The Sunday News
Peter Matika Senior Leisure Reporter
GRIEVING the loss of a loved one can be a lengthy process and it’s different for everyone, even when the cause of the grief is the same.
After a death, a house that previously offered many comforts can create complex sorrows, because the home has been forever changed.But the home also offers a place to take care of those who remain, emotionally, spiritually and physically, which can also be a way to pay tribute to loved ones.
During the hard work of self-care, it is important to have an outlet for grief. One outlet may be to establish a way of remembering the loved one in the home or elsewhere.
Simple design gestures can help you find a peaceful new existence while keeping memories alive.
Sunday Leisure recently discovered that a Moyo family from Bulawayo’s affluent Hillside suburb has devised a unique manner of dealing with the grief of losing their loved one.
The family established a swanky restaurant — Mashies Coffee Shop and Restaurant, housed at Treger House building between 11th and 12th Avenues along Jason Moyo Street, Bulawayo, as a way of dealing with the grief of losing their beloved sister, whom the restaurant was named after.
The restaurant, which is one of Bulawayo’s best kept secrets since its establishment in July this year, boasts of a delightful set-up that exudes a cosy, mellow and soothing atmosphere.
Sunday Leisure senior reporter Peter Matika (PM) had an opportunity to talk to a member of the Moyo family — Patience Moyo warmly known to her friends and family as Noni about the restaurant.
Below are extracts of the interview:
PM: This is a cosy and snug eating place. When was it established and how come it hasn’t been at the tip of people’s tongues?
Noni: Well we opened Mashies in July this year and surprisingly we have been advertising and have had a good response since.
PM: Interesting, but we haven’t heard about it, anyway brief us of what inspired you to open this snug and inviting joint.
Noni: Firstly, this is a family business and we decided to run a food outlet because we love food. But most of all this was in remembrance of our sister Mashie, whom we named the shop after.
PM: Wow, that’s rather a distinctive way of dealing with grief. Please enlighten us more about your late sister.
Noni: Our sister was a very warm, loving and kind person. She enjoyed having fun and everyone was drawn to her. She had a beautiful character and we miss her. She loved good food and had a sweet tooth. She sadly passed on when she was just 26 but her legacy lives on within us and that is why we named this place after her.
PM: She really must have been a lovely person. The decorations in this place are artistically funky and retro. They create a nostalgic feeling once you set foot in the restaurant. I am sure lots of people would enjoy chilling here. What is its holding capacity?
Noni: It is indeed a cool, vibrant and jazzy atmosphere. Mashies welcomes anyone and everybody. We specialise in healthy succulent meals, catering for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. It has a holding capacity of 100 people and another 100 in the courtyard.
PM: Since this is a family business are all the people employed here part of the family?
Noni: I manage the place while my younger brother is the chef. There are other employees of course that are part of Mashies and are not directly family members, but they are family because they work here.
PM: What does your menu have to offer and since this is a family business what do you think of the food you offer?
Noni: This was also an opportunity for our family to share our taste and love for different cuisine. As a family we do love good food and love sharing. We serve a variety of healthy English dishes and foods for both adults and kids. We also serve hot and cold beverages and cocktails. And by cocktails, I mean nutritious and healthy drinks not alcohol. The only alcohol we may serve is wine, which is regulated by the licence.
PM: How much did it cost to revamp this place, I am sure it once used to be home to a night club.
Noni: Well we are still hoping to see this business grow and really can’t divulge the amount of money we channelled into this project. We are still in the process of growing and find it is not wise to talk about money at this moment.
PM: Being a new place in Bulawayo, a city regarded as a town flooded with food outlets how do you plan on remaining relevant and at the top of other cafes?
Noni: There is competition but we aim at maintaining our standards. We host live jazz bands every Saturday and the place is mellow and cozy for all our customers.
PM: Lovely, I do hope to be a regular here, the aroma from the kitchen has already got my taste buds tingling and salivating in glee. Good luck.
