As Monrovia’s post-war (and now post-Ebola) reconstruction continues, the locus of development continues to focus on Sinkor, at the expense of Central Monrovia. Perhaps for this reason, despite living just a minute’s walk from Embassy Suites for the past several months, I had never ventured to the hotel across from the United States Embassy premises.
On a recent Thursday evening, following a tip-off that some of Monrovia’s best Indian food was to be found at Embassy Suites, I set off to rectify this state of affairs. I arrived well in advance of my dining companion – and any other clientele for that matter. I had my pick of the numerous tables gracing the spacious open air deck.
I selected a spot with both a good view of the TV (soccer, admittedly not the greatest draw for my North American sensibilities, was on display) and within close proximity to an electric outlet so that I could do some work on my computer. The Wi-Fi was quite fast, and on an unprecedented impulse I downloaded a full Lady Gaga album.
I returned to more critical matters, shooting off a few work e-mails while imbibing a cold small Club beer – they are a bit more expensive at Embassy Suites than other spots, coming in at US$3 a pop, although every third beer is free. I was very impressed by the waitress’ request to fill my glass before taking a unilateral decision to do so.
My dining companion arrived, and we lingered over the beer as it was unclear if a third party would arrive. Our waitress did not rush us and gave us plenty of space. Ultimately, it became clear that it would just be the two of us.
Embassy Suites boasts an extensive menu with continental (lobster thermidor!) and African dishes and the blackboard noting the specials even indicated an Afghan chicken item.
However, we both turned straight to the menu inset, which listed the Indian dishes. A range of choices was available, including butter chicken, spinach-based items, kormas, and tandoori. Several styles of curries figure prominently on the menu as well, accompanied by a choice of chicken, fish, shrimp, mutton, or lobster. Both my companion and I opted for a pudina masala.
We had no idea what that might be, but the menu indicated that it was a take on the traditional spice and tomato-based curry with an infusion of mint. Our plates did not come quickly, but they were worth the wait.
A steaming dome of high-quality white rice was tastefully presented beside a generous serving of a colorful curry sauce. I opted for a shrimp curry, receiving about a half dozen large, fresh shrimp.
My companion sprung for the mutton, which also appeared quite succulent. The dish was garnished with several sprigs of mint, lettuce, and an exquisitely chiseled tomato that could have passed for a rose at a casual glance. My second nicely chilled Club melded deliciously with the firm but mildly spiced curry.
After clearing my plate and savoring my last Club, the check came with a customer survey, not an item I have previously received at a Monrovia restaurant. The question on the quality of food denoted a ‘5’ as ‘exceptional.’ I might have given Embassy Suites a ‘5’ if the metric was a bit less dramatic, like an ‘outstanding.’
Regardless, I marked a ‘4’ with major satisfaction. Throughout the course of the dinner, only two tables were occupied. This is a shame as the atmosphere was great, the service attentive (but not overbearing), and the food well above the typical standard at Monrovia’s upscale restaurants. One can only hope that the many cookshop.biz flyers gracing the tables denote a more substantial takeaway business.
Featured photo by Brooks Marmon