French all over again at Bonjour

Philip Mwakio

When I received an invitation to attend a farewell party for outgoing French Ambassador to Kenya, Elizabeth Barbier, memories of my stay in Paris, France, quickly came to mind.

The farewell had been organised by Alliance Francaise, Mombasa at CafÈ Bonjour. The well-lit restaurant on Kwa Shibu Road depicts French culture. If you have been to France, the restaurant is all one needs to bring back the memories.

From the colour scheme, ambience and general setting, CafÈ Bonjour has risen above the rest in terms of exemplary service and friendly staff. As we sat down for the business of the day, smart looking waiters and waitresses with trays full of hot pickings went round satisfying our taste buds.

According to Manager Eric Otieno customer service is the hallmark of their operations. Even the French ambassador and her entourage were mesmerised at the good reception.

CafÈ Bonjour’s location is ideal and offers that limited privacy one would require in Mombasa’s Central Business District (CBD). Proprietor Peter Truenen has left nothing to chance as he aspires to bring the whole of Parisian culture into Mombasa.

"We want to remain unique and give the best service ever in terms of quality drinks and food from diverse cultures," he says.

Who needs to go to Paris when our own version of France is right at our very doorstep?