This year started on such an interesting note. Who remembers how LinkedIn folks were stepping on our necks earlier this year?! “Delighted to have started a new position at XYZ”, “happy to announce that I just joined XYZ as ABC”. And so on and so forth. Anyway, one of my faves scored a big win at work and we decided to go out to celebrate. Yes, we celebrate everything over here, from the small victories to the major wins.
I like that Carla Harris’s video about the advice for her younger self. My personal favorite is the fifth piece of advice. Here goes…“the fifth piece of advice, Carla, is you must celebrate your victories often. There will be lots of things that will happen in life that might make you sad, that might make you pause. So, when the great things happen, no matter how small, celebrate. When it’s your birthday, celebrate all month.” Indeed!
Anyway, we went to Black Pepper for our little celebration, and you already know I have all the tea – just for you!
Name of Restaurant:
Black Pepper Steak House.
Location:
Eko Atlantic – Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Experience:
I went to Black Pepper on a Friday night as part of a party of four. We sat indoors but they also have a nice outdoor space. The waiters were nice and helpful, even whilst we waited (endlessly) for the fourth member of our team to show up, whew. For some reason, he could not get off work on time. Anyway, as it was a cool Friday night, most people sat outside. And they had soft music playing in the background. The volume of the music was loud enough for you to hear and enjoy the song, but not so loud as to interrupt your conversations and have you yelling for the next person to hear you. You can tell I like this place already, yeah? Anyway, before I forget, please and please, if it’s your first time coming here, make sure you use the map religiously, so you don’t end up in a dark hole lol. Seriously though, when we were leaving, we were chatting, and we weren’t really using the map. Also, we followed someone who we thought knew the way, we sha kept ending up at dead ends. Follow who know road, lol. We used the map at the end and all was well with the world again. Also, once you get to the main gate at Eko Atlantic, just tell them you are going to Black Pepper and you will be given a ticket, which the restaurant is supposed to validate for you when you are leaving, and you show it to them (or drop off?) at the gate when you are leaving. Also, I think this is a favourite spot for so many people because I ran into a few people I know. Always nice to see people you know around, yeah? Except, of course, when you are doing things you should not be doing!
Menu:
I had the Fettucine alfredo pasta with creamy mushroom sauce and parmesan cheese, with shrimps. It was not bad, but it was mid at best. I’ve had better pasta in this Lagos. My friends had pork chops, with a side of mashed potatoes and salmon with a side of jollof rice. I wasn’t in the mood for a cocktail or anything alcoholic, so I just had the basil mango sunset, which was basically mango juice with basil. It was okay, but again, just mid.
Recommended food/drinks:
What will I even recommend here? Hmmm? Maybe the groundnuts they brought for us as an appetizer while we waited for the food?! Anyway, don’t mind me. I hear the pork chops were good but don’t take my word for it o. Na wetin dey tell me lol.
Damage (Average cost to dine here):
The total damage was N100,000+ for the four of us. That’s an average of N25,000 per person. After we paid, we saw that the waiter was hovering around. We wondered for half a second and we just remembered! “Oh, you have to tip the waiter”! The service was okay, so I had no issues tipping but in this cashless Lagos? I didn’t have cash o. Anyway, it was sorted, and all was well with the world again. Whew.
General Comments:
Yes, this is a family-friendly restaurant. Again, I was here on a Friday night so there were no kids. Group friendly? Yes. Solo date? Yes. Yes to all. Lol. But we did see some “suspicious-looking” folks at some point. And I hear they frequent this place from time to time. They are probably residents at Eko Atlantic or had access somehow because they came in from the entrance for residents. Anyway, nothing to be worried about. Just a heads up.
So, when we were ready to call it a day (or a night?), we placed an order for a slice of cheesecake with candles on top, celebration style and all. When the waiter brought it, the DJ started playing a birthday song. Aww, they just assumed we were celebrating someone’s birthday. Awww, so sweet. We just had a good laugh and went on with the night lol.
Verdict:
Will I be back? Perhaps. But if I had a say, I would pick somewhere else. Not because the place was bad but because I like to visit as many places as possible, instead of going to the same places over and over. If what you are looking for is a good place to chat with friends, I definitely will recommend this place. I rate it a 7 over 10. Not so bad, huh?
So that’s the tea. Hope you find it helpful. Remember to celebrate the small wins. As Ms. Harris said, a lot of things will happen in life that might make you sad. So, celebrate everything! If you know me, you know I have little celebrations for the most random things. Any excuse to get together and have a good time with my faves. You should try it too!
Sending special love to all HH women as we kick off women’s month!
Cheers!
