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| The Bar of Shiro |
Shiro, or castle
in Japanese dialect, is the name of Lagos’ new dramatic and soaring Restaurant
and leisure center situated on the Island of Lagos. On arrival at the Landmark Village, Oniru—Lagos pan Asian
restaurant, the interiors immediately captures your imagination and stretches your
senses for an inquiry. Especially if the visit is in the evening like Asabeafrika found out recently.
in Japanese dialect, is the name of Lagos’ new dramatic and soaring Restaurant
and leisure center situated on the Island of Lagos. On arrival at the Landmark Village, Oniru—Lagos pan Asian
restaurant, the interiors immediately captures your imagination and stretches your
senses for an inquiry. Especially if the visit is in the evening like Asabeafrika found out recently.
The towering
interior of the restaurant which is laced with a unique combination of natural
stones, woods, slate, leather, bamboo and velvet complemented by shimmering
lotus pools, soft furniture and subtle lighting, arrest your imagination
immediately. The scale of art is impressive but so is the attention to detail
in profiling.
interior of the restaurant which is laced with a unique combination of natural
stones, woods, slate, leather, bamboo and velvet complemented by shimmering
lotus pools, soft furniture and subtle lighting, arrest your imagination
immediately. The scale of art is impressive but so is the attention to detail
in profiling.
Shiro’s
ability to stimulate your senses continues with their diverse cuisine and
sophisticated bar. Inspired by the fiery orient culture of the far & middle
east, the menu offers an assorted mix of Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese
and Thai meals that includes a wide range of sushi, sashimi and Cantonese soft,
sum to tempt even the most discerning of appetite. If that doesn’t appeal to
you, then perhaps the entertainment at one of it’s live Teppanyaki tables might. The signature cocktails there are
international with an Asian twist complemented by a substantial wine list.
ability to stimulate your senses continues with their diverse cuisine and
sophisticated bar. Inspired by the fiery orient culture of the far & middle
east, the menu offers an assorted mix of Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese
and Thai meals that includes a wide range of sushi, sashimi and Cantonese soft,
sum to tempt even the most discerning of appetite. If that doesn’t appeal to
you, then perhaps the entertainment at one of it’s live Teppanyaki tables might. The signature cocktails there are
international with an Asian twist complemented by a substantial wine list.
Last Thursday
Evening, your Africa’s Number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika visited Shiro
and spoke to the two men who run the six months old talk of the town Pan African
Restaurant in Lagos. Dhiren Pawar
and Unni Krishnan (Operations Manager)
told us the secret of their success within a short period in operation. You will
enjoy the excerpts.
Evening, your Africa’s Number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog, Asabeafrika visited Shiro
and spoke to the two men who run the six months old talk of the town Pan African
Restaurant in Lagos. Dhiren Pawar
and Unni Krishnan (Operations Manager)
told us the secret of their success within a short period in operation. You will
enjoy the excerpts.
How we run Shiro & Hard Rock Cafe—DHIREN PAWAR
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| Dhiren Pawar and his colleague, Unni Krishnan with the GDA |
It is quite amazing that we have such
a serene environment here and I was quite surprised at your octane culture. How
have you been able to succeed so far?
a serene environment here and I was quite surprised at your octane culture. How
have you been able to succeed so far?
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| Pawar talks to the GDA |
We own Hardrock and Shiro as well. The company is SJM
Ventures from India. Our parent
company is called JSM, we have 8 Hardrock (Cafes) and 3 Shiro (Restaurants) in India and we decided to open one in Lagos because my boss is from Lagos, he is an indigene of Lagos. So, we opened Hard Rock (Café) first and Shiro next.
Ventures from India. Our parent
company is called JSM, we have 8 Hardrock (Cafes) and 3 Shiro (Restaurants) in India and we decided to open one in Lagos because my boss is from Lagos, he is an indigene of Lagos. So, we opened Hard Rock (Café) first and Shiro next.
What is Shiro all about?
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| Pawar opens up to the GDA as Unni looks on |
Shiro is basically an exciting restaurant
with mixed course meal. We sell Vietnamese,
Korean, Thai, Chinese meals. So, we basically offer all the cuisine of Asian countries that is why it is exciting. That is how we started and it has been six months since we opened.
with mixed course meal. We sell Vietnamese,
Korean, Thai, Chinese meals. So, we basically offer all the cuisine of Asian countries that is why it is exciting. That is how we started and it has been six months since we opened.
What is the secret of your popularity
within this short while of establishing your business in Lagos? Why is Shiro
now leading in the Victoria Island cuisine business community?
within this short while of establishing your business in Lagos? Why is Shiro
now leading in the Victoria Island cuisine business community?
