Salt Restaurant on Borrowdale Road captivates the crowds.

THERE’S  a new Harare landmark on Borrowdale Road. Resembling a space ship, the large metal and glass structure snakes along Kingsmead Road, turning left to face Borrowdale Road. Known as Lifestyle Centre, this is the most recent in a number of shopping malls springing up in and around the suburbs.

Unlike other developments, no attempt has been made at landscaping, and there are no trees, wild grasses or fountains to soften the outlook of the bleak car park.

The lack of aesthetics, however, was not a problem for scores of hungry diners flocking at lunch time last Saturday, to the newly-opened Salt Restaurant on the ground floor of the Lifestyle Centre. It must be nigh on thirty years since I last found myself queueing for a meal, but the whole experience was worth the wait.

Floral decor at Salt

Grilled fillet of beef at Salt

Before Salt became an international food chain in Doha in 2005, it was a cosy family-run establishment with a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. Today the franchise offers polished yet casual dining, while retaining the original warm welcome and ability to serve great food.Burger aficionados are celebrating the arrival of Salt. Modelled on an American classic diner, Salt specialises in burgers made from top quality beef, grilled steak and chicken; the chef also excels in Mediterranean cuisine, pastries and cakes. The menu is available via a QR code, but if you’ve left your mobile at home, there’s a rolling slide show on a very large screen of all the best dishes available.

The falafel burger I chose was the perfect blend of an American burger and the flavour of a Middle Eastern falafel. Crisp, nutty and herby, the falafel were served with a creamy tahini sauce inside a fresh burger bun. A green salad, sliced tomato and thinly sliced pickled cucumber made this a deliciously healthy meal. A popular street food in the Middle East, falafel are sometimes called the king of healthy fast food.

Salt Restaurant, Lifestyle Centre Borrowdale

George ordered French fries with his 250g grilled beef fillet. Well  seasoned and with a subtle smoky flavour, the beef was perfectly  cooked to medium rare. Steamed French beans, broccoli and carrots could have been harvested at sunrise, and were deliciously al dente.

The carrot cake looked enticing, but we gave dessert a miss. Cappuccinos made from high quality Julius Meinl coffee beans were creamy and intensely flavourful.

While the dining concept at Salt is casual, comfortable seating and attractive decor with an artistic flair create an atmosphere both stylish and classy. So while George and I were both well above the average age group, we found the ambience convivial and friendly, and enjoyed the current pop music playing in the background. Waitstaff were exceptionally pleasant and efficient,  accommodating the patrons who continued to stream in throughout the afternoon.

While the Lifestyle Centre may not be the most attractive landmark on Borrowdale Road, the vibrant atmosphere and delicious menu at Salt Restaurant will make a lot of people happy, and continue to captivate customers.  A Matter of Taste with Charlotte Malakoff