Scrumptious local buffet served

My earliest recollection of Kisementi was when I had just returned from America, circa 1979 after the fall of Idi Amin. Kisementi was literally an area (largely underdeveloped with substandard hovels) where youngish well-to-do Ugandans (mainly civil servants) would congregate in their cars, towards dusk, and everybody would bring along whatever type of booze they fancied and people would imbibe from their cars.
The early 90s saw the advent of what one would call the first serious bar and eatery in the area in the guise of 7Cooper Road and they held sway for years until a few years ago when modernisation encroached on the area. New and modern buildings or in some cases renovations. However, I would be remiss in not mentioning Chad and Ronah Nyakairu’s Crocodile Restaurant which existed for years and was a favourite for the expat community and the well-to-do Ugandans who had been abroad.

Local food
Today, Kisementi is a beehive of activity with a plethora of eateries and bars. Not to mention a modern and sprawling shopping mall (Acacia Mall). Interestingly in terms of the genere of food that is to be found in Kisementi, it is a safe bet that local food is not available and this is where Cielo Lounge and Bar has seen fit to make a foray and come out with buffet that will fill this gap. Having opened in December as a high end bar and lounge, they have now started a buffet with emphasis on serving local food and frankly speaking I am of the view that given the pricing and the quality of food, Cielo has made a wise decision.

Ambience
A couple of weeks ago we were invited to the premiere of the Cielo buffet and we were not disappointed. The choices were not only legion but most reasonable. The food was well prepared and the environment most inviting. In terms of value for money, Shs20,000 is a giveaway price. I am sure they are going to do well and no doubt, Ugandans will head there in droves.

Future plan
In terms of entertainment, they are planning to have different theme nights. They said we should expect Caribbean night and besides calypso, high life and reggae, I wonder if we shall have some Caribbean specialties such as peas and rice, Jamaican Coat of Arms and, of course curry goat and jerk chicken.

The deal
Place: Cielo Lounge and Restaurant
Our rating: Worth a visit
Address: The Cube, Cooper Road 5th floor, Kisementi
The space: A great view at night. Tastefully done and trendy
The crowd: The clientele tends to be upmarket and millennials
The menu: They offer a buffet that comprises local food; matooke, a variety of staples such as sweet potatoes, cassava, pumpkin, yams, steamed rice as well as pilao, ground nut stew, fried beans, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes and last but not least a pudding, as well as carved fresh fruits.

The bar: Wines, beer and spirits, as well as juice and soda. Sodas are priced at Shs3,000 while local beer is Shs7,000 and imported beer costs Shs10,000.
Recommended dishes: The buffet
The damage: The buffet is well-priced at Shs20,000 and offers good value for money.
Sound level: Comfortable
Parking: Extremely secure and inside the building
Smoke-free zone: Strictly observed indoors
If you go: Monday to Friday from noon to 3pm.
Open: Daily
RATINGS: These ratings are purely the reviewer’s personal reaction to food, ambience and service .