It’s a warm Sunday evening in Windhoek as I make my way through the doors of the Hilton Hotel, up the central flight of stairs leading to two restaurants.
My objective is the one on my right – Kalabar – with its mahogany feel and dimly lit ambience cascading throughout the establishment.
With a customary greeting to the waitress on deck, I’m slightly perplexed on whether to sit outside with the mellow Sunday dusk scene of Independence Avenue, or to occupy a leathery position from whence to watch the football being broadcast on the TVs inside.
I must disclose, though: This is my second visit. And I’ve noticed that this is not a busy eatery brimming with families and waiters bustling about. There’s a soft quiet that makes the restaurant.
In terms of design, Kalabar sports strong, solid brown from floor to furniture to ceiling, with sturdy metal work and dark colours for the veranda view of Windhoek’s busy artery. There’s a classic, masculine presentation of the bar and its lighting.
The only softness is a blue haze isolated towards the sushi section that seems part of and yet separate to the venue.
The menu, with one of the best designs I’ve seen, presents both light and hearty meals. It has a strong beverage and spirits section too, with imported champagnes like Moët & Chandon sporting eye-watering prices.
My order of a prawn and avocado light meal was a curious choice, as I have no prior expectations of light meals, but turned out to be quite delicious.
The description on the menu mentions that a lot of leafy construction is to be expected, but the actual presentation was beautiful. The side of yoghurt is a good complement on the plate which was meant for the seared prawns.
My refreshments were pretty basic but worked well with the setting – a classic rock shandy and a Coke on ice! Overall, Kalabar is a great sundowner venue that brings with it a view that could be better, but that’s someone else’s business.
Kalabar is open daily from 09h00 to 22h00.
