Charlotte Malakoff
THERE is a hot new restaurant in Pomona, on the corner of Alpes Road and Harare Drive. Once considered the back of beyond and populated by informal traders, this part of Pomona is rapidly becoming a commercial hub, and Chop Chop Grill and Sushi Bar is the latest thriving company to invest in this burgeoning business park.
In 2017 Chop Chop’s first restaurant, Chop Chop Brazilian Steakhouse, opened in Herbert Chitepo Avenue. Two years later, moving into the CBD, Chop Chop opened a second branch in Angwa Street, to be followed by Chop Chop Zindoga in Waterfalls.
As news of the recent opening of Chop Chop Grill and Sushi Bar spreads, excited foodies are now heading northwards to Pomona, eager to sample a new menu, and to experience a new environment.
Pale steak at Chop Chop Pomona
A few weekends ago, George and I joined a group of dedicated food hounds for Sunday lunch at Chop Chop Grill and Sushi Bar. Turning off Alpes Road into the carpark, already crowded with the latest SUVs and land cruisers, my first impression of this stylish and contemporary addition to the restaurant scene was mind-blowing.
Resembling a spaceship, this architect-designed structure can accommodate numerous patrons, either inside, close to the well-stocked bar and sushi conveyor belt, or on a shady verandah overlooking a beautiful garden. Comfortable tables and chairs under outdoor umbrellas in the garden, stand on lush green lawns surrounded by flowering shrubs and leopard trees.
Zimbabwe is a cattle country, and the many different cuts of beef are favourites for social gatherings and braais. As a leading steak house, Chop Chop has a wide selection of aged steaks, ranging from sirloin to rib eye to tomahawk steaks.
Even though premier league footballer Erling Haaland credits much of his on-pitch success to eating a high-quality tomahawk steak daily, George was content to choose a 300g rump steak served with pepper sauce for his Sunday lunch.
While attractively presented on a charcoal-coloured platter and garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a trio of cherry tomatoes, the steak was, however, a major letdown.
Although showing crosshatch grill marks, not only did the steak lack the perfect char and the mouthwatering caramelised crust that makes a well-cooked steak irresistible; it was also under-seasoned. Pepper sauce on the side, usually the perfect foil to a juicy steak, was bland and flavourless, adding to the disappointment.
In contrast, a whole Kariba bream was grilled to perfection with a crisp and golden skin. Well-seasoned, fresh tasting, moist and tender within, it was a delight to eat from head to crunchy tail. But there were one or two people who were disappointed with their dishes, and I felt obliged to share it.
Although the conveyor belt was out of action, sushi was still on the menu. A large platter with fifty-six pieces of sushi, glistening with mayo, arrived to be shared by the remaining seven foodies at our table.
Those who enjoy westernised sushi with a creamy texture, demolished the rolls eagerly, while a lone dissenter, whose preference was for authentic Japanese sushi, consoled himself with a plate of buffalo wings.
A highlight of my meal was a slice of Black Forest gateau, served with a freshly-brewed espresso coffee. With layers of soft chocolate sponge cake, sweet spiked cherries, whipped cream and dark chocolate, this is the kind of cake that would entice me back to Chop Chop time and again.
Chop Chop Grill and Sushi Bar has hit the ground running, and is open every day of the week. The locals are loving it, so make your way to Pomona, enjoy the vibe, and find something delicious to eat from the vast menu.