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New
Bistro in Dar es Salaam
By Caroline Lupilli,
KAFOI Online Senior Editor
Well, it looks like life in Dar is about to get a little bit more
interesting. The hottest new place in Dar is located right next to
billiards, and it is called the Garden Bistro. The location might not be
such a plus though. We might get those horrid IST kids coming and taking
over, as they always seem to do with every new joint that opens! So I am
walking in right, not expecting much (after all this is Dar and after
the White Sands club thing... mhhh, my expectations were below 0). But
my jaw actually dropped (and I managed to fix it back on) because it was
a kaleidoscope of activity! As soon as you enter, your senses are
assailed by aromas coming from the Shamiyana, which is an Indian
restaurant serving fabulous cuisine. Or maybe I was just hungry that
day. On your left is a bar (can’t recall the name), which serves
horrible Dirty Martinis at terribly horrendous prices. And don’t try the
Drunken Archer’s Enemy either…its just as bad. A normal Bacardi and Coke
is the best deal. Or Konyagi. Probably the drinks on the opposite side
are better, at the Step Up, which also serves snacks, burgers as well as
ice cream. But the bar has nice music. A variety of hip-hop, funk and
that stuff from the 60’s. And sheesha, for the more adventurous ones.
The stools are uncomfortably high, but maybe that’s just me, and other
vertically challenged people, who feel that way. In the garden area is
an open-air restaurant, didn’t catch the name either. The mood is
serene; the soft lights add a glow to the night, so definitely the
perfect place for a romantic dinner. The gardens are spacious, with
little pathways that intertwine and a statue (I think a naked lady or
something) sprouts water all night long. Actually, it sounds like
someone taking a leak and it can get annoying. Would go with a full
wallet though. So, Shamiyana gets a 5 for good food, the bar –2 for
horrid and pricey drinks. And the stools. But a 1 for the music. Step up
a 2 for ice cream and the open-air restaurant a 3 for nice mood (but I
feel I should deduct a point for the peeing statue...). Overall points
8/10. Pretty good. I would give it a try! |
