Sometimes I like to pamper myself with a dinner all by myself. Well those occasions mainly happens when Ben is out of town. And it also usually happens after a long day in the office or because I am a bit lazy. Also dining out in Arusha is far less expensive than doing so regularly in Europe.
Nevertheless prices have risen since i have moved to Arusha almost 4 years ago. For the same dishes at the same place, I would pay just a little less than 10 000 Tsh in 2005. Now it is easily costing 16 000 Tsh. For a city like Arusha the increase of prices is very significant.
So Tonight I decided to go out and have dinner ar the Bay Leaf by myself as Ben had abandoned me. ok, he did not have any choice as he had to take the plane he is flying to Nairobi for maintenance. He should be back tomorrow evening (hopefully) after having done some shopping (Hint, my sweet: My birthday is in 4 days... )
So, direction the Bay Leaf which is located a minute from the Impala Roundabout. The restaurant (along with a few room) is located in a residential area of Arusha. The restaurant itself is located in a house which has been refurbished. Seating is inside the house and also in the garden.
Service is well above the average for Arusha.
Decoration is nice, simple. Inside the walls are painted a green sage color (well I am not so good with color names but I guess I am more or less correct). there are prints on canvas on the walls showing leaves and textures. The furniture is in wood. In summary, the decor is sober. Chairs are comfortable (important). Some music in the background.
The menu changes monthly. Tonight I am taking a starter, the escargot pot. Very good. The escargots are well cooked, their texture perfect. The sauce is delicious. Some more toasted bread for the sauce would have been appreciated though... the sauce is delicious... I think I have already said so.
Then the main course. I ordered lamb. and again, a plate full of savors and the lamb was delicious, just melting in my mouth. I even took a picture. It is not a great one but I remembered I had Ben's little point and shoot in my bag.
so again it was a very nice culinary experience.
I still had some appetite for dessert and chose the Dolce triology which was 3 bites of desserts on the menu: the mille-feuilles, the berry ice cream and the figs and cheese.
This nice meal with a bottle of San pellegrino... 36 900 Tsh (about US$ 27). it was a very enjoyable dinner. The food was great and so was the service.
Now I have to test the lunch menu... well if I ever have time during the week...
