adminYoliswa Dube Showbiz Reporter
THE emphatic “Hie” I got from the lady at the front desk as soon as I set foot into Roosters Pub and Grill at Zonk’izizwe Complex in Bulawayo lifted my spirits to an ultimate high. After a busy morning in the office – a warm greeting and a reason to smile was just what I needed.
Forget the warm greeting at reception, the ambience was incredibly inviting. The bold mauve walls accentuated by metal motifs of roosters and other art work successfully gives the restaurant a luxurious feel.
I was spoilt for choice as far as the seating arrangement was concerned. Indoors was the option of having a sit down meal at a table or going more relaxed and sitting by the couches, which looked alluring with an intricate draping hung behind them.
On the patio was another sitting area with a bar section and a television overlooking a pond. The breeze blowing in my direction as I stood by the patio was absolutely divine.
Right next to the pond was another sitting area set up on lush green lawns and providing a magnificent view of the vegetation around the area. There was also a children’s section — a tree house and a couple of swings where children can enjoy the outdoors while their parents or guardians sip on their drinks and have a clear view of their whereabouts at the same time.
The birds were chirping and as the cool breeze blew, I couldn’t help take a deep breath in and out and enjoy the soothing serene environment. Just as I remembered that I was famished and needed to sit myself down, a waitress was at hand to get my drink order.
In as much as I would have loved a strawberry daiquiri, I went for passion fruit juice because some cocktail ingredients were unavailable. But that was okay — passion fruit juice it was and indoors my friend and I went because the temperatures were dropping fast and she had a cold.
The bar offers an assortment of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. As soon as we sat down, the waitress brought the meals menu.
I had gone into the restaurant with the intention of trying new food. I wasn’t going to order what I eat on a daily basis — it was time to try something different.
I went through the menu and on it was a variety of sea food dishes including prawns, calamari, fish as well as poultry, beef and pork dishes accompanied by your choice of starch, salad and sauces.
There was also a variety of starters and pasta dishes which could also be ordered with your favourite salad and sauce. The side dishes included baked potatoes, basmati rice, and crinkle cut chips.
The price range was very encouraging. For $11 I ordered a grilled calamari steak with garlic sauce served with baked potato with sour cream and chives. My friend went for a Portuguese grilled quarter chicken with a mild sauce and crinkle cut chips which cost $8,50. The order would be ready in 20 minutes, the waitress said.
And after exactly 20 minutes came my calamari steak drizzled over with garlic sauce and a steaming hot baked potato with a generous helping of sour cream and chives on top.
The aroma was delectable. The presentation was top notch — a five star display that could win a Masterchef competition. I couldn’t wait to dig in. I cut through the calamari; lightly dipped it in the garlic sauce for the first bite and the taste was divine. I could feel the flavours dancing on my tongue.
The sour cream and chives had slowly oozed into the steaming hot baked potato and blended to create a burst of delicious flavours. The combination of the calamari, garlic sauce, potato, sour cream and chives was heaven in the mouth.
Of course I wasn’t going to let the Portuguese chicken finish without having a taste. It seemed like a basic meal but I was wrong. The sauce that came with the chicken was great. I’m yet to come across a better tasting piece of grilled chicken!
With the main course out of the way, it was time for some dessert. On the menu was sticky toffee pudding with ice cream, cream brulee, chocolate mousse and ice cream.
For $4, I went for the chocolate mousse. It came in a pretty dessert glass with a cute stainless steel dessert spoon placed over a yellow serviette on a white side plate. Again, the presentation was clean and tidy.
The mousse was smooth with just enough sugar and a kick of rich chocolate. It was certainly perfection on a spoon and something those that don’t usually eat dessert would enjoy. After such a wholesome meal with an explosion of luscious flavours, it was time to head back to the office.
But not before I made a visit to the ladies room. In many restaurants, a dirty or smelly toilet is usually a turn off but this was not the case at Roosters Pub and Grill.
One is greeted by a fresh flowery scent.
It was squeaky clean and had the prettiest display of sea shells in two glass bowls and a small treasure chest with bright fresh flowers placed over a side table. After freshening up, I was one happy customer who would recommend the place for a family outing, a business meeting or for a hot date with your better half.
Roosters Pub and Grill provides an enabling environment. For a total bill of $27,50 — it was an afternoon well spent. Roosters is open from Tuesday to Saturday between midday and 9PM. On Sunday they open doors at midday, closing shop at 4PM.
Online Reporter