BLACK and Nonna’s Food Bar; The latest cool spots in town

GOSEGO MOTSUMI

As Gaborone slowly takes on the characteristics of a real metropolitan capital, it recently welcomed BLACK and Nonna’s Food Bar, two more cool eateries in the CBD. Located between Room52 and FNB Bank in Mogobe Plaza, the two adjacent restaurants are a welcome addition for the mature crowd, offering up a fine dining and cocktail experience.
BLACK, the acronym for Bistro Lounge And Cocktail Kitchen is a modern, first class venue where Gaborone’s trendy folk dine, according to the it’s manager Sekgele Mogobe. When it comes to aesthetics BLACK has set the bar awfully high with its custom black and white interior which serves as the backdrop for the sparkles illuminating from the centre piece chandelier which hangs over the bar and the VIP area. The décor is indulgent and opulent. Strategically positioned lighting and lavish fabrics blend to create a comfortable and truly classy space.
“Synonymous with power, elegance and mystery BLACK is a premium dining experience that includes a vibrant bar and sophisticated restaurant, delivering great food in a classy and ambient environment. The restaurant provides the perfect setting to sit back and reflect on life’s success,” Mogobe adds.
BLACK’s premium bar and cigar lounge serves the finest selection of spirits and champagnes perfumed by the subtle aroma of imported cigars, affording their discerning clientele an experience worthy of their achievements. Their team of chefs prepares surprisingly affordable signature dishes on site daily and also offer exclusive dining for guests who require a more private affair.
“This spot is meant to attract corporate decision makers and members of the private sector during lunch trade. After the sun goes down BLACK hosts business dinners, celebrations and becomes a hot spot for friends, families and colleagues to connect,” Mogobe further revealed.
Right next door to Black, Nonna’s unique Italian Food Bar serves customers a quick bite on the go, a relaxed meal of pasta and tapas, or something special for the office or family. Their secret recipes have been passed down from Nonna herself and are tried, tested and appreciated by many over the last decade.
Their pasta bar is the first of its kind in the country and serves fresh, home-made pasta, lasagnes with a plethora of sauces to choose from. Mogobe said there was a gap in the market and they decided to introduce original Italian food to a city that was craving authentic cuisine. Mogobe empahised that dining at Nonna’s is meant to evoke the feeling of eating in a small village somewhere in Italy. “This is a family friendly space that also allows everyone to design their own meals at a reasonable price. The best part is watching as the cook prepares your meal,” he added.
Another offering that makes the eatery a truly amazing dining experience is the rolled ice cream which has become a hit among its clients despite the exceptionally chilly weather. The process of making the rolled ice cream is just as exciting as eating it. A staff member creates each custom order atop a frozen metal surface with the wide choices of flavoured syrups available. The liquid freezes into a creamy texture and is spread out thinly across the cold surface. Finally they use a spatula and scrape columns of the ice cream creating multiple rolls that are served vertically in a cup and covered in their toppings of choice.
Topping the list on their menu is their Prima Vera meal which was a recommendation from one of their waiters. Prima Vera is their penne (or any other choice of pasta) in pomodoro (a sauce made from tomatoes), olives, peppers, olive oil, cherry tomatoes served with a choice of chicken strips or prawns. Quite a simple, filling meal that bursts all kinds of flavours.