When the first Ocean Basket restaurant opened its doors in 1995, South Africa had just held its first democratic elections. The air was charged with optimism and apprehension. And now, the delicious smell of seafood too. Fats Lazarides, saw an opportunity to create something that customers were call… read moreing a restaurant that served delicious affordable seafood. In those days the restaurant included a fresh fish deli. Seafood restaurants were reserved for the upper crust, and a portion of prawns was a real extravagance. But Fats had always been one to swim against the current.
The first Ocean Basket in Menlyn Park Centre, Pretoria was a measly 60 square meters, with just 6 tables. The menu offered only a handful of dishes, including prawns, hake, calamari and Kingklip. That was it. Plus, the landlord imposed restrictions on what could be sold, only one wine and a small selection of soft drinks could be served. In true Ocean Basket spirit, Fats invited customers to bring their own drinks and even their own salads.