There should be something unique about partaking of the unusual. The uncertainty of the taste of an uncommon foods let alone game meat is often difficult for many. But, digesting the thought of it can be a good way to open the mind to the possibility of culinary adventure and letting your taste buds occasionally go a little wild.
One bright, sunny Thursday got your writer in an experimental spirit. Turning to foodies’ reviews on tripadvisor, a hospitality online platform, were some pleasant notes, enough to draw him in to try out The Lawns Wild Game & Fine Dining Restaurant.
Crocodile, impala, wildebeest, Oryx are some of the meats on the menu that were served on one of the specialty platters. The crocodile seemingly gives you an idea that you are tasting something akin to fish, an impala should be in the goat family, the wildebeest a little far from what beef tastes like while an Oryx is as unique as the name sounds.
You could excuse the wildlife lover and conservationist at heart for split loyalties, firstly for enjoying wild meat but again, delightful in an adventure that seeks to tease the palate in a whole different dimension.
As I later on learn from the proprietor, Minah Patel, all meats are imported from South Africa. They are presented on a platter, as steaks, each with a name, marked with a colourful flag.
Depending on your tastes and preference, you will be given options of dip-in soups, and spiced curries. There is more the menu. With my two hangout buddies, we ordered for the wild game meat platter which came with fries and rice.
We went on to have main course meals of chicken tikka masala, sizzling pork and pan-friend goat meat with accompaniments of rice and mashed Irish potatoes.
The drinks’ menu is rich and varied, from soft to hard liquor, including local better. That has been the specialty of this mid-range restaurant since 2009.
Management might want to consider changing its furniture to match the culinary finesse.
The chairs and the tables yearn for a touch of vanish. Better still, replacement to ogre well with the tone of interior and exterior natural décor. That in addition to the selection of wines whose price range tells of a certain pedigree clientele.
The restaurant has spaced out tables in respect of the covid-19 guidelines for hospitality facilities. In terms of ambience, there are different sections to the hangout.
The love for nature is well appreciated with flowers and plant species dotted at different spots of the place, harmonising it with the largely concrete construct.
From the terrace, the golf course is in good view. It is a place where your reporter has attended a number of cocktail parties but an ideal spot for birthday, graduation and send-off parties.
Service is a big plus thanks to the attentive waiters and manager. The same kudos are well deserved for the portions. If you are to visit with a friend or for a date, now that curfew time has been extended, budget between Shs80, 000 to Shs150, 000 to cater for meals and drinks.
Game meats are pricey. But not as tormenting to the wallet if you’ve just got paid and it is Friday. The piped music will help your digestion. You can access The Lawns restaurant using two entrance points, one along Acacia avenue and another on the upper lower Kololo gate.
