Exotic food at Seven Seas

The idea of a dedicated seafood joint in Kampala is daunting and very challenging to say the least. Besides Uganda being a land locked country bereft of crustaceans, sea bass, lobster, octopus and such, our people are not familiar with seafood in any form or fashion; a shame in many ways given the fact that sea food offers such a wide variety and bounty.

Barely a year into this new venture, Karim Fahmy, the newly appointed Executive Assistant Manager and in charge of food & beverages at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel has come up with a more diversified and eclectic seafood menu, offering wider variety and hopefully more takers.

The ambience of the Seven Seas Restaurant, nicely fits into the intended fine dining environment, with some refinements added since the facelift, such as grilled meats including lamb, pork, beef as well as duck, turkey and chicken.

Last week, we were invited to sample this new idea with a five course menu that began with canapés, a starter, middle course, entrée and a classic cheese board.

The pace was informal and relaxed with wine pairing for each course, something novel and unusual but most appreciated by the diners and connoisseurs alike. All the wines were premium from South Africa.
For starters, we were treated to a mildly done curried salmon quail eggs, roasted beef with brie, and avocado fan in balsamic dressing. The servings were elegant, the roasted beef done medium and the brie added a subtle cheesy flavour without overpowering the taste of the prime beef.

The grilled King prawn and the Chili mango relish had just the right degree of tartness without being overbearing. As for the red wine poached squid with sweet balsamic reduction and tuna tarter, the sauce was hardly noticeable and for squid lovers, it was a great treat.

Duck is not what one would call an exciting item and rare to come by in town, however with the benefit of subtle orange glaze and onion marmalade, it was a wondrous combination. The meat was sublime and succulent and extremely delectable.

The entrée in the form of sundried tomato crusted lamb chops with mint sauce and fondant potato was done medium rare, a matter that did not go down well with some of the invitees. Nevertheless, this matter was easily rectified with Karim seeing to it that it was sent back and done to the desired degree. The creamy cabbage and Asian greens were the perfect choice of vegetables while the fondant potato was the ideal item to accompany this entree.

If you go…
The place: Seven Seas Restaurant, Sheraton Kampala Hotel
Rating: Not to be missed
Address: Ternan Avenue, Kampala
The Space: Semi alfresco very cozy and tastefully furnished
The Crowd: Wine connoisseurs and exotic food lovers
The Bar: wine galore
The damage: A meal for two will set you back at least Shs150,000, plus the drinks
Sound level: Excellent
Parking: Available and very secure
If you go: Open for dinner every evening