After hearing so many tales about Gatsata, Hot Spots recently decided to venture into this notorious neighborhood, if only to get a first-hand experience. Gatsata is that rather low-budget residential hood just after the main Nyabugogo business hub whose real claim to fame is the cheap accommodation and “ghetto delights”. And my first stop while there had to be the Le Soir Resto and Bar, situated at the Gatsata Umurenge SACCO, on the Kigali-Gatuna highway. Of course it had to be the first stop, what with the bright red Mutzig branded walls calling out to you from afar. The Resto and Bar sits on the roof of a structure that houses a few auto-parts dealerships, giving it the appearance of an exhibition stall at a Trade Fare. I checked in slightly after 2:00pm, when the buffet was winding to a close, and settled for the little options left –beef, rice, chips, some chicken, and beans. The food, while it served its purpose of filling my tummy, was not something to write home about, because the serving was cold, and I was duly informed I was to blame for “coming late”. The buffet goes for Rwf 1,500, and 2000 (chicken). And for a buffet that runs for a marathon six hours (11:00am-5:00pm, the least you would expect was for it to be equipped with warmers. Adjacent to the resto and bar is a three storey commercial structure that houses the motel section. The rooms on the first floor go for Rwf 5,000, those on the second floor for Rwf 8,000, while third floor rooms go for Rwf 10.000. Perhaps the best part about sitting at Le Soir is the fact that, with its elevated position, one is assured of a bird’s eye view of the outlying Nyabugogo business hub and its hustles and bustles. But the noise raised by heavy motor traffic by cargo trailers on the Gatuna road is one thing to contend with. But what the heck, it is only Gatsata!
