On the one side of the restaurant stands the Butchery, where biltong is hanging, meat is cut and various types of steak are displayed. Alongside the Butchery, the shiny kitchen stands proudly. The chefs prepare the food for all to see behind large metal ovens and marble-topped counters. The other side of the area holds the restaurant part of Steakout, with many dark wood tables, and alternatively brown, and cream chairs. There is even a small area with mini wooden chairs and a table where kids can sit. A large striking maroon wall claims most of the restaurant wall-space and another cream one fills up the excess. Other decorations that catch my eye are the wrought iron and marble light covers dotted all over the place. The famous logo can also be seen marking the non-smoking sign inside, the table numbers and the ladies and gents signs. I can’t help but smile at this personal detail.
Something else that appears striking to me is the fact that although Steakout is part Butchery, I can detect no smell of fresh meat. For that I’m both grateful and relieved.
This is my first time at Steakout and while I’m certainly impressed by the decor, I must say I’m slightly more impressed by the menu. It consists of a vast range of options for those who are steak fanatics, but also for those who are not. A few things stand out to me that I’d like to take the chance to mention. The “Create @ Steakout” breakfast option allows you to play a DIY role in starting your morning. The “Mozzarella Chicken Kiev” sounds like an amazing beef-free option. When I have a chance to speak to Khamala Benson, whose working at Steakout for the past two months, she tells me that the Kiev is a popular choice with customers. Both the “Chefs Beef Burger” and “The Chefs Summer Salad” illustrate the role, and value of the skilful kitchen staff. Lastly, on the restaurant side of things, I’m attracted to the sound of the Seekh kebab. Khamala also informs of the remarkable fact that Steakout has only been open for six months, and are already on their second menu. I admire the novelty in this ever-changing attitude.
However, sticking to the coffee shop section of the menu, they also have a diverse selection of treats. From cakes with names like “Black Forest” and “Decadent Chocolate”, to chocolate éclairs and milk tart, Steakout has proved to me it’s coffee shop status. The waiter, Cosmos, comes to get my order and tells me that the most popular food item is the chocolate croissant. I take his word and stick to the crowd favourite. Quickly glancing at the drinks section of the menu, I notice names such a “Lindt Hot Chocolate”, “Café Mocha” and “Iced Tea”. To cool down the warm afternoon I choose an iced coffee to accompany my croissant.
It doesn’t take long for them to arrive and the small wait is definitely worth it. The iced coffee is layered with different shades of brown and white. The scoop of ice cream on the top of if hadn’t melted by the time it was brought to me so I got to pick at it with my spoon before drinking it into the milky coffee. The mug is the perfect size to compliment my croissant, not too big and not too small. The only disagreement I have with the croissant is that it wasn’t warmed up. Other than that, it has a lovely taste. The top is dribbled over with thick, hardened chocolate and it is filled with a soft, chocolaty centre. Khamala, who is the restaurants bookkeeper, tells me that they have a baker who comes in to bake the cakes and croissants, but they sometimes get croissants brought in from another bakery. All in all it’s a great coffee shop meal for a certified steak house.
I go over to chat to the customers eating next to me, Edwin and Shamiso, who have come to Steakout for lunch. Shamiso tells me that she’s been here a few times and finds she is always impressed by the good service, the pleasant decor and the convenience of the area. Like me she is also attracted by the neat outlook of the restaurant.
Steakout Butcher and Grill can be found in the Avondale Shopping Complex. It is open Mondays from 7.30am to 5.00pm, and Tuesdays to Sundays from 7.30am to 10.00pm. Visit The Coffee Shop Tour tab at www.eatout.co.zw for more information on their menu.
