Do you know what they say about a man proposing and God disposing? I had my fair share of this fate while planning my quest to visiting The cafeteria Nigeria for bubble tea.
The original plan was to go with a few friends on the second of January but just a few days before the planned date, the Lagos state government placed a ban on bikes and tricycles, making commuting the most herculean task for every Lagosian. So I had to ditch the plan for a later date when the tension would have subsided. So after what seemed like a boring day for me today, I figured it would be the best time to venture into the Island to see what this restaurant has to offer me.
How I Got to Know this spot
I was casually scrolling through twitter and interacting with my community when someone mentioned me under a thread where another person who had just visited the restaurant was ‘peppering’ everyone on the timeline with mouth-watering pictures.
I needed no one to tell me to add it up to my calendar for the year. And since it was a new restaurant, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to introduce it to my community of readers.
How to get to the Cafeteria Nigeria
The Cafetaria is located in Victoria Island- exactly at number 16, Akin Adesola Street, Adeola Odeku. You will never miss your way once you ask anyone around just like I did.
I live on the Bariga side of the Mainland, hence it wasn’t difficult at all to find my way as I had the option of either connecting with a ferry from Ilaje or joining a bus to Obalende then to Adeola Odeku. But since I left home around 3 pm, the first option was automatically canceled because ferries only operate between 7-10 am and 5-7 pm.
The Ambiance
The commuting was still difficult due to traffic gridlock but I was able to make it to the Cafetaria in time. Although it was located by the roadside, the compound was weirdly quiet. The building which hosted the Cafeteria is built like an L shape with the longer part of the L accomodating Cafetaia and the shorter part playing host to a wine shop.
The moment I stepped into the premises, the security men stationed at the entrance were already giving me a large grin as they opened the transparent glass door. The gesture was regular but the way they did it wasn’t. It felt like they’ve been waiting for me.
On getting in, a fair lady clad in a black spaghetti top and black tight jean was the one who welcomed me with a smile. Now I began to suspect that smiling was part of the plan. The different thing however about hers was that it wasn’t welcoming, it was rather assuring. “Hi, do you work here?” I asked, taking a careful look at her Ghana weave whose tail went all the way down to her bum. “Yes, I do. You’re welcome. Please make yourself comfortable.” She said as she pointed to one of the vacant tables for 2.
At a glance, I was able to note that the extreme right of the cafeteria hosted the kitchen where most of the chefs were males. I mean really fine, well-built guys. Directly facing the kitchen were 6 single chairs where customers can easily sit to grab a quick drink. Towards the left was the main sitting area which had 5 different tables for 2 and 2 different tables for 5. Then on the outside, there were 2 long benches capable of accommodating 5 people each.
Customer service
Shortly after I sat, a young lady who should be in her early 20s came to serve me the menu which was contained in a black leather jacket. She left me for a couple of minutes to decide on what to eat or drink and when she returned, she asked if I needed any help, and I said yes because I actually don’t understand why most restaurant owners think we all have an idea of what their food looks like by just reading the names.
She was really helpful as she stood with me to ensure all my questions were answered.
When she left to arrange my food, I took my time at consciously thinking about the inscription on the wall which read: “You are exactly where you need to be”
It was such a moment because it became really clear to me at that point that since we weren’t handed any manual, road map, nor compass as humans, it’s almost impossible to know where our destinations are, talk less of knowing how far into the journey we’ve gone. So I summed it up by agreeing that wherever I find myself (due to my actions) is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Food and menu
Having studied the menu, I opted for the Berry Bliss French Toast and the tall version of the iced tea bubble tea, which sold for N4,500 and N2,500 respectively.
I ate in silence as I couldn’t afford to distract myself from the bliss which accompanied every bite I took of the toast. The iced tea wasn’t really there for me but was there enough to enable me finish the entire content. I mean, I was expecting something along the line of iced Lipton, Milo or Bournvita. But here he is, sucking tapioca balls using a fat ass straw.
I rested for a while after my meal and while at it, the young lady who served me came to tidy up my space and also asked if I enjoyed the meal. I told her yes because I actually did. And after what took like 10 minutes, my bill was served and I paid using their POS machine before dashing out around 5:30 pm.
Needless to say, is the fact that the journey back to Bariga sapped all the joy I gained from eating at the Cafeteria.
Rating
Ambiance: 8
Customer service: 8
Food: 7
Will I want to come again? This is definitely a YES because I really want to sample more of the menu contained in that black jacket.
This post is dedicated to Dalley Joseph. A friend who’s been a strong supporter of this blog. I’m giving this to him because his birthday comes just once every 4 years. Yes, he was born on the 29th of February.
