Restaurant Review: Fez Brasserie & Wine Bar (Emin Pasha Hotel)
Reviewed by The Eye
*Emin Pasha was truly one of the most extraordinary characters in Uganda's history. A Doctor, Naturalist and Linguist. A German, a Christian, a Muslim, and an African at heart, Emin Pasha was a truly unique character among all the bravado and machismo of the colonial age. The Emin Pasha Hotel meets this definition and character.
I was looking for a very special restaurant to dine at as the event was a special occasion and decided after much research to try the Fez Brasserie & Wine Bar.
The Fez Brasserie & Wine Bar is situated in the Emin Pasha Hotel, overlooking the landscaped gardens.
When you arrive at the Emin Pasha Hotel you are greeted by a number of smiling staff members who are neatly dressed and eager to serve at a moments calling. The first thing I noticed was how peaceful and tranquil the place was and the soft lighting made for a very romantic setting.
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We were met by the General Manager of the Emin Pasha, Michael Rourke who escorted us to the wine bar where we were offered hot towels (they had the most amazing smell of Cloves) and pre-dinner drinks. The Dinner Menu for the evening (the dinner menu changes regularly in order to get what is fresh and good in the markets) had a wide variety of foods to choose from and I was particularly impressed to see that the Vegetarian dishes were just as plentiful as the meat dishes were. We ordered our starters while still seated in the wine bar. This is the main bar area and perfect for a quiet cocktail in the evening if you so desire. It’s quiet, very comfortable and fairly private. Whilst we enjoyed our drinks, the starters were being prepared. When the food was ready, the waiter showed us to our table and the feast |
began. Between us we had the “melt-in-your mouth” Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and the fresh garden salad – on the whole it was excellent.
My husband ordered a bottle of the Graham Beck Merlot (a South African wine) which according to him was absolutely superb. (For the record, there is a very well stocked wine cellar behind the bar with a great selection of wines, many of which are limited vintages and award wining labels from international competitions. Most are imported directly from South Africa and only available in Uganda at the Emin Pasha Hotel).
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Our main meals arrived and my husband and son both had the Lamb Cutlets with couscous and roasted vegetables. I ordered the Fusilli pasta with prawns in a creamy white wine sauce – Delicious! I couldn’t finish my food as the portion was huge but both my husband and son finished their meals in a heartbeat. After about 20 minutes of chatting, drinking and taking in the sights and sounds of the Fez Brasserie & Wine Bar, we plunged into the Desserts. Chocolate Mousse, Cheesecake and Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce rounded off a very pleasant and enjoyable eating experience. The service was excellent throughout. On the whole, the restaurant is excellent, the facilities (toilets) are sparkling clean and a pleasure to use. The staff were always within reach and a simple motion of the head will bring the waiter running. |
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When planning a dinner at the Fez Brasserie & Wine Bar, be prepared to spend a little more than you would on other occasions. The prices by Ugandan standards are on the higher side, ranging up to 20,000/= for starters and from 20,000/= upwards for main courses. However, the ambience and the evening on the whole will more than make up for the lighter pocket. My suggestion is to go along to the Fez Brasserie & Wine Bar and enjoy the cuisine and wines they have on offer as there is no other restaurant in Kampala that has all the elements necessary for a great meal namely, the ambience, the service, the quality of food, style and comfort. I look forward to going back to Fez Brasserie & Wine Bar for another excellent dining experience – we are saving up now. *Source: the Emin Pasha Hotel Website: www.eminpasha.com* |
