We have decided to dedicate this special issue to the month of love. If you intend to spoil your partner with a spa treatment head straight to Beauty Box and enjoy their current month of love specials, “Love escape, Love me tender, Love delight and Cuipid”.
There are a lot of great places to take your loved ones and enjoy that heart warming early breakfast, swoosh them to that romantic lunch and later spoil them over dinner.
“Monos Restaurant” Is very ideal for that perfect fine dining experience. Indulge in a piece that will take you through one of Zimbabwe’s iconic fine dining venues.
Another exquisite place sure to impress is Café Nush. Described as “the ideal meeting place for a quick business lunch or a leisurely cup of our house blend coffee in a friendly and inviting atmosphere.” Its an anytime venue that is suitable for any celebration.
Taste the Delicious Joy of Communion at Lotus Wellness Spa’s Bespoke Private Dining Experiences.
We also have moodboards filled with great Valentine’s gift ideas, and hope we have covered something for everyone in a month when we try to go out of our way to share and show unconditional love for each other – as individuals, pairs or groups.
Let our Refined content be your source for inspiration and happy reading!
ISSUE 5 2023
PAGE 5
MONOS RESTAURANT
Fine dining in Harare’s city centre
PAGE 15
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT
VALENTINE’S DAY – OR ANY TIME - VENUE?
Café Nush at Highlands Park is sure to impress
PAGE 24
LOTUS WELLNESS SPA’S
Bespoke Private Dining Experiences
PAGE 30
deClutter
Bringing calmness and love to your spaces this valentine’s day
African Sun Limited is the leading hotel operations company providing upmarket accommodation, dining and recreational facilities for both locals and tourists from the region and abroad.
African Sun currently operates 10 hotels across Zimbabwe including the awardwinning Victoria Falls Hotel, Elephant
Hills Resort and Conference Centre, Caribbea Bay Resort, Hwange Safari Lodge, Great Zimbabwe Hotel, Monomotapa Hotel, Troutbeck Resort, and Holiday Inns in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.
Their iconic Monomotapa Hotel is situated in a prime location in the capital city, adjacent
to Harare Gardens and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Monomotapa, with its unique crescent shaped façade, was built in 1974. The 20-storey hotel has 243 rooms as well as two trendy bars and two of the best upmarket restaurants in the City.
The Parkview Brasserie offers buffet service for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed setting with huge windows overlooking the Harare Gardens.
For a more formal dining experience, the Monos Restaurant provides the best in fine dining with an a la carte menu and table service.
It’s more than just a restaurant - it’s a dining experience where you can enjoy live cooking and the drama and theatre of their signature flambé dishes prepared at your own table. Monomotapa Restaurant was formerly very well known as La Francais Restaurant and, despite the name change, their reputation and popularity has grown over the years establishing Monos as one of the premium dining destinations.
It has always been particularly renowned for the best steaks in the City.
The restaurant was briefly closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the hotel management took the opportunity to refresh the décor and the menu, while still maintaining the charm and personality of the unique and much-loved venue. There was a soft launch in August last year which officially opened the revamped eatery, the event was well attended by most of Harare’s affluent community.
The walls have all been given a coat of paint to freshen up the venue and patrons will be happy to know that the signature historic photos of the City have been saved. The exposed brick work by the fireplace has been preserved as well as the other textured, painted brick work beside the fireplace and on the upper deck.
They also saved the brass ornaments above the fireplace to keep a bit of the history alive as well as the upright piano so patrons can enjoy gentle and soothing live music during their meals.
The ceiling received a new coat of the goldenbrown paint which gave the restaurant its unmistakable identity. New carpets and curtains have been installed throughout to refresh the look and breathe new life into the restaurant.
The comfortable formal chairs have been re-upholstered in a textured, rich and warm, amethyst colour. The tables all have new padded tops to reduce the noise level of crockery and glassware in the restaurant.
There’s new, fresh linen and table runners, as well as new cutlery, crockery and table numbers. Even the cruet sets have been replaced so every detail has been attended to. While the venue has been given a new lease on life, the rich history and character which patrons always appreciated in the past, have been preserved.
The restaurant can seat up to 60 diners inside and there’s a veranda terrace where guest can be seated outdoors during good weather.