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| The GDA meets the Shiro executives |
One is
because of the space, the ambience, the service, the food, the menu, meal on
the beach with the private beach as well that we have. We are offering Lagos something they haven’t seen
before in terms of high sea lanes, the status and stuffs like that, the
ambience is very arresting and the service culture is royalty. We treat our
customers like kings and queens.
because of the space, the ambience, the service, the food, the menu, meal on
the beach with the private beach as well that we have. We are offering Lagos something they haven’t seen
before in terms of high sea lanes, the status and stuffs like that, the
ambience is very arresting and the service culture is royalty. We treat our
customers like kings and queens.
Talking about your various statues on
the wall and everywhere, it really called my attention when I came in, this is
the first time I am seeing such a bold cultural manifestation side by side
hospitality?
the wall and everywhere, it really called my attention when I came in, this is
the first time I am seeing such a bold cultural manifestation side by side
hospitality?
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| Pawar to Asabeafrika…’At Shiro, service counts’ |
The status
simply adds to the culture of service. It is of Cambodian mythology, her name is Tara and she depicts wealth and prosperity.
simply adds to the culture of service. It is of Cambodian mythology, her name is Tara and she depicts wealth and prosperity.
Does Tara have any genealogy with the
Egyptian mythology?
Egyptian mythology?
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| Tara: The goddess of wealth and prosperity |
No, she is
one of the ten disciples of Buddha.
She simply depicts wealth and prosperity.
one of the ten disciples of Buddha.
She simply depicts wealth and prosperity.
So, what other deals do you have for
fun seekers who want to have their weddings, birthday and launch ceremonies
here, I mean across the sea as we are now?
fun seekers who want to have their weddings, birthday and launch ceremonies
here, I mean across the sea as we are now?
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| Unni, GDA & Pawar |
We do a lot
of birthday ceremonies as you could see inside; we have events, family parties,
cocktail ceremonies and many more. We have started to do destination weddings
as well. It is a unique service bouquet from us.
of birthday ceremonies as you could see inside; we have events, family parties,
cocktail ceremonies and many more. We have started to do destination weddings
as well. It is a unique service bouquet from us.
What is Destination Wedding all
about?
about?
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| The Shiro Executives in a pose with the GDA |
It simply mean
you can book the entire beach and we charge you a certain amount of money. We
can even cater for you or you bring your caterer from outside, it depends on what
you require.
you can book the entire beach and we charge you a certain amount of money. We
can even cater for you or you bring your caterer from outside, it depends on what
you require.
Does it stops with weddings alone?
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| Pawar to Asabeafrika…’We don’t put a price to quality service’ |
Not at all
but since we have a lot of young and mobile people who appreciate quality
memories and love to have quality events, we are majorly making our destination
wedding bouquets extra-ordinary but we could do more than that. You could birth
with a destination product launch event, a destination birthday party and a
destination family outing party or picnic ceremony. It is a compendium of
ceremonies. We just want the best for our customers. That is the spirit of Shiro.
but since we have a lot of young and mobile people who appreciate quality
memories and love to have quality events, we are majorly making our destination
wedding bouquets extra-ordinary but we could do more than that. You could birth
with a destination product launch event, a destination birthday party and a
destination family outing party or picnic ceremony. It is a compendium of
ceremonies. We just want the best for our customers. That is the spirit of Shiro.
How expensive is your service, is your
service for everybody or a certain class of people in the society?
service for everybody or a certain class of people in the society?
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| Hospitality unlimited at Shiro Bar |
I wouldn’t
like to put a price to an experience because Shiro is all about experience, so I wouldn’t really want to put a
price to it. But if you had to put a price to it, it will be very moderate and
affordable. All you need to do is to make a trial. If you are conservative you
can dine with a meal for two people for about twenty thousand naira. It is still moderate, but that again means
you are still conservative. I mean if you want to do a good meal between two
people, I will say it cost you about sixty
thousand Naira, Fifty Thousand Naira
it depends.
like to put a price to an experience because Shiro is all about experience, so I wouldn’t really want to put a
price to it. But if you had to put a price to it, it will be very moderate and
affordable. All you need to do is to make a trial. If you are conservative you
can dine with a meal for two people for about twenty thousand naira. It is still moderate, but that again means
you are still conservative. I mean if you want to do a good meal between two
people, I will say it cost you about sixty
thousand Naira, Fifty Thousand Naira
it depends.
You mean food alone?
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| Pawar Speaks with the GDA |
That’s
including drinks, but that is if you are doing something fancy. If you are
doing something very basic, it is going to cost you twenty thousand naira.
including drinks, but that is if you are doing something fancy. If you are
doing something very basic, it is going to cost you twenty thousand naira.
In Nigeria we love culture,
hospitality and celebration. How is that affecting your business?
hospitality and celebration. How is that affecting your business?
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| The Royal Culture of Shiro depicting Hospitality |
Indians are known for their hospitality; they
are known for their service strength, they are known for IT which is a major-major breakthrough at the moment. Otherwise we
have a lot of restaurant. We are like the Lebanese.
