Ladies Night: Hookah, Cupcakes and Martinis

Last night eight ladies gathered around here in Lusaka to simply bond over hookah, cupcakes and adult vodka beverages.  The idea came to three of us on a day off as we were sitting around enjoying pedicures.  We were chatting about the Marines' past cigar night and we pondered "What would a ladies version be like?"  We thought cigars and cupcakes but then many of us did not smoke cigars so why not something softer and more enjoyable?  Hookahs.  Perfect.

After a week of planning via emails and hallway chats one of the ladies, Ashleigh, added the fun idea of adding a henna artist and belly dancing! Two amazing ideas!  

The food was even amazing! Ashleigh made some amazing food - chicken kabobs, hummus, pita bread, couscous and homemade tzatziki sauce.  Another guest, Emily, made yummy mango salsa.  Tamu's husband went all out and dazzled us ladies with chicken curry and shrimp curry.  The hostess, LaDonda, not only opened her home, but also made amazing cupcakes: limoncello, strawberry margarita and pinotage/chocolate! The rest of the food was mainly catered by a local Mediterranean restaurant, Mezza:  beef and chicken schwarma, fried pita bread, baba ghanoush and falafel.  SO GOOD!  

Chicken kabobs

Falafel and other yumminess

Fried pita chips and baba ghanoush

Couscous

The healthy side: fruit and veggie trays

I, of course, was on bar duty and made the 'welcome drink' - Tropical Skittles Martini - which I served to the ladies as they arrived. The bar was stocked! Ashleigh also made a refreshing pomegranate blueberry vodka drink and one of the guests, Joi, made what she named the "McBride special" which consisted of vooooooodka, peach juice topped with sprite, garnished with mango and strawberries.  There was also wine - red, white and prosecco.  Again, all of this was for EIGHT ladies! 

Welcome ladies! LaDonda with Tropical Skittles Martini

Blueberry pomegranate vodka goodness

The wine selection

Dark chocolate filled with various liquours

It was a wonderful evening with 7 ladies ... you know we are already planning the next party! Special thanks to LaDonda and her husband for opening their home to host this wonderful event!  Enjoy the photos of our amazing ladies night! 

Centerpieces that are both beautiful and functional.

Cupcakes and hookah

LaDonda sits for her henna session

#art #henna

Hookah

Belly dancing was SO FUN!

First Brunch in Zambia: Sugarbush Cafe

Good Sunday evening loves!  Well I have been in Zambia for a month now -- wow .. time does fly!

This past Saturday I planned to see three potential new homes.  But before business I enjoyed a little pleasure with my new friend, LaDonda, and her three children. First stop was the commissary.  After I spent way too much money, LaDonda decided to introduce me to Sugarbush Cafe.

Since arriving in Lusaka I have heard so many things about this "Sugarbush" but unfortunately, it is not open for dinner and it has been difficult getting there for lunch during the week.  Well, it was worth the wait!

The weather was absolutely perfect:  clear, blue skies, everything green due to the hydration from the rainy season, perfectly timed cool breezes on an afternoon where the weather was upper 70s with no humidity.  A beautiful Saturday.

While the kids ran toward the playground to enjoy the treehouse, the tire swing and the open field, I decided to walk into Jackal and Hide (http://www.jackalandhide.net/) which is attached to Sugarbush Cafe.  Jackal and Hide sells high quality leather goods, such as purses, wristlets and belts.  Ladies, you can also find handmade necklaces, earrings and greeting cards.  Additionally, you can find woodwork, pillow covers and other pieces to decorate your home!

After admiring (and making mental notes of what I would buy) the goods in Jackal and Hide, I joined LaDonda to place an order for lunch.  The dining area is large picnic tables with benches under large umbrellas.  It is an open space, noise is not an issue so it is perfect for reading or having a conversation with friends.

Our table number and the menu

As the kids played, she ordered them a cookies/cream shake as well as chicken fingers, fries and peas for lunch.  She and I both enjoyed adult beverages as well as a chicken burger with canadian bacon and fresh cut fries.  While I (FINALLY) enjoyed good rum (Mt. Gay) with coke, LaDonda enjoyed an English Garden made with gin, dry vermouth, cucumber, grapes and topped with soda. When the milkshakes arrived the kids took a play break and enjoyed them until the very last drop! That may be something I need to try on my next trip!  When the food arrived it was hot, well plated and delicious! I was impressed with this chicken burger!  Next time I may have to try the pancakes or french toast but on this trip I definitely did not regret my choice.

Cookies and cream milkshakes

English Garden:  an adult beverage

Kids' meal:  chicken fingers, peas and fresh cut fries

Chicken burger with canadian bacon and fresh cut fries

At the entrance / exit you will be greeted by a group of adorable boys with their hands full of beautiful flowers which you can buy for 5 - 10 kwacha.  The boys are cute and the flowers are vibrant, but do not buy the flowers.  My friend advised that as beautiful as they are they are full of ants.  On our we out we each handed the boys kwacha to share and continued on our way home after an amazing brunch.

If you are ever in Lusaka, find your way down Leopards Hill road to Sugarbush Cafe.  Sugarbush Cafe is closed on Mondays but open 8:30a - 530pm Tuesdays - Saturdays.  Go alone with a book, bring the kids for a fun day out or share fresh juice (or adult beverage) with friends -- either way you will not regret it!

Brunch with a view