OUT TO LUNCH: Something's Fishy Today...

We're approaching the end of winter in Namibia. The days are slightly longer, sunny and bright, framed by the bluest of blue skies. Oh, the blue skies of winter in Namibia are stunning, aren't they?

I've seen a few t-shirts on the streets of Windhoek even though the nights are chilly, and the odd sandal. It took a while for us to 'register' a drop in temperatures indicated the approaching winter and many of us stubbornly refused to dress accordingly but all in all, it was a good, uneventful season.

Lunch today was a pleasant visit to a popular local lunch haunt, Fishmonger's, in Adler Street, Windhoek West. The latter is also a favoured chomping site of some of the coolest people in Windhoek.

While waiting for my take-away order, I had the pleasure of running into COTA (College of the Arts) photographic lecturer, Kristin Capp (wife of famous Namibian filmmaker, Cecil Moller). A renowned photographic artist, Kristin is also the guest photo essayist in our leading current affairs publication, Insight Namibia magazine.

Kristin wore an intriguing pair of earrings, I commented on them and wanted a closer look, but she's so shy and retiring I couldn't snap them properly, or assess the quality of the stone in the setting. All I can say at this stage is I'd really like a pair myself, based on what my eye perceived.

Back to Fishmonger's. The image above shows the vintage wall decorations in the main dining hall. Very vogue right now, vintage signs, especially collectible original Coca-Cola signs, are perennial decor favourites. If all else fails, and your day is beyond redemption, take a few minutes to view this collection of vintage signs at Fishmonger's.

Marco Eck, the friendly owner of Fishmonger's, is a straightforward, hard-working, fish-talking man. I suspect he is actually a fine dining expert (there's an aura of that particular sensitivity around him). I personally prefer the hake fried in beer batter with fresher-than-fresh potato chips and Marco, hastily corrected me when I pronounced the batter as 'butter'. He really likes his menu and so he should. It's a winner!

Next time you're in the area, pop into Fishmonger's for a bite of fresh fish, sushi and great maritime dishes cuisine in the middle of wintry Namibia, Windhoek city. The restaurant is open 6 days a week; closed on Sundays and public holidays. 

The simple, marine-inspired decor is complimented by friendly and helpful staff members wearing blue t-shirts. Leena and Natasha (below) will process your order quickly and professionally. They also know exactly what is on the menu and where to find it, which is refreshing. 

You won't feel guilty about indulging in these dishes. You won't feel the need to lie to your friends that you haven't had anything to eat for the whole day...and how you've lost so much weight already. At Fishmonger's it's all good for everyone. Good great fish for the whole family and a great dining experience for small groups, couples and persons in the singular (like me). 

The restaurant space is quite small, the stairs to the entrance have to be carefully negotiated (up and down), be prepared to run into old friends and acquaintances, and remember on a good day (which might be any day) this place can get hectically busy, so busy you won't get a word in edgewise. The food is freshly prepared so take time along and above all, HAVE A GOOD ONE!