Page 52 - Fiji Traveller 8

RAISING

Saturdays at The Bar-Belle is a tradition for many families; a heave with fresh lobster and prawns, kai, nama (sea grapes)
chance to taste the freshest seafood in town and a reward for salad, lumi (seaweed), kokoda, battered and fried, melt-in-
completing your marketing or chores. the-mouth eggplant, creamy rourou, and kakana dina (taro,
For visitors to the capital, lunch at the restaurant is a chance cassava, uto (in season) and vudi). It’s all best washed down
to sample traditional Fijian dishes in unpretentious, but with icy kumquat juice, which you can buy by the jug.
atmospheric surrounds. Save room if you can (and props to your self-restraint if you
The Bar-Belle, which is located in a semi-outdoors area at do), as The Bar-Belle also does wonderful desserts, including
the National Fitness Centre, has a unique aspect. Sit facing banana lote and coconut pie - perfect with a cup of tea.
the busy kitchen and you may have a view of the capital’s You will likely linger over your meal and conversation, but once
weightlifters training. On rugby game days, your meal will be you are satiated, there are a few things in the neighbourhood to
accompanied by the soundtrack of elated or pained (depending do. If it’s not too hot, and you’re not feeling too weighed down
on the scoreboard) supporters from the nearby national stadium. by all that deliciousness, you can take a stroll along the (newly
The heart that adorns the restaurant’s signage is reflected refurbished) sea wall promenade. During the week, the Oceania
in the love you will find on your plate. The Bar-Belle’s meals, Centre gallery (see our featured Gallery Guide) is just around
especially the seafood platters, are made for sharing; important the corner, or you can cool off at the Damodar City Aquatic
if you want to try all the delicacies on offer. Centre. Of course another option...find a nice cool spot and
These platters, depending on which variation you choose, kana, moce!

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