The kitchen is overseen by the Group Executive Chef Leonard Moyo who oversees the restaurants at all of African Sun’s hotels and resorts. He has had an illustrious career having been the Vice President of the Zimbabwe Chefs Association for 10 years – and is now the President of the Association. He started out studying at the Bulawayo Hotel School and then at the International Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (IHTTI), Switzerland. He has worked at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Sheraton Doha in Qatar and the Sheraton Park Lane in London, as well as Softel Abijan in Ivory Coast.
His credentials are impeccable and he has brought his wealth of experience and skill to treat guests at Monos to a world class dining experience.
Chef Moyo has designed the new menu for Monos restaurant focusing on Zimbabwe’s superb steak and beef – probably the best in the world. The beef is sourced from the finest local butcheries in Harare and Bulawayo while vegetables and produce are sourced from the top local suppliers, all carefully selected by Chef Moyo himself. This means that each meal is prepared from scratch using the freshest hand-picked ingredients.
Chef Moyo has created a menu that appeals to discerning diners from Zimbabwe and to tempt international tastes as well. Hot starters include their luxurious mushroom soup as well as a butternut soup flavoured with peanut butter and biltong shavings. The peanut butter and biltong references indigenous Zimbabwean cooking. Cold starters include sushi for sophisticated palates and there’s a selection of salads to whet your appetite before the main course.
Entrees focus on prime beef cuts – the restaurant is, after all, renowned as a steak house. You can select from T-bones, fillets, rump or porterhouse steaks, rib eye cuts or a mixed grill. All the steaks are served with a selection of in-house freshly made sauces like mushroom or lemon and herb – amongst a choice of many others. For other meaty dishes you can select lamb curry, pork chops or ribs and even game steaks.
Their most famous dishes are the variety of flambés prepared in your presence. The drama and the excitement make the experience something special for Valentine’s Day – or for any other day when you’re wanting to treat your significant other to an unforgettable experience.
The food is prepared at your table and the steak or chicken sauce is set alight with a great flourish that’s bound to impress. Their Steak Diana with brandy, cream, mushrooms and black pepper is deservedly famous –probably the best steak you’ll taste in Zimbabwe – and certainly the best presentation.
The flambé experience is delivered by the maître d who is happy to prepare your steak or chicken just the way you like it. The restaurant prides itself on being customer-centric and the attentive staff are happy to accommodate patrons’ requests or special orders.
If you prefer other options from the menu that don’t include red meat there are a number of seafood or chicken options. The Nyanga trout is especially recommended as is the salmon and the panfried prawns. Seafood is considered a special treat for us landlocked locals.
Vegetarian options include pastas, filled baked potatoes, salads and a vegetable curry. There’s sure to be something for even the most discerning diners. The restaurant is also family and child friendly and has a special selection on their Kiddies Menu like fish fingers, spaghetti bolognaise and bangers served with mash.
Tempting for both children and adults! They have a great selection of scrumptious desserts including gateaux and cheese cake or fresh fruit if you prefer something light to finish off your meal. Of course, you can have coffee or Irish coffee to finish off – or a liqueur from their fully stocked bar. The bar has a great wine list offering a selection of champagne, white, red or rose wines and the sommelier will be delighted to advise you on the best wine to complement your meal and make your dining experience even more special.
The Monos Restaurant bar is fully stocked with a good selection of wines, spirits and beers. It’s a great place to get together with friends or for a quick informal business meeting.
You can also enjoy a drink before heading in to the restaurant for your meal or for an after-dinner nightcap. They have an extensive menu of cocktails with intriguing names like Blue Lagoon and Rolls Royce – as well as the famous cocktails like a Martini or a Daiquiri. If you prefer something non-alcoholic there’s a tempting range of delicious and refreshing mocktails as well.
The venue is perfect for romantic dinners, business lunches, and private functions. For larger groups, booking is advised.
+263 8677004651
+263 (242) 704 501 - 10 to reserve your table.
Tripadvisor recently awarded the hotel four stars which is a good indication of the food and service you can expect!
Tripadvisor has recently awarded Café Nush at Avondale four stars ranking it amongst the best cafes and restaurants in Zimbabwe and internationally. The same great atmosphere, food and service can be enjoyed at their Borrowdale branch at Village Walk and now at their exciting new venue at Highland Park.
