To my knowledge there are only half a dozen outlets, of differing levels of service standard where one can relax and indulge one’s self in that kind of environment, in a cosmopolitan crowd.
The Pool Terrace at the Gaborone Sun does provide this kind of outlet for one’s city frustrations as I recently discovered when I dropped in to experience the Oktoberfest running through the month of October. Basically this is meant to introduce the sense of a social togetherness, which takes place in Germany over the same period.
The Pool Terrace has a complicated layout, which probably contributes to the natural character. At the entrance a long swathe of garden lies on one side, hosting a dense mixture of large indigenous green trees, and other lesser greenery. The refreshing garden-like environment is also host to a variety of birdlife, which chirp and sing seemingly not deterred by the hungry folks around. Each to his own style of feeding!
The centrepiece is an open sided pavilion with a series of support columns, the bar tucked away inside, in the corner, with provision of wooden stools for guests. A series of framed prints along the internal mushroom coloured walls.
Within this area, overhead, old fashioned ceiling fans. The perennial beige floor tile, together with the decor creates a Mediterranean atmosphere.
Three overhead TV sets within give a variety of news, sports channels for guests.
On the garden side of the facility is a series of canvas canopies, and colourful artificial flowers suspended in baskets overhead.
Beyond is the sparkling tiled-pool with its chaise lounge, several green grassy swathes, a series of palms with their fronds rustling in the breeze.
Another sitting area offers large square white umbrellas enabling guests to dodge the direct sun while enjoying the benefits of alfresco atmosphere.
Waitrons in light brown, high collar, three quarter sleeve shirts, with coloured embroidered neck/sleeves, and black trousers.
Our hardworking pleasant waitron had been brought in from another section to back up service as there were several large functions being hosted at the same time.
Unfortunately she was not aware of the special offer, where the tent cards only appeared on the tables after we enquired about the Oktoberfest deal. Promotional slip-up?
With this omission, in addition I know we embarrassed her, as she was also unaware of the contents of the soup of the day, and also forgot our order for glasses of water.
The special proved to be Eisbein, the traditional German knuckle joint of pork. It had a good flavour, with the authentic sauerkraut (pickled cabbage), mashed potatoes, a tomato, onions, and a slice of lettuce to decorate. Came with a large glass of draft beer, all-inclusive at P69, a fair deal! It’s one of my favourites any way!
Beef Oxtail. Two joints of what must have been a large and fat ox, a tasty gravy. Had a tomato stuffed with mushrooms, French beans, and saffron rice. Fair enough at P62.
Pot Belly Sandwich at P32, a large rolled strip of crustless rye bread, with cold roast beef, onions English mustard, and dill pickles. A strip of brown paper kept the sandwich securely rolled into cylindrical shape. A little crumbly but different.
Eastern Snack Basket. Three samosas, two fat chicken wings, two spring rolls, and three slices of chapati, tomato chunks and a piece of lettuce, P35. Found a problem with the samosas as they were all pastry, with little of the spicy vegetable mix, while even the spring rolls were a little doughy.
The fruit salad was a large dish indeed of a selection of very sweet and fresh fruits, together with vanilla ice cream at P18. The menu said it would come in a melon shell. It did not, but we still enjoyed it.
Mud Pudding. Exotic, done with chocolate and brandy, and served with a dollop of fresh cream. Delightful at P18.
Noted that a healthy variety of breakfast dishes were available from 9.OO am to 11.OO am while a kiddies menu offered lesser servings of various dishes at P25. As I am not in that category of growth, opted not to check that latter section, but it sounded like it had merit.
As I always say, expect to pay for service, good food, and of course ambience. But, worth it; thank God for some stability in a volatile business.
In passing, just to keep you updated, discovered two more restaurants on the verge of closing up, with yet another two giving a ragged hand over to new owners.
Running restaurants in Gaborone is becoming an extremely hazardous occupation. Thirty-five gone down so far. When changes come about in these four outlets I will let you know.
