 11PM.