Harry’s Schnitzel and Grill transforming Aussie favourite

They’re hand cut and crumbed and cooked fresh to order but that’s not what makes these schnitzels sing. A butcher-turned-chef is taking the humble parma to the next level at his Cheltenham grill, with loaded schnitzels to make your heart sing.

Harry Karacan’s new Cheltenham restaurant is a parma lover’s paradise. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Butcher turned chef Harry Karacan is taking the humble parma to the next level and foodies are flocking to his Bay Rd grill to see what all the fuss is about.

Harry’s parmas cost from $18 to $21 and come loaded with everything from fried onions, frankfurt sausage, pickles and coleslaw to salsa, grilled eggplant, grilled capsicum, hummus and tabouli.

“I guess you could say I treat the schnitzel like a pizza base,” Mr Karacan said.

Customers can choose from three schnitzel “bases” including crumbed chicken, chargrilled chicken and falafel.

They then pick one of 10 different toppings ranging from traditional — napoli sauce, ham and cheese — to the more exotic Spanish — salsa, grilled capsicum, chorizo sausage, cheese, garlic sauce and spring onion.

There’s also a Meat Lovers, Aussie, Mexican, Greek, Italian, Hawaiian, Texan and Middle Eastern.

Harry Karacan tucks into one of his loaded schnitzels.

Harry says he’s always loved schnitzel and when he decided it was time to “do something for himself” he knew parmas would be involved.

“I’ve worked as a butcher for 28 years, including at La Manna Supermarket in Essendon Fields,” he said.

“While I was there I used to prepared all the schnitzels for the cafe.”

Harry still hand cuts and crumbs the schnitzels at his own place.

“It’s important they are all the same thickness,” he said.

“That way you know they will cook evenly in the same time.”

Customers rave about the tenderness of the chicken and Harry said he achieved that by marinating the meat in butter milk for 24 hours.

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“That keeps the chicken ‘fluffy’ and soft, even during cooking,” he said.

A crunchy crumb that doesn’t soften under the load of toppings was also crucial, Harry said.

“There’s also some secret herbs and spices in there!” he said.

The parmas are served with chips and diners can add salad for $4.

Burgers and loaded fries are also on the menu and you can order your schnitzel in a wrap or baguette.

Harry’s Schnitzel and Grill is at 16A 347 Bay Rd, Cheltenham.

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