Does Lilongwe really need still another great seaurant? . . . Does water flow downhill?

If you haven’t tried Buchanan’s yet, what are you waiting for? Located in the new Four Seasons Garden Centre on Presidential Way, it offers a marvelous Mediterranean-fusion menu and, without a doubt, the most beautiful restaurant setting in Malawi. In addition to the classy interior (deep mauve walls and lovely dark wood furniture), Buchanan’s boasts an elegant patio, complete with multiple ponds, magical water plants with silky gold fish swimming about, and the gentle sound of falling water. Or choose seating under the trees in the Four Seasons’ interior garden court. A setting for every purpose.

Manager Marc Strydom, born and raised in Kenya, comes to us from South Africa where he had a successful, ten-year career managing restaurants and bistros, including Cape Town’s famous Blueplate, and Johannesburg’s Newscafes. Most recently, he managed the food and beverage services for the Johannesburg Civic Theater. Why did he come to Malawi? “For the adventure,” says Marc. Of course, I suspect the challenge of creating the kind of eating establishment he has in mind is a large part of the attraction.

Marc’s vision required a good deal of front end planning. To shape the restaurant’s environment, every detail, right down to the selection of background music, has been carefully weighed for the desired effect. In order to insure the highest quality of service and food preparation, he spent several weeks training and testing his staff. So, high standards, (and wont that be welcome!) yet not a “special occasion” place. Marc’s goal is a three (out of five) star restaurant --- comfortable enough for a snack, or brunch with the children, but also a great evening dining experience. A place you will want to frequent, without having to save up to cover the bill.

He also has some very intriguing ideas to develop, a wine club (with perhaps a separate group just for women) and classical and jazz brunches, just to mention a few. It is also a perfect spot for group luncheons or dinners and holiday programs. This charming space opens up countless possibilities, and Marc appears to have the creativity to use it well. He welcomes your suggestions.

Ah, but what of the food? Good news. The variety and scope is most appealing and there is clearly nothing in Lilongwe even close to this style of eating. There is a wonderful selection of pastas (think prawns in a light cream, honey mustard sauce, with just a hint of chili!), sizzling steaks imported from South Africa, a variety of poultry and fish dishes, a guaranteed fresh salad bar, and – listen up! Burgers! Wonderful, prime beef patty burgers “with a difference.” To discover the “difference” you just have to cast cholesterol concerns to the wind and boldly munch! And to hold these juicy burgers, Marc has arranged to have quality sesame seed rolls baked daily. Life is good, eh?    [28 Oct 2003 07:55:05]

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Recommended Dishes: Linguine With Prawns, Honey, Mustard & Chili Sauce

     ­Julie Norrgard   deppe at globemw dot net