Looks for a Wedding

I’m beginning to think the restaurant business in Lagos is one of the great cake walks in the global hospitality industry. Is there anywhere in the world restaurateurs are having it this easy? Yes, here, there are skilled staff challenges, there are the government taxes and there’s even the little problem of electricity. But the most important part of the profit equation for the restaurant is pretty locked in, no matter the circumstances – the customer. What I mean is, even when poorly treated by staff (bad service), being heavily, unduly taxed on food, being made to tolerate poor ambience, Nigerian restaurant-goers may only complain but somehow they always go back to these restaurants. We are very comfortable with rewarding bad behaviour. I mean, look at the set of politicians we elect every election cycle. The same

mind-set applies to restaurants. It is this review column’s ambitious mission to change just that.

This week, I sampled three restaurants – the things we do for you readers! – and have prepared this preview for what to expect if you will be eating out with your significant other. If you haven’t made any reservations or even if you have, here’s a guide to help your culinary choices for a happy stomach and for love! Bon Appetite et Bonne Lecture!

The Grillroom, Wheatbaker Hotel

When it comes to fine dining in Lagos, The Grillroom at the Wheatbaker Hotel is arguably one of the most accomplished spaces in the business. Its tucked away location in the heart of South-West Ikoyi on a street shaded by tall trees, largely residential to the unspeakably wealthy, gold plated fencing and large columns reminiscent of The White House, affords it an exclusive air. Further into the hotel and restaurant, walls are usually beautified by art meticulously curated and sourced by collector and connoisseur, Sandra Obiago. The restaurant itself is bordered by a softly singing, cascading waterfall, just outside its glass doors to the right. The room, for dinner is dimly lit and the mood is just right.

Lovers’Choice?

Yes. The ambience of the Grillroom can makes for a very romantic, private evening. The lighting in the room is well executed such that it could be that your significant other is all you see throughout your evening, of course if you are paying attention. The ambience lends itself to intimate one-on-ones, sharing food across tables and if you get a corner table, some naughty games under it. Hey, we won’t judge!

My Menu Verdict

When I was there, I was fortunately by my lonesome and had a three course meal all to myself produced by the able hands of Chef Oberholzer. I had and I hereby recommend:

- The Beetroot Salad, to start,

- The Beef Fillet for the main course and

- a glorious, absolutely unforgettable White Chocolate Cheese Cake for dessert.

I Was Not So Hot About…

- The Décor & Design. For a luxury hotel and restaurant, The Grillroom is fairly plain but I suppose that is the intention...understated. When one dines at such an otherwise impressive hotel which boasts a fine dining restaurant, you expect the full experience – décor, layout design, ambience, as well as service and food. The Grillroom is pleasing to the eye but they could raise the notch a bit.

4 Onitolo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.