This was supposed to be a simple business meeting. The venue: Quiet Haven. And a simple business meeting it was until my curiosity got the better of me. So I figured I would do a review of the restaurant. Located on KG 9 AV, Nyarutarama, Quiet Haven is conveniently located. Not too far from the central business district, a stone throw away from the Kigali Golf Club and K-club for the discerning disco dancer, Quiet Haven is just that. A quiet haven. Not imposing in size but with immaculate buildings and well tended gardens, this establishment is a winner. Well, at least according to Business Initiative Directions, who saw it fit to award the hotel with the 2016 International Quality Award. With a total of 17 rooms and a small conference facility as well as dining facilities, Quiet Haven is indeed a well run establishment. Not perfect but well run and quite satisfactory. Having established that, I thought it prudent to taste the food. My argument still stands that any hotel is as good as the food it serves. I was accorded the opportunity to visit the kitchen (the perks that come with being a culinary practitioner) and I must say that the award was beginning to make sense. This is easily the cleanest kitchen I have visited. I do not know if it was the knowledge of my presence that made my order arrive as soon as possible (21 minutes to be exact) but it was done in quick time. We have discussed the slowness of some of these establishments in regards to service. Sitting outside in the gardens was a natural choice. The temperature today was cool, the sun shielded by cloud cover. My meal was prepared by the Head Chef, Christine, who has been with Quiet Haven since they opened their doors to the public. A delightful lady, we had a chance for small banter, my poor Kinyarwanda notwithstanding. My choice of chicken curry was almost reminiscent of last week’s vindaloo but I must say Christine put her best foot forward. Tender chicken cubes first sautéed with ginger, garlic and onion and then braised in a mild curry sauce, this was clearly one of her specialities. No complaints with the rice too. I actually looked for a negative but that was as good as waiting for Rwanda to switch to driving on the left hand side. Give thanks where it is due. This was a meal that had the hallmarks of a meal prepared at home. Indeed it was decently presented and professionally portioned but lacked the air of a bourgeoisie class meal. There was nothing pretentious about this meal or this place. I believe that is true testament to the moniker. My attendant was very helpful and I must say that if the service levels here can be maintained, then the sky is the limit for Quiet Haven. Quiet Haven is open every day of the week. Check out the menu that includes homemade pizza, pastas and a grill selection. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