Café Nush at Avondale was their first branch and it was so popular and successful that they opened a second branch at Village Walk in Borrowdale in 2017. Terrace Africa are the developers of Village Walk Borrowdale, so when they began the development of Highland Park, they approached Café Nush to become the anchor food outlet at the mall. They offered Café Nush the prime corner site right at the front of the new mall, adjacent to the parking area and backing on to Arcturus Road. It’s a sophisticated but casual venue that’s ideal for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake before or after shopping, to meet up with friends and family for lunch or dinner, or for a quick business meeting.
The new Nush has similar interior design features as the other branches maintaining their trendy and welcoming atmosphere, although each branch has its own distinct personality and character. The interiors were designed by Abed Khalatbari, owner and manager of the Cafe Nush franchise, in collaboration with architect Mirko Tucakov. The two of them have worked together for many years designing the other Café Nush branches, as well as the upmarket Sandalwood Lodge, so the make a great team and understand each other, and the design needs of the different projects.
Café Nush has always been renowned for their great coffee. At Highland Park they’ve gone a step further and included an industrial coffee roasting machine inside the restaurant. They purchase the best quality raw beans from all over the world including Colombia, El Salvador, Tanzania and Zimbabwe to create their own unique house blend. The beans are freshly roasted every morning filling the café with a delightful and tempting aroma.
Once roasted to perfection the beans are ground for the freshest, tastiest coffee in town. The roasting machine looks like a piece of steam punk sculpture and the whole process adds a bit of theatre and drama to the ‘coffee experience’, something unique in Harare and a great conversation piece. Their in-house blend is also packaged for takeaway sales – a treat for coffee lovers to enjoy at home, any time. There’s a variety of coffees available including espressos, filter coffee and blends with chai spices, hazelnut or turmeric. Apart from coffee they offer a number of different flavoured teas and hot chocolate drinks. All their hot beverages are available with oat or almond milk for vegans.
If you’re wanting something cool to drink, try out their choices of freshly pressed juices, smoothies, shakes and mocktails. Healthy and delicious – so there’s no guilt attached to indulging yourself. Café Nush offers the best breakfasts in town including the full breakfast feast as well as lighter, and healthier options including
omelettes, French toast, warm spinach salad and homemade granola. Together with a cup of coffee or a juice it’s a great way to start your day.
Nush is also famous for their cakes and pastries – made freshly in-house at each restaurant. Although the recipes are the same the bakers at each venue add a slightly different individual character and taste. Their main bakery in Avondale makes all the breads - burger rolls, wraps, pitas and other delicious products. Their popular beef burgers are each hand made on site from the best quality beef and a selection of herbs and spices. In line with current foodie trends away from the consumption of red meat they also offer chicken, mushroom and vegetarian burgers. Their signature pastas and pizzas also come in a variety of flavours – some including meat and some with vegetarian or vegan options. Together with their salads, sandwiches and pitas there’s something for everyone.
For more substantial meals Nush offers a variety of steaks, fish and chicken entrees and beef or chicken Persian kebabs. They’re family friendly too with a special selection of meals on their kids’ menu.
Abed’s cousin, Kimia Khalatbari, is an experienced master chef from Iran. Recently she joined the Café Nush group and is overseeing the kitchens at all three branches, bringing new and exciting flavours and taste sensations. Kimia is passionate about Persian and Mediterranean food and she has brought her wealth of experience to Zimbabwe to delight our tastebuds with the best international cuisine. She’s been helping the staff at the restaurant kitchens training them in new techniques and food preparation for the pastries and confectioneries as well as for the savoury meals. Her skills bring a new dimension to Café Nush’s already awesome selection of fine dining options.
Café Nush will be offering Valentine’s specials so visit their social media pages for updates:
Instagram: cafenush_zim
As yet they’re not licenced but you’re welcome to bring your own bottle.
To book your table call: +263 77 863 9551
As we continue to explore ways to enhance the wellness journey at Lotus Wellness Spa we realize that it is necessary to not only offer cooking lessons but expand our spa services by offering a bespoke private dining experience.
In the past the Spa has hosted guests for memorable celebrations and special occasions such as birthday parties, baby showers, friendship bonding events, book launches, to mention a few.
