Le Dagorne…

“Eh pourtant, pourtant je n’aime que toi..”

Charles Aznavour

Hello out there, hope this post finds you doing wonderful:)

This year I have promised myself to try new things, new places. I told myself at the beginning of the year that I wanted to go to new places de manière organique. There were a few old ,establishments I had wanted to visit for a while now. Le Dagorne one of the oldest restaurant in town was on the list. It’s located near by le fameux Marché Kermel. Le Dagorne it was for my solo date. I wanted to avoid rush hour & planned for a quiet dinner.

I called the restaurant to check their opening hours. I was told that doors would open at 19h 30. Perfect! it was Saturday and the drive to the city is usually easy. Downtown Dakar is rather quiet on weekends.Some locals often travel for the weekends while others frequent the Almadies or Corniche areas. I wanted to feel pretty in pink for myself.it’s important to celebrate our own womanhood without seeking the approval of others. My Yango ride picked me up and we talked about the yearly floods problems in the suburbs. He explained to me that during the rainy seasons, some families are forced to relocate in empty schools because their homes are totally flooded. We both agreed that the government should allocate more funds to resolve the pipelines issues that affect the population every single year.

Once I arrived at the restaurant I was greeted by 2 experienced waitresses in their black knee length skirts & white blouses. I noticed their beautiful bare faces, life lived was their only make up !They wore their emotions in their eyes. I imagined the countless faces they have seen during their careers. It was Saturday evening , at this age they probably could have benefitted from a “relaxed evening ” at home. They looked beautiful yet understandably tired ! I had the restaurant to myself as I was hoping lol.I was walking around the dining room talking on the phone freely lol.

While I was waiting for my gratin de pommes 2 terres au poulet,I was presented with a small plate of tiny sliced tomatoes .In my head I was thinking (what the h…l lol) & non enthusiastically I tried one tomatoe & soon after I found myself finishing the whole plate. They were seasoned just right , I wish I could have gotten the dressing recipe ..perfecto 🙂 Around 8: 30 PM, I was really surprised that the restaurant was still quiet. Delivery guys were coming in and out so . Things have really changed in Dakar, people ordering in is almost banale now.

I don’t remenber the name of the cocktail but it was delicious.I am sure it was a mix of pineapple , orange and something else. It took a little while for my meal to be served. However once I was presented with my potato gratin, I was not disappointed at all. For dessert I wanted une creme brulée but it was not available so I ordered instead another fruit cocktail. Overall I would go back to le Dagorne, I really enjoyed the food and the place.

Afterwards I wanted to walk around the Kermel neigberhood that I don’t visit often. I asked the waitresses if the area was safe at night. They reassured me and told me that at night il y’a des gardiens partout. Kermel has its own vibe.It’s colorful has colonial style architecture and the streets are a little narrow .While walking, I got a little triggered when I heard behind me a moped.Last year I almost got mobbed by 3 young men on a moped but thank God I was able to escape. (that’s another story 😅).Thankfully I was the last thing on their mind lol. Downtown Dakar was really quiet , just the perfect way to end my outing:)

‘Till next time InshAllah:)

Yaye

“Eh pourtant, pourtant je n’aime que toi..”

Charles Aznavour