Don’t let The Office’s environs put you off

Last Sunday, women in China, Russia and most countries of the former Soviet Union, celebrated Women’s Day, otherwise known as IWD. Every year on March 8, in many parts of the world, men honour their wives, mothers and girlfriends, giving them flowers and gifts, and making them feel special. Whether by design or chance, George invited me out to lunch on Women’s Day. Two young nieces, Libby and Franzi, joined our party, and we set off for The Office, a restaurant in Msasa.
Surrounded by factories and outlets for commodities such as Kapenta and vehicle tyres, The Office is situated on a bend in Williams Way, just off the highway to Mutare. Do not be put off by the stark Durawall and electric fence surrounding this restaurant – behind the concrete exterior lies a cool oasis of palm trees, iced drinks and crisp white tablecloths.
Restaurateurs Tracy and Clive, formerly of Hellenics Club, recently took over the running of The Office, and are providing sustenance for the hungry workers of Msasa, and for adventurous diners travelling from the city, and surrounding suburbs of Greendale and Highlands. Unlike many Harare cafes that close down for a day of rest on Sundays, The Office is open on Sundays for a three-course roast lunch, a meal dear to the heart of many Zimbos.
Last Sunday we found the car park full of 4x4s, the region’s preferred vehicle. Fortunately we had pre-booked, as every table was taken. On arrival, guests can sit around a central solid wooden bar, sip a variety of iced cool drinks and beers, and shoot the breeze, or watch sport on TV. Lunch is served at 1pm in an adjoining dining area.
A well-turned out and pleasant waiter brought a basket of freshly sliced French bread to our table, served with pots of butter and baba ganoush (aubergine spread). A large potje full of steaming hot split pea and ham soup appeared at a serving table, and diners lined up to fill their soup bowls. Second helpings were available for those with hearty appetites.
Summoned later for the main course, we queued up at a buffet table, clutching heated plates, which for a few seconds were almost too hot to handle.  Generous serving wenches dished out beautifully sliced roast beef and crisp pork belly. We helped ourselves to well-risen Yorkshire pudding, crispy roast potatoes, butternut puree and zucchini with onion and tomato. Applesauce, horseradish sauce, English mustard and gravy were served separately. There was an air of contentment, as patrons munched steadily and happily.
Later on, waiters served helpings of trifle and custard with the faintest whiff of sherry, to each table. No tea or coffee was served, so Libby and Franzi invited us home for coffee.
The three course lunch cost $10 per head, and our total bill for four, including numerous Cokes and a couple of beers, cost under $50. Restaurateurs in general seem to be lowering their prices, a move which should boost business and enable lovers of good food to eat out more frequently.

The Office Pub
10 Williams Way
Msasa
Open Tuesday – Sunday
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