Abujalicious at Christmas

Christmas is coming

Christmas is coming

Papa, buy shoes for me!

Oh mama, buy shoes for me!

But, the real question is, ‘Where will you go in those shoes?’

So, with pleasure, we bring to you the very best places to eat, drink and shop in Abuja this Christmas. These are the places to be and the places to be seen at in Abuja.

It is Abujalicious at Christmas!

Dominoes Pizza and Creamery

This fancy new place on Aminu Kano is a delight for sure. It is certainly worthy of being the first to mention in this article. A playful setting with intermittent singing by the staff! The pizzas are delicious especially the BBQ chicken, my favourite. Really, some people should be banned from going there too. I will tell the company to put a weighing scale by the front door so that anyone above 100kg is not allowed in. Doctor’s orders!

Sawadee

Just behind Dominoes is this hidden gem. They say they have been in operation for 5 years so what a well guarded secret! Well, guess what, we have just let the cat out of the bag! This is by far the only and the very best Thai food restaurant on the block. First time I went was when the Mansag crew were visiting Nigeria. Mansag is Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain. They set up a fancy banquet full of ‘mede mede’ and other savoury stuff fit for kings. Well, if Mansag can go there, so can you!

Pan Asian Restaurant

The Pan Asian restaurant inside Ibeto Hotel on David Ejoor Street in Apo is not a pretender. For some restaurants pretend to be what they are not, especially with foreign food. What you see is real and authentic Asian food. It assaults the palate and tickles your taste buds with a million and one spices fighting to be released. The choices are numerous and I am having a great time going through the menu: one meal, one page, at a time.

The pool side bar and BBQ restaurant

This place is also in Ibeto and well worthy of mention in its own right. The ambience is cool with reflective lights and a cool shade under the shadow of the beautiful hotel. Go in the evening from 7 pm, order fresh fish grilled to perfection, a bottle of Medium sweet white wine (ask especially for Portell) and then relax listening to the live band. If you are an extrovert, join in the singing and dance like a top. After all, it’s Christmas and a time of joy and happiness.

Talking Pool sides?

The Suya bar at Transcorp and the whole of the pool side reverie has been transformed into a fabulous place for sundowners. Just fantastic what a little reorganisation with vision, style and class can do. The team at Transcorp got this one perfect and I would recommend a visit. This is by far the classiest pool side in Abuja, if not in the whole country. Pity it is adorned by so many pretty women: tall, short, white, black and Asian too. No, I have not been there. My wife wouldn’t let me.

Shoprite

Okay, what’s in a store? Just everything! The shops are springing up everywhere and even at Jabi Lake in Abuja for sure. The shops deserve recommendation as a place to hang out and just trip, shop, relax, feed the eyes and eat some great snacks. Why are our airports not this good? I hate Shoprite with a passion. But, the only reason I hate them is out of jealousy! Why on earth does it have to be a South African business?

The Tulip Bistro

This is one fine establishment in Wuse. They have spent time on creating a pleasant and pretty eye pleasing interior decor. If you want to impress someone, then this is the place to go. There are many corners where you can be almost alone and have a heart to heart conversation. Otherwise you can sit with the in crowd and watch great music videos on the big screen. The food can be good too if you can wait for it to arrive. Perhaps they cook it on a ‘sloooow’ stove! Try the salmon and the soft, delicious, super mashed potatoes.

Spice

This hideaway is in front of Bolton White Hotel, in Garki. I went here with a group of medics for a dinner buffet. It was worth a visit with a friendly owner and good Indian food. The only pity is that the place has pretty basic decoration. It reminds you of a ‘waiting room in a railway station’, although it would be so easy to do up the place. If you don’t care much about decor but just good food at a reasonable price, then visit Spice.

BluCabana

A great place fit for your lifestyle. There is a pool for swimming, a gym for exercise, lots’ of smokers for destroying your lungs and yes, heavenly food. The whole atmosphere is fab and decadent at the right price for a guy like you. Just take me along! After all, what are friends for? Learn to share food with friends so you can live long!

So there you have it.

Where is it going to be or will you visit all of them?

Do write me a note on your experiences.