Mundi Center, Kicukiro — In the sultry evenings of May, as Kigali thrives with activity, the air becomes thick and humid, clinging to the skin like a second layer. Local snack bars and clubs transform into pulsating dance parties, amplified voices resonating through the sound systems, emboldened by copious amounts of alcohol. Amidst the buzz of the city, the La Cachette restaurant emerges as a shining star, capturing the attention of both locals and tourists alike. Its growing popularity, fueled by publicity, attracts people who willingly endure the discomfort of the Kigali heat, like moths to a flame. Nestled in Mundi Center, near the Rwandex area, the restaurant boasts expansive glass windows. While sunlight floods the space during daytime, necessitating the use of window shades, evenings bring a captivating ambiance. Votive candles delicately flicker on brownwood tables, infusing warmth and allure into the surroundings, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Frantically, I scan the crowded restaurant, searching for an available seat to finally settle into. The majority of the patrons are dressed casually, with only a few women wearing makeup. A genuine smile illuminates my face as a server approaches, presenting an assortment of wine bottles for tasting. Depending on the brand, a single glass is priced between $7 and $10. I take a deep swallow, briefly closing my eyes to fully relish the refreshing bite of the alcohol. As the red wine's soothing warmth washes over me, a pleasant buzz sets in, easing my nervousness and bringing about a sudden wave of relaxation. The room is alive with music, its vibrant melodies intertwining with the numerous conversations taking place. The air is filled with the tantalizing aromas of cheese, kabab, and delicate hints of herbs, creating an enticing olfactory experience. As I open my eyes, I meet the sommelier’s cheerful gaze, and a reciprocal smile forms on my face. I'll go for the second bottle, I say, affirming my choice. The bartender’s station itself is an elegant focal point, showcasing an impressive array of bottles sourced from various vineyards. Waiters, donning black and white attire, guide diners to their designated seats. Rows of elevated tables, consisting of bar stools arranged in a parallel and facing manner, occupy a significant portion of the space. Beyond them lies a vast open area, directly facing the DJ’s booth. The room is packed. Networking, as well as fun, is drawing these crowds. Foreign residents and tourists, many of whom are in Kigali for jobs or to invest in real estate and other enterprises, make up a large portion of the scene. The owner of the restaurant, preferring to be simply known as Olivier, introduced a monthly event called “Urban Fridays” in response to the feedback from his target clientele, who urged him to explore innovative approaches to nightlife experiences. Think about it, he mused. People have become accustomed to the same repetitive activities in bars and clubs, he remarked, reflecting on his extensive observations of the Rwandan nightlife scene. The market lacks variety; it's been the same year after year, day after day, he continued. I always had this vision that we could offer more to entertain our patrons. At La Cachette, the cardinal rule is that anything can happen. Each month, we introduce new activities, he shared enthusiastically. These counters you see are flexible, allowing us to host magic shows, comedy performances, World Cup screenings, flower markets, and more. La Cachette has even transformed into a Food Fare at one point, offering a diverse selection of cuisines. The possibilities are endless, he declared. We feature American cuisine, of course, but also Nigerian, Ivorian, Indian, and so much more. He unlocked his phone and proudly showed me a flier listing the participating restaurants in the food fare, highlighting the multitude of options available. On this particular evening, renowned French chef Philippe showcased his culinary expertise through an engaging Live Cooking demonstration, while sommelier Lionel from 12 degrés conducted an enticing wine tasting experience. Adjacent to them, DJ Alexa Morena set the beat in motion, enticing guests to dance, while mixologist Danny the Lion, powered by Monin, crafted exquisite live cocktails. In addition, an interesting table game called The Liar's added a touch of excitement to the atmosphere. It's all about providing people with something more, Olivier elaborated. Though still in its early stages, it is evident that people will always seek to return as long as they yearn for the thrill of immersing themselves in a room filled with strangers.” Olivier has a point. To fully enjoy the renowned restaurants in Kigali, it is often recommended to come with your own company, preferably in a group, unless you possess an exceptional extroverted nature and enjoy solo outings. However, why not consider an alternative approach? Instead of struggling to book a table in a crowded restaurant that offers nothing new, why not embrace the opportunity to drink, dance, and partake in a venue that continuously introduces fresh activities and experiences? La Cachette translates as hideaway because this place is a hiding place, somewhere people can go to let their hair down without being in everyone's face. It's about enjoying your own company in a sophisticated setting, if that's what you choose, or finding solace in navigating a room full of not-so-strangers. Olivier pauses on the threshold of the live cooking section. “Have you ever had Asian street food? he inquires. I shake my head no. “Really? He’s noticeably taken aback. Well, that's precisely what I aimed to recreate here. Picture yourself enjoying street food within an urban setting. If you close your eyes, you can almost transport yourself to a bustling street, with music playing and the same vibrant ambiance,” said Olivier. That sounds absolutely delightful, I agree. His watchful gaze continually assesses the guests, while a smile of warmth, pride, and appreciation graces his face. “However, he continues, we don't intend for patrons to linger until the morning hours. I chose a once-a-month frequency because, for our target market, once a month is sufficient. Those who attended the previous event will return again next month, and the following month as well. Even for those who have returned for the second time, the atmosphere remains extraordinary. As a young lady named Zeinab concentrates on sampling her drink, carefully evaluating it for the attentive bartender, I seize the moment to inquire about her impressions of the venue. She settles into the chair across from me, staples her fingers on the table and crosses her legs. “Ah... the allure is in the nonconformity. Everything is going on at once,” she said, literally hopping with excitement. After that, the next time I see Zeinab, she’s in the middle of the room moving to the beat of the music with a group of strangers and reveling in the energy of the party. Groups of women danced energetically in lively bachelorette-style clusters, while the men swayed with a sense of mature composure. There was no doubt that everyone present was thoroughly enjoying themselves, reveling in the combination of drinks, dancing, and carefree merriment that extended into the early hours of the morning. As last call approached and the night drew to a close, many began to stumble their way back home, hailing cabs or booking rides. I pass by Olivier to bid him goodnight, and he kindly inquires if I had a good time. Wasn't it obvious during the games?” when I was downing my fourth glass of wine... Or on the dance floor? when I was laughing at the top of my voice... As I made my way back home, a profound realization dawned upon me—I have grown to truly love this city. In the distance, the echoes of music continued to fill the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter, and the heartfelt conversations shared among loved ones. It was a tapestry of stories exchanged from one friend to another, of lovers engaged in tender moments. Kigali pulsated with life and vitality, as countless memories were being created with every passing millisecond. One thing remains certain: the image of an exuberant white guy dancing with uncontainable excitement at La Cachette that night will remain etched in the minds of those who witnessed it.
