At Mojo’s restaurant

Meat is mostly the first choice for holidays and feasts and the biblical ‘’fatted calf’ remains central to many celebrations.  In most societies — meat on a daily basis was the preserve of the rich – so only special occasions warranted slaughtering a beast. Factory farming has made meat more available, certainly in industrialised countries – though the quality often leaves much to be desired and the health risks of meat riddled with hormones, pesticides and swollen with brine are not to be underestimated.
There is a growing movement to know more about the origins of the meat we eat, what the animals have been fed, what kind of lives they have led and many people have become vegetarian rather than eat tasteless meat pumped with hormones and brine. Interestingly when I googled meat feast — the first hits were vegetarian substitutes – ghastly sounding concoctions made of grain, gluten, yeast extract and various veg.

I love vegetable dishes — delicious in their own right and don’t understand the need to pretend that veg is meat!  Not sure what studies have been done on production in our local meat industry but certainly it tastes better and has better texture than mass-produced counterparts in other countries.
Zimbabweans sure love their meat and customer comments on Mojo’s facebook page reflect this taste. “Meat meat, meat, what can honestly go wrong where there is meat. Love the meals and service is swift..” Mojo’s is indeed all about the meat and even on a quietish mid-week lunchtime several tables were occupied with enthusiastic diners.
January special is a set US$20 menu which includes a plate of starters and as much meat as we could eat.  Starters were plentiful but a bit stodgy. Brazilian cheese pies were ordinary scones with melted cheese on top, we liked the tasty chicken wraps but found the haloumi way too salty and overcooked. We were also served tomato tarts and Mojo’s very good sauce — spicy and fragrant with coriander.  But meat is the main attraction. Brought to your table fresh off the charcoal grill on a long skewer borne by a smiling waiter, it keeps coming — succulent beef fillet, crispy chicken thighs, pork belly, sizzling sausages, more beef.
On your table is a card — red on one side, green on the other.  As long as the green side is face up,  the waiter will continue to bring you more meats.  Red means you give up, are enough and can take no more. Guess that system works better in a very crowded place. This was more leisurely and the waiters have time to speak to you courteously rather than just keep the laden skewers coming. All meat was delicious — well flavoured, juicy and nicely cooked over charcoal. Chillie sauce was Nandos’ extra hot rather than homemade.  Good chunky chips, flavoured rice and salad kept the meat company.
Coffee wasn’t that good and we skipped dessert having eaten our fill of various meats. Service is fast and cheerful and all-in-all, feels like a satisfying deal. Mojo’s offers an extensive cocktail menu and a spacious garden for functions.
Less celebratory but a great comfort meal is a pot roast — good for small numbers or if you don’t have an oven. Our piece was a small rolled sirloin. Season well, brown in a little oil in a hot, heavy pot – all sides including the ends. Add a couple of whole onions, carrots, halved potatoes, bay leaves, herbs and a splash of water or wine. Cover with a tight lid and braise gently for about an hour.  Nothing else to do and a perfect one-pot meal for a rainy day.
g.jeke@yahoo.com