Author: Mpinganzima Alexia

Kigali Marriott brings the region together with the Nyama Choma Grill & Chill Experience

The Kigali Marriott hotel has brought this concept for guests and lovers of the tasty Nyama Choma, served by a brigade of professional chefs endowed with experience from the region.

The Nyama Choma, Swahili for ‘roast meat’, is eaten on special occasions, such as a weekend family get-together, with ‘Ugali’ and the fresh vegetable salad, ‘Kachumbari’. The roast goat meat is served up as a kind of social lubricant, often aided by copious amounts of the local beer.

Victoria Obiakor – Director of Sales and Marketing at Kigali Marriott, observed that the concept was brought up as a way to bring the region together at the hotel, as the Nyama Choma is well known in East Africa.

“Our main thing at Kigali Marriott is not just international guests but also what we can bring to the market for residents just to come on a Saturday and enjoy. For Rwf 20 000 per person, you can eat meat, have promotional drinks and kids get a 50% discount,” says Obiakor.

At its Iriba Bar & Terrace, Kigali Marriott offers a fun-filled Saturday where families and friends can gather for the Nyama Choma Grill & Chill experience and have an entertaining evening with DJs and a live band to cap off their week.

You will find guests hanging out for hours, enjoying beer after beer, and when the meat comes, slowly digging in piece by piece.

“My family often comes here at Marriott – this is our fourth time to attend the Nyama Choma Grill & Chill experience. It’s very friendly and lots of families come over. It’s an authentic Nyama Choma with style,” said Diana Hodson, a guest from Kigali Marriott.

The newest and most exciting addition to Kigali Marriott’s Nyama Choma Grill & Chill experience is its extravagant Moët & Chandon Champagne bar.

“You can go anywhere for the Nyama Choma, but if you come to Marriott, you will have it at a good price and with style. This time, it’s even better with the introduction of the Moët Champagne Bar, which for me is another level of high-class establishment; where you are served something purely African like the Nyama Choma but you get to have the Champagne too. It’s simply original,” added Hodson.

“My experience at the Nyama Choma Grill & Chill Experience is….well, the Nyama Choma is simply amazing,” gushed one of Diana’s children, Myra Hodson.

The concept at the Iriba Bar &Terrace is a buffet set-up with various meat, fruits, vegetables and many other delights to enjoy.

When it comes to food at the Kigali Marriott, guests are spoiled for culinary choices that extend beyond the buffet. If you haven’t yet experienced the Nyama Choma Grill & Chill, be sure to try it at the hotel, every last Saturday of the month,

Having opened its doors in Kigali City Centre in 2016, the Kigali Marriott Hotel is a subsidiary of Marriott International which is present in over 131 countries with more than 7,000 hotels globally.

June 23, 2019
Kigali Marriott delights guests with delectable Aperitivo

Just a while ago I ordered a glass of Negroni Sbagliato. Upon its arrival came this savory selection of appetizers, posing a real problem for me. It’s seven o’clock in the evening and a four-course dinner awaits me later tonight. I have no intentions of spoiling my appetite. On the other hand, turning down food in Kigali Marriott with the glorious recommendation my friends gave me could make me regret this in a near future.

Placing my cocktail back on the table, I admire the plates again. They are silently staring back at me, tempting my taste buds, with their enticing aromas floating around me. Hints of rosemary sneak up and touch my nose, then dance away; beckoning me to come a little closer.

I want to send back the food. But then again I would love just a bite.

Next to the calamari and Arancini, little snacks bait me with their brilliant red and yellow looks. Leaning down I smell the bouquet of earthy, fresh tomatoes and garlic.

Aperitivo is derived from the Latin word, aperire, meaning opening. The pre-dinner drink and spread of food are meant to awaken the taste buds and stir up the stomach juices.

Occurring after work between the hours of 6 pm and 8 pm, the aperitivo beckons one to indulge their senses in preparation for dinner ahead.

While some places keep it simple, only offering bowls of olives, nuts and chips; Kigali Marriott offers dishes that could contest with those of a four-course dinner. Freshly fried Arancini, delicious calamari, platters of meats and cheeses, and marinated vegetables. Still, competing with dinner itself, the hotel offers an elaborate buffet, testing one’s willpower not to overindulge.

One thing is for sure: An alluring scene awaits you in Kigali Marriott! Be sure to try Cucina Restaurant’s fresh and flavorsome favorites that bring the heart of Italy to Kigali.

March 19, 2019
Have yourself a Taste of Kigali Marriott’s Picasso Night

The sessions take place at the Cucina Restaurant, where the five-star hotel serves both original Italian dishes and signature à la carte options.

“Italy is known for its food, arts, and wine, and at Kigali Marriott, we’ve brought all these fantastic things together in Picasso nights. The idea is to have a place where guests can walk around easels, and paint while waiting for their food to be served. We just hope to bring the best of Italy to Kigali!” says Alyson Hayes, Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Kigali Marriott Hotel.

With a growing number of hotels, bars and restaurants serving up “learning experiences” along with their happy hour fare, Kigali Marriott Hotel decided to indulge guests through the ‘Picasso Nights’.

“I invite everyone to participate because there is no judging, it is just enjoying the evening and delighting your senses. As you are using your creative sense, your touch, your feel with having your tastes spoiled by our chefs, I promise you there is no better way to treat yourself,” invites Hayes.

While sipping wine and other beverages, participants are walked through the process of producing a work of art by an Instructor.

“This isn’t your typical paint class, this is a paint party; A night out doesn’t have to mean standing around in a crowded bar; you can have your fun painting while sipping on a drink, eating or just having some time out with your friends, ” says Artist Rigobert Uwiduhaye, an artist/instructor who guided guests at the Picasso night.

Uwiduhaye observed that the sessions are incredibly stimulating — and more importantly, fun. Never before had he tapped into his penchant for art in this way.

“I get to help guests at Kigali Marriott have an affordable night out, and I’m so happy I can help people enjoy their leisure time out with their friends,” added Uwiduhaye.

Those who attended the event did their own painting, following the example of the instructor.

Kigali Marriott Hotel also offers a delectable weekend brunch and a range of Theme Nights which feature Indian, Asian, and African foods at the Soko Restaurant.

From Mojito Madness to Ladies Night to Variety nights, guests can also find a fun-filled and lively atmosphere at the hotel’s Iriba Bar and Terrace, with most evenings offering spectacular drinks specials.

March 19, 2019