Hi, Lovers!
The resident Gen Z restaurant connoisseur is here for you today with the standard honest review. As a little backstory, I am someone who loves the concept of a second chance. You know, giving people the benefit of the doubt to prove that their actions or even situation are not as bad as the first impression. Redemption of some sort. I mean, if our Lord and Saviour can give us so many chances, I think I can do the same – to a limit sha o. I no be Jesus abeg.
This restaurant in question was given not one nor two but three whole chances and they decided to show me that it was not one of my brightest adult choices – cue in appropriate meme for “how could I do such a mistake?”. I never thought it was possible for a place to go from bad to worse in such a rapid decline, but this place took it as a challenge and surpassed expectations.
The name of this establishment in question? Maple Lagos.
Name of Restaurant: Maple Lagos
Location: 9 Otunba Adedoyin Ogungbe, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.
Experience: It was a big fat 2 out of 10 for me. Horrible dining experience all the times I tried to give it a chance. The most decent experience worthy of mention must be the apologetic manager and servers who could always sense my displeasure. The wait time for meals was beyond ridiculous.
Parking: The restaurant’s car park can take ALL of about 6 cars, of which customers will be sandwiched by when trying to get in. I must say the corner piece, in that location, was not the best decision for whatever the owners must have had in their minds. It is within 50-100 meters of the local bus park, bordered to the side by an estate and adjacent to the famous local spot, Yakoyo. You are basically at the mercy of street parking merchants and vibes.
Menu: Intercontinental The menu boasts of catering to multicontinental dishes. However, the only decent thing on that menu was the burger.
Basic Damage: N15,000 – N20,000 is sufficient for a solo meal and drink. However, if you have higher tastes and you are with company, all I can say is “Current or savings?” (Lagos biggest boys never do reach you, boss!”).
What meal(s)/drink(s) would you recommend? My first visit was when my friends and I decided to have our monthly Sunday brunch here, so I got waffles and chicken off the brunch menu. This meal took almost 2 hours to be served and the chicken was, for lack of better words, Rare. My friends got burgers and variations of rice and chicken. The only tasty meals were the burger selections. My next trial was a jollof rice meal and I have no words, honestly. On the last visit, my partner and I went for tacos as starters and when I said that it was so bad. We just sat there and laughed but we were determined to see it through. We went ahead to order Ribeye steak and Whole Baby Chicken with the Maple Style Fried Rice as sides. The rice was soggy and sour, and the steak was served in a bowl (not sure how I was supposed to cut it into bits, really). Then we were given half chicken that was so dry that rubbing two pieces together would have birthed a fire. I will just conclude and say that what our eyes saw, my hands cannot type because I will shed tears of regret.
Rate the service: 2. Just 2. We placed an order as a group and our meals were served within a minimum of 30 minutes from each other so we each feasted on each other’s meals. I do not think I need to say more.
Verdict? Would you recommend this place? Personally, no but then they say experience is the best teacher. So go forth and curate your own experience and memories.
Till the next review, stay jiggy.
Your fave Gen Z (Foodie wey sabi),
Nneka.