This 2023 Lotus feels it important that its guests gather around a table with friends and family. The Covid experience certainly left us starved of the joy of communion. This year the Spa aspires to make your special occasions delicious and unforgettable. Lotus intends to continue to offer cooking lessons as well host cocktail and wine tasting events. In addition, the Spa will offer simple spreads of appetizers, Sunday brunches to lavish multi-course bespoke meals which are unique and personalized. These events can be complimented with an offering of live music where required.
To take part in all we have to offer, we will have an event coordinator on standby to assist with all bookings.
Allow us to tailor the space to your design and needs - from cuisine to room decor. Our Gazebo can comfortably cater for small groups which will enable us to provide the detail that comes with private dining experience
Lotus Wellness Spa and its Chef are excited to host its valued guests this year for an exclusive private dining experience!
Contact : 0733397223 app &calls
0771412986 calls Facebook: cathiecakeszim Instagram: cathie_cakes_weddings
For Casual Dining enquiries or bookings call +263242498139 or +263 772 572 620 or +263 73 626 8407
For enquiries or bookings call +263 73 626 8407 or +263 772 572 620
A must visit for all lovebirds this Valentine’s day.
Are you finding it a bit confusing deciding how best to spend time with loved ones this Valentine’s Day? If your answer is in the affirmative, then look no further than deClutter Zimbabwe to show you the way. Zimbabwe’s first-ever accredited professional organising services company, with three branches in Harare, is the pioneer in the art of decongesting our spaces – be it at home or in the office. They have become the go-to specialists for clean home and office solutions. We had an interview with the deClutter team for insights on how to make the most of time spent with your loved one this Valentine’s Day.
Question: Valentine’s Day enthusiasts have traditionally used flowers, chocolates or other gifts to express their feelings. What would you like them to consider this year as something different and special?
Answer: For this year’s Valentine’s Day we would like to shift people’s attention to home and office spaces. Loving your surroundings is a form of self-love and self-care. Be mindful of the space around your loved ones to create a favourable environment where love can thrive.
Question: What range of products would be ideal to show your feelings for your partner?
Answer: Our range includes styling and decorative pieces for your bedroom, bathroom, living space, closets, pantries and kitchens. Our diffusers, faux plants, room sprays, scented candles and home decorating pieces will bring tranquillity and happiness to your home.
Question: Do you have a theme for this year’s Valentine’s Day?
Answer: Our theme for this year is ‘Bring Calm and Love Your Spaces’. The inspiration behind this theme is that a clean, clutter-free home is a happy home. A calm space improves relationships, reduces stress and also gives you the opportunity to live your daily life without hassle and frustration. It’s really important to come home to a comfortable place after the hustle and bustle of corporate work, sports, church or school.
Question: Please supply some more details about the deClutter “love pack” for Valentine’s Day.
Answer: Our combo shows how you can express your feelings by being mindful of your loved one’s space and filling their heart with joy. A calm environment brings a peaceful mind. An example of our “love pack” for the bedroom is Mr and Mrs/ Miss pillowcases. For the bathroom, we have a vanity tray which comes with either a scented candle or a diffuser and some faux plants to liven up the space and add a soothing ambiance to the room.
Question: What are the key features for this year’s Valentine’s Day?
Answer: This year’s edition will stand out as we are shifting our focus to loving ourselves and loving our families by beautifying their environments.
Question: How well-prepared are you stock-wise for this year’s Valentine’s Day?
Answer: We are very ready for Valentine’s as we just received new stock complete with all the things that will add a sense of comfort and calmness to your home.
If you’re thinking of trying out a bold look, embracing a new style and fashion statement
FASCINATORGLAM is your go to shop.Our Fascinators are rare and handmade to your taste.
41 Churchill Avenue, Alexander Park nachiponicole24@gmail.com
0786 250 828
Instagram - @fascinatorglam
Facebook - hatinator_
Shirts & T-shirts $20-$45
With something nice from this range of elegant shoes, jewelry, fancy hats, bags, and accessories you can confidently rock the world.
Shoes start from $100-150
Belts $25
CONTACT:
+263 78 328 7508
luxe_avenuezw
Avondale Sheikh Mo Village, Shop No7 60 Bedford Road, Corner King George Road