There’s something so satisfying about a restaurant manager getting an eyeful of your table’s glut of Tomahawk steaks before breaking into a round of applause.
“Excellent choice, ladies. That’s the best in the house. And you, my dear, know how to order.”
Our gathering of girls can hardly hear him above the din.
Butcher Block’s Ladies’ Night is in its full swing of girls’ nights, birthday parties and cocktail-fuelled catch-ups, but we clink our glasses of buy-one-get-one-free sparkling wine as he repeats the compliment.
Every Tuesday, along with the bubbles, Butcher Block’s Ladies’ Night offers half price on a large selection of steaks, and, after two failed attempts at securing a spot, I appreciate that booking is essential.
For foodies who have long since left the club, but occasionally crave a cheeky night out, the vibe offers something worth leaving the house for.
Beautiful women glide in accompanied by their besties, their main crew, their sisters, their mothers or their colleagues, and they settle in for an evening of great steak, good convo and, yes, giggles.
While a server will explain which 100%-Namibian, grass-fed, wet-aged, A-grade beef is included in the special, my sisters and I order a round of Tomahawks (rib-eye on the bone), lamb chops and some rump for my mum.
On their menu, which includes a selection of seafood, chicken, burgers, salads and Butcher’s choice combos, such as their Bordelaise and bone marrow, there’s a handy steak doneness guide.
“Rare” is described as “horns and hair off, simple and full of flavour”. “Medium well” comes with a warning of “now drying out with flavours diminishing” and “well done” is doused in disappointment, “finished and klaar”, and “not recommended by our chefs”.
The manager says I know how to order because I request my delicious steak just a tad beyond blue.
This level of doneness comes in handy when I can’t finish the whole thing, spirit it home and happily reheat it without the meat completely hardening the next day.
The salad I have as my complimentary side dish from a menu that teases baked or mashed potato, vegetables, savoury rice and pap and chakalaka is well portioned, crisp and goes down well with a splash of Brut.
Honestly, when it comes to value for (considerable) money, aesthetics, ambiance and service, Butcher Block’s Ladies’ Night is a win.
And before the gents start grumbling, yes, on Wednesdays, Butcher Block hosts an equivalent men’s night.
But, if you’re a carnivorous women-only party in the mood for a lively setting, some banter and some bubbly, book a Tuesday table at their location at The Weinberg estate in Klein Windhoek.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
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