Carol Kezaabu
24 November 2008
opinion
Kampala — Is any place safe from the expansive reach of Kampala's night life? A new bar was recently opened at Uganda Manufactures Agricultural show grounds at Lugogo.
The Palette Bar and Restaurant is the brainchild of Daudi Karungi, an artist, who also owns the Afriart Gallery in the same building. The launch started with an art exhibition in the gallery and happy hour followed at the bar. Karungi showcased his new exhibition Foundations, a portrayal of his experience and observations about the life.
Upstairs, where the bar is located, doubles as a restaurant. The dimly lit, stylish and relaxing ambience of the lounge is decorated with local cultural materials, giving the bar a natural but modern look.
The décor is lifted out by Karungi's paintings, locally made pots, baskets and potted plants. Patrons have three seating options, the sofa lounge, the bar area with stools and the patio which has wooden tables and chairs. It offers a view of the grounds and traffic on the highway.
The turn up on the night of the launch was good with the first 50 guests enjoying free drinks. While the kitchen special that night was a barbeque, the Palette offers a lunch buffet and a coffee bar.
It is an ideal place to relax after work; with easy access to public transport. The toilets are clean and there is a lot of secure parking space. Karungi says he wants to introduce Ugandans to the experience of art and culture while enjoying the exploits of a bar and restaurant. The gallery is open during the day and on some nights for patrons to view the work of several artists.
The Palette is open from Monday to Saturday and several theme nights are being developed. Creative Minds Night was launched last Wednesday with a tribute to Miriam Makeba, a reknowned artiste who passed away recently.
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