THE STRAND CAFE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 512, 11 October 1900, Page 12

THE STRAND CAFE.

Messrs Stilwell and Gilman’s restaurant, in the basement of the Strand Arcade, is now in full swing, and is receiving an excellent share of the public patronage The cafe is large, airy, and handsomely and appropriately furnished There is ample room for seven hundred people to take meals at the same time, and as. the tables variously are large enough for four, six, eight, or more persons very cosy little parties may be arranged for. The appointments throughout are high-class. Particular attention has been paid to the napery, while the china, glass, cutlery, and electro-plated ware are all of the best quality, so that everything throughout the establishment is in keeping. The Strand was s open for business on Monday, and on that day and on Tuesday large numbers of people visited the new place, and came away highly pleased. Messrs Stillwell and Gilman have imported a chef who was for many years with Messrs Spiers and Pond. There is no doubt that he thoroughly understands his art, and his capital menus show that he is a master in catering for the palates of the most fastidious. On Tuesday afternoon Messrs Stillwell and Gilman invited the ladies of Auckland to afternoon tea. About fifteen hundred accepted the invitation, and were no doubt well pleased. During the afternoon Hunter’s Band was in attendance, and played a delightful selection of music, one item in particular. “ The Strand March,” composed by Mr J. H. Philpott for the occasion, being listened to with great approval. In providing Auckland with an up-to-date restaurant, Messrs Stilwell and Gilman are to be heartily congratulated Mr Stilwell is very well known to Aucklanders for his ability in the catering department. He is a popular man, too, and that goes a long Vfay towards success Mr Gilman is, though not so well known as Mr Stilwell, sure to become a popular man. Both declarethat their desire is to do the best they can for their clients, and one has only to visit the cafe and it will be understood that they are leaving nothing undone in that direction. We hope that their venture may be attended with the success it deserves.