Zim on a Plate, Zim in a Glass
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Harare International Airport
Harare
0776 270703

Have a Café Espresso at the airport 2011
As a fairly frequent flyer I must confess that I am tired of being ripped off.  Not only are our flights more expensive than to some other comparable regional destinations but the level of service leaves a lot to be desired. The result, I fear, of a lack of meaningful competition and I long for the day when more airlines return and we start to see some value for our money. The meals on certain flights are, quite frankly, unacceptable, and so, on a recent trip, I resolved to arrive at the airport earlier than usual and sample the fare at Café Espresso.

This establishment is situated in the departure hall, and previously I've enjoyed a coffee there whilst seeing off travellers.  It doesn't have a demarcated area as such - there is a Zanzibari-style bar adjacent to one of the banks and this forms its focal point.  It is certainly eye catching with its dark decorative woodwork, a display of liquor and even a neon light.  Woven grass chairs surrounding wooden tables add to the African ethnic feel, but, rather incongruously, there are also three tables, with chairs, constructed of chrome and black leather. I feel that the positioning of the drinks cooler and the tall glass cake display detract from the overall theme, as they mask part of the bar.

Having located a table with a good vantage of all the hustle and bustle, I was quickly attended to and given a menu to peruse.  This is far more extensive than I expected and includes breakfasts (including a health breakfast), sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas and, for the hungrier, more substantial meals of steak, chicken and fish.  All sounded appetising and my anticipation of a sandwich as a light and early lunch soon turned to indecision.  I was much tempted by the smoked salmon bagel, but I had espied 'Classic' Eggs Benedict as one of the breakfast options and, although a little late in the day, was unable to resist what is one of my favourite dishes.

My cappuccino arrived smartly and ordered 'strong', with a double shot of espresso, it was excellent and I was soon lost to the world, engrossed in a magazine from the table of reading matter thoughtfully provided.  The Eggs Benedict arrived and the presentation is worthy of mention - on a square white platter, two properly poached eggs perched atop toasted muffins, layered with bacon and tomato and a generous coating of hollandaise sauce.  The edge of the platter was attractively decorated with a drizzle of olive oil and pesto.  It wasn't the best example of the dish that I've sampled - I prefer runny yolks and a creamier hollandaise - and the addition of the raw tomato is certainly not classic, although I admit that it is a good foil to the richness of the sauce. However my plate was soon clean and although comfortably replete I treated myself to a generous slice of carrot cake.  This was disappointingly on the dry side but not lacking in sultanas and nuts.

Cafe Espresso is a very welcome addition to the airport and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who has some time to kill at the airport - perhaps waiting for one of those delayed flights which seem increasingly common at this time of year.  The coffee is excellent and there is a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  My meal certainly exceeded expectations and was far superior to standard airline fare.  I do however think that their menu is too ambitious, especially having seen the 'kitchen' which comprises one wall of the bar, and the staff are to be commended if they can produce it all in that space.  My suggestion is to keep it simple and do it very well.
Deluxe Coffee Shop
3 Plates
Expect to spend $5 to $15 per head
Harare International Airport