Bronte Hotel: The lone jewel in the Avenues

Some establishments have been turned into offices, or into headquarters for noble professions, such as teaching. Others have become eating or boarding houses, a last resort residence for those trying to make a go of city life.
During recent lean years, Zimbabwe being no longer an ‘in’ destination, the numbers of foreign tourists staying at The Bronte decreased: but their place was taken by local holidaymakers and business people, who appreciated the hotel’s tasteful décor, tropical gardens and welcoming atmosphere.
As confidence in the GNU gradually increases, the foreign contingent will return. The scent of Gaulloises will float across the verandah into the palm trees and the hum of exotic languages will again be heard in the Wild Date Bar.
Last Thursday, as unseasonal rain pelted down and transformed Herbert Chitepo Avenue into a river, George and I decided to treat ourselves to a three-course lunch at The Bronte.
With fog lights burning and windscreen wipers doing double time, we eventually docked in the Bronte car park, and made a dash for the entrance. A hospitable waiter directed us to a cosy table in the corner and took our drinks order — Stoney Ginger Beer ($1) for me, and a Lion Lager ($2) for George.
I started with cream of vegetable soup ($2) as my starter. It was hot, but unremarkable in flavour. George thought the sautéed chicken livers in a creamy sauce ($3) were tasty, and the presentation attractive.
When George’s main course, crumbed pork schnitzel with chips, broccoli and carrot arrived, I had instant order envy. I had asked for the chef’s special of the day, which was chicken breast in a garlic sauce, on a bed of rice ($8). Everything about this dish (apart from the broccoli and carrot) was pale.
“What did you expect?” one might ask. “A chicken breast is pale, a bed of rice is white and garlic sauce is generally colourless.” Well, eating such pale food made me feel as though I had a bit part in The English Patient. 
George kindly swapped plates with me halfway through and I finished off the schnitzel and chips. George declared the garlic chicken breast very tasty!
By the time we were ready to order dessert, the sun was shining again, so we de-camped to the verandah. I ordered a Pancake Alaska ($3), which was quite delicious.
A large and tender pancake enclosed a generous scoop of ice cream, which was surrounded by a tangy citrus sauce. A sprinkling of desiccated coconut provided interesting texture. Everywhere I looked, guests were ordering the Alaska Pancake, and I wondered if the Bronte chef had created this delicious dessert himself.
Just as we paid our bill and prepared to leave, the rain poured down again. We were unable to walk through the Bronte gardens, and admire the impressive sculptures created by some of Zimbabwe’s best local artists.
On hot, summer days, it is pleasant to sit in the garden beneath the shady palm trees or to drink a pink soda on the cool verandah of the Bronte. During the rainy season, or when winter approaches, enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the dining room, or tempt fate while sipping a Cointreau in The Wild Date Bar.

The Bronte Hotel
132 Baines Avenue
Harare
Tel: 796831/5

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