The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
The former iconic Garwe Restaurant is back!
The announcement that the joint is set to reopen on November 4 following major renovations came as sweet news for many dinners.
Located in Eastlea, the eatery was usually frequented by well-to-do members of society such as socialities, businessmen and politicians.
International music stars like Akon, Sean Paul, Luciano, Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye (better known as P-Square), Koffi Olomide, Brick & Lace, among others, also once graced the place.
It is famed for making traditional food fashionable by serving a variety of meats like hanga (guinea fowl), tsuro (rabbit) with peanut butter, guru/matumbu (tripe), dhadha (duck), roadrunners, and biltong in peanut butter, etcetera.
An assortment of traditional starches and vegetables were also part of the menu.
“Yes, we are back with a bang. We introduced many people to this game and Garwe is back to set new trends,” said restaurant proprietor Mandy Mvukwe-Chimhini in an interview with The Sunday Mail Society.
Mvukwe-Chimhini
To mark the return, Mvukwe-Chimhini, who is affectionately known as Mandy Garwe, will host an evening of glitz and glamour for both new and old clients on Thursday.
The red carpet and black-tie event will be graced by South African celebrity chef Somizi “Somgaga” Mhlongo.
Apart from being an Idols SA judge, Somizi has also proved to be a force to reckon with as a chef through his exclusive show “Dinner at Somizi’s” and his recently launched cookbook titled “Dinner at Somizi’s – I am not a chef.”
“It is going to be a night to remember. I must say I am overwhelmed and equally impressed by people’s response to the forthcoming event. We are almost sold out. Our tickets for the re-opening event are being sold for US$50,” she said.
A three-course meal will be served on the day.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa will be the guest of honour.
“The place has been transformed. We capitalised on the Covid-19-induced lockdown to incorporate a lot of suggestions that had been coming from our clients. The new-look Garwe is family-friendly and will deliver a lasting impression to our clients.”
The joint will be operating from 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday.
However, on Sunday business closes at 5pm.
“Everything is being done in adherence to Covid-19 protocols. I know we have competition and other players capitalised on our absence, but the game is going to change now. We have everything for everyone.
“Besides traditional dishes, we will also be offering an assortment of foreign cuisines. We are here to reclaim our position as a leading restaurant in Harare,” she added.
Part of the restaurant’s new menu will include Western breakfast, pork ribs, chips, prawns, in addition to known traditional dishes.
They will also be selling both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Following renovations, the facility can now also host breakfast meetings, corporate luncheons and provide outside catering.
It will also accommodate other social events like birthdays, general parties and weddings.
