Fine Dine all the time
Having both attended and hosted events at the Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort in my youth and fast forward to 2019 when it was undergoing constructive surgery and I hosted one of my annual events, Women’s Etiquette Brunch, at their marquee, the place is truly a surreal experience.
With the new state of the art offices opposite the marquee, it was evident that the work being done to the rest of the hotel resort would be even more breathtaking. Once it was completed and the dust had settled, I took a tour and immediately noticed a newer, classy, contemporary restaurant called Cosmopolitan tucked away in the corner that looks nothing like the room we once attended the occasional conference, attended a party in or draped with wedding colours. I was intrigued.
The Club House, rich in history was converted into to a Convention Centre. When I hear Convention Centre, the first thing that comes to mind is a venue with international appeal where Batswana can show case themselves as a people and country. The design has been described as exquisite and modern and with that, it holds a charm that attracts the Cosmopolitan crowd in Gaborone. The Golf Estate is a preferred destination and in turn wants their restaurant to be top of mind.
I remember the build-up and excitement in the air leading to the official opening after renovations in February of 2020, the first lockdown followed shortly and they had to close down the operations. They would later reopen the Restaurant for Breakfast after the SoE ended. On February 15 they reopened doors to serve dinner.
The restaurant opens Monday to Sunday. We chose to have dinner midweek to refuel for the rest of the week, and it was very exciting to finally get to experience the Cosmo life. It’s safe to say they offer a fine dining menu with a Fusion of Cuisines, the best sellers being; Beef Flambé, Salmon and Afro Asia Wings. Jessica was the evening’s host, who spoke well and ensured that after being seated the waiter appeared with menus ready to take our drink order and make recommendations.
As we walked in, the walls are decked in art pieces that made us slow down and get immersed in what seems somewhat like an art exhibition. I wish to see more such pieces in the actual restaurant, they would make for great ambiance and conversation, especially if procured from local artists.
You know the type of art that can be interpreted differently by a group of people, the type that you yourself see something new in the next time you see it? That kind! The restaurant is very spacious, made cosy by the colour pallet and choice in furniture. If you’re lucky enough to make a reservation or arrive early, a couple of window seats gain you a view of the grandiose gazebo and ponds. The Salmon Tartar made for an exceptional starter, with immaculate presentation, very modern and chic, served along some Tuscan bread. For mains my eyes got stuck on the flambé so I asked our waiter to tell us more and after hearing that indeed I was reading correctly; it is prepared in front of you to your preferred doneness, I was enthralled.
We had an opportunity to witness this show and not read about it or hear about it.
We had a front row seat like giddy kids at their first circus. I wanted for us to be the ones telling everybody about it. The second main we ordered was the Chicken Cordon Bleu, partly to see just how fancy things would really get, and we assuredly got a treat. A cordon bleu is a dish of meat wrapped around a slice of ham and a slice of cheese, breaded, and then pan fried, baked or deep-fried.
Oh Boy, was it served up!! The best A Grade Beef fillet is used for the Beef Flambé, and an entire work station and ingredients were brought out by Chef Christopher who stole the night. As he prepares the meat, he takes you through his process, at every moment you know exactly what he sprinkles or adds a dash of in the pan. This makes it special. You get one of the best experiences because everything is prepared in front of the guest for the guest/s to view, a customised treatment. The whole restaurant looked on as the wild flames burst into the air for a moment. After all this I was left wondering if anything else levels up to this act on the menu and I believe the whole menu does.
The chicken was done to perfection, with the cheese and ham flavours permeating through the entire chicken portion beautifully. Served on a bed of delicious veggies, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crunch. I dug into my veggies and remembered that on the menu there is a vegetarian section. I am certain the dishes are good, if my bed of veggies is anything to go by.
Cosmopolitan has certainly made a mark on my palate memory and I am sure I’m not the only one. A remarkable dining experience.