Happy Friday!
I can’t remember the last time I was off work on a Friday. I’m currently sitting on my sofa, with a hot cup of delicious coffee next to me, listening to music and writing. I wish I could do this every Friday…
Last night I went for dinner with some of the lovely ladies I met about a month ago at the Women Who Do Breakfast and Networking event. I was tired and drained and I thought of taking a rain check but I’m glad I didn’t!
We went to Lakaz Maman, the Mauritian restaurant on Bedford Place. I’ve been there a couple of times before last night, with friends and colleagues and it never disappoints.
I love Lakaz Maman. The homely vibes you get as soon as you go in, even the name gives out a homely, nostalgic feeling, ‘Mum’s House’, the delicious Mauritian street food, the friendly staff, the owner, Shelina, who is often there with her newborn, so sweet and smiling, happy to chat to everyone.
The food was amazing as always as well as the company. I love meeting new people, finding out about them and is even more incredible when you get along from the first minute and end up laughing throughout the whole evening!
We opted for starters to share and we tried the Maman Sheila’s Samosas and Aubergine Baijas. Needless to say they were delicious!
I didn’t know what to have for main so I did one of may favourite things to do on a restaurant, go for the waiter’s favourite dish, the Octopus House Cari.
I love Octopus but I was surprised when I discovered years ago when I first moved in the UK, that is not that common here. Back home, my favourite chef, my dad, Chef Costis, used to make us Octopus casseroles and grilled Octopus featured regularly on our family weekend feasts.
If not cooked properly, Octopus can be chewy and overpoweringly salty but the House Cari at Lakaz Maman reminded me of my dad’s casserole. Soft, sweet, spicy. I could have this for dinner every night!
By this point I didn’t think I could eat anything else but I could not not check the dessert menu. And the girls, like me have a sweet tooth and love puddings, so it would have been rude not to.
I went for Puddine Coco, as Deindre and I had a giggle about the cute name. It was made of a coconutty sweet, fluffly cream sprinkled with coconut flakes, accompanied by tropical culis and fresh fruits. I definitely recommend it!!!
Whilst we were enjoying this amazing food and uplifting music playing in the background, we chatted about yoga (I don’t think there is anyone I haven’t told about Adriene Mishler), roller skating, food of course, always a favourite topic, Christmas, life in our home countries and other random things that just came up. There were no awkward silences or uncomfortable conversations.
Of course I can’t recommend Lakaz Maman enough. Delicious food, great service, friendly staff, local, independent in the heart of Southampton.
What an great evening. Thank you Maria for organising this and Damaris and Charlie for a great night, with great food, great conversations and lots of laughter.I can’t wait for next time!
Namaste
Eleni
Lessons I learned after I turned 30 