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IT was the third time we had tried to review River Café. The previous times we had called the place was deserted — and the cell phone number we were given drew a blank.
Neither was there any notice nor an indication of what was happening on the premises. However, having been informed that they were back in business, we sallied forth and found them open at last — but not very well patronised. A pity really. Have the proprietors notified the Bulawayo public of the disaster that befell them? Have they advertised that they are open again for breakfast and lunch? We haven’t seen any such publicity — so do people know?
Unable to make telephone contact, we popped by earlier in the day to check they were indeed operating again and book a table. When we arrived at the allotted time there were two out of eight tables occupied and no table had been reserved for us. During the time we were there — about an hour and a quarter — two young business couples came along for lunch and one table continued to be occupied by three folks who looked like “regulars” — and probably were, as our waiter spent most of his time talking to them!
It really was very casual and laid-back, but given the circumstances of slow trade it was not surprising. Our waiter was not neglectful of us, but not particularly motivated either. He didn’t seem much interested in the job, but he served us quite efficiently and we had no cause to complain. On the other hand, as sole waiter, I don’t know how he’d have coped if all eight tables had been demanding service.
We asked him about the reason River Café had been closed and he explained that a huge tree had destroyed the roof!
River Café is set in very pleasant gardens near a little river which is presently trickling by, now that we’ve had good rains in Bulawayo. There are extensive lawns and pretty flowerbeds and a children’s playground, and a number of tall trees. One side of the café is completely open to a paved patio and the lovely vista of the garden. A very pleasant and calming outlook on a hot day!
Having said all that, we turn to the important matter of the meal — which we certainly enjoyed. There was a large selection on both breakfast and lunch menus and a fair amount of choice for desserts. Children were catered for quite adequately. Luncheon dishes ranged from steak, hake, pork chops, chicken, burgers and various pasta choices as well as omelettes, stir fry and toasted sandwiches.
A large chalkboard on one wall offered a Special Seafood Pasta. My partner chose to have steak, chips and salad and, when asked, our waiter recommended the rump. When it came, it was perfectly cooked, “medium-to-well”. The chips were tasty; the salad a bit dull. I ordered quiche, which was described as “packed with vegetables” — i.e. onions, mushrooms, aubergines (I think!) but came with a rather flattened appearance and a well-done crust. However, it tasted better than it looked!
The dessert menu offered healthy bran muffins, waffles, milk tart, pancakes and the usual vanilla ice cream with toffee/chocolate sauce.
We decided to share a dessert and opted for the pancakes which were made with wholemeal flour and were served with lemon and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. They were very nice. The condiments were very basic with no table cloths necessary on the polished teak tables. There were no flowers or other decorations on any of the tables, which I think always brightens up a table setting. Fruit juices were listed but none was available. Our ginger beer was delicately iced and was served promptly on ordering. We also requested iced water which was brought to us. At the end of the meal we thought we’d order coffee and tea but our young waiter produced the bill there and then, so we decided not to bother.
We checked the bathrooms and they were quite clean, although, in keeping with the rest of the buildings out back, there is dire need of a coat of paint.
We felt that the meal was very fairly priced — in fact good value for money at a modest total of $25 including the tip.
The River Café is a pleasant, laid-back establishment, not seemingly especially concerned about contending for awards in the prestigious Zimbabwe on a Plate. No matter, it is serving good purpose as a relaxed, casual coffee shop. One of the problems confronting them now is the recent opening last year of La Piazza, a little bistro-type café at the opposite end of the sprawling ranch-like buildings.
The River Café, two gift shops, a plant nursery, and now La Piazza, share the same complex. The shared car park was quite full when we arrived, and far more clientele had opted to lunch at La Piazza. The lady minding Afro-Dyziak (a perfectly lovely gift shop which is part of the River Café) said “business was terrible” and it was just so boring sitting there!
Competition is always stiff in the restaurant trade so perhaps River Cafe will make a comeback this year, with some attention to a few details.
Coffee Shop
2 Plates
Expect to spend $5 to $13 per head
by le connoisseur
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