You know the Lebanese are very
popular in Nigeria on the food and
beverages spaces. For us Indians,
food and beverages is something that comes naturally to us.
are known for their service strength, they are known for IT which is a major-major breakthrough at the moment. Otherwise we
have a lot of restaurant. We are like the Lebanese.
You know the Lebanese are very
popular in Nigeria on the food and
beverages spaces. For us Indians,
food and beverages is something that comes naturally to us.
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| The Shiro Executives with the GDA at the Shiro Beach Bar |
Are you married?
Yes, I am
married.
married.
Are you a vegetarian, you almost look
like one?
like one?
No, no, I am
completely non-vegetarian. I don’t need anything vegetarian.
completely non-vegetarian. I don’t need anything vegetarian.
How long have you been in this
service?
service?
I have been
in this business for 15 years. I love the business because it is all about
service and dedication.
in this business for 15 years. I love the business because it is all about
service and dedication.
Do you have a philosophy?
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| Mr. Pawar in a handshake with the GDA |
Yes, I
believe you can only live life once and you should live it to the fullest. My
philosophy is living it to the fullest. Let it be eventful and full of
activities.
believe you can only live life once and you should live it to the fullest. My
philosophy is living it to the fullest. Let it be eventful and full of
activities.
Why Shiro is leading on Lagos Island—UNNI KRISHNAN (Operations Manager)
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| UNNI KRISHTAN gives the GDA a welcoming smile |
What is the secret of Shiro
Restaurant by the pool side of Elegushi. What has earned you such a massive
reputation in six months?
Restaurant by the pool side of Elegushi. What has earned you such a massive
reputation in six months?
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| UNNI to Asabeafrika….’At Shiro we are service sensitive’ |
I believe it
simply has to do with our bearing to hospitality and we have this sense of
service that we always ensure that we deliver to customers. The first one is
the quality of the food, the quality of the service and right quality of our
tradition in terms of cocktails and the ambience of service. The second is that
we have a team of managers that ensures that every customer that walks in goes
out with a splendid memory when they walk out. Your splendid memory will always
bring you back
simply has to do with our bearing to hospitality and we have this sense of
service that we always ensure that we deliver to customers. The first one is
the quality of the food, the quality of the service and right quality of our
tradition in terms of cocktails and the ambience of service. The second is that
we have a team of managers that ensures that every customer that walks in goes
out with a splendid memory when they walk out. Your splendid memory will always
bring you back
Your company also runs Hard Rock
Café, why is Hard Rock Café becoming Number 1?
Café, why is Hard Rock Café becoming Number 1?
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| When the topic is Shiro, UNNI speaks like this and Bawar looks |
Hard Rock
Café as a concern is basically known all round the world and they are
originally from America and they are
into American cuisine. The kind of
food they serve is American food and
lots of young people will love to come back because of the kind of food they
serve, the kind of drinks and they love
the American music, rock, soul and
Hip-Hop and especially in Nigeria,
they also play Nigerian music. That
is for Hard Rock Café but here we
only do Hip-Hop, R & B and a lot of Naija music.
We don’t do too much Rock but our
food is very Asian based, our
cocktails are very Asian based but
the music, the ambience and the feel is dedicated to Nigerians. Hard Rock Café
is in good partnership with Shiro.
While Shiro tends to the elderly and
matured crowd, Hard Rock Café tends
to the young minds.
Café as a concern is basically known all round the world and they are
originally from America and they are
into American cuisine. The kind of
food they serve is American food and
lots of young people will love to come back because of the kind of food they
serve, the kind of drinks and they love
the American music, rock, soul and
Hip-Hop and especially in Nigeria,
they also play Nigerian music. That
is for Hard Rock Café but here we
only do Hip-Hop, R & B and a lot of Naija music.
We don’t do too much Rock but our
food is very Asian based, our
cocktails are very Asian based but
the music, the ambience and the feel is dedicated to Nigerians. Hard Rock Café
is in good partnership with Shiro.
While Shiro tends to the elderly and
matured crowd, Hard Rock Café tends
to the young minds.
What is your clientele ratio like for
Hard Rock Café and Shiro Restaurant?
Hard Rock Café and Shiro Restaurant?
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| Mr. UNNI speaks with the GDA on Shiro |
For Hard Rock, I will say about 80% are Nigerians and 20% expatriates. But here
in Shiro, you will see the reverse
mix, 80% expatriates and about 20% Nigerians.
in Shiro, you will see the reverse
mix, 80% expatriates and about 20% Nigerians.
What is your philosophy of life?
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| The GDA with Mr. UNNI and Mr. BAWAR |
I am into
hospitality, I believe in passion. That is why I have been in this industry for
the past 15 years. So, I love to do this. My philosophy is passion for work.
hospitality, I believe in passion. That is why I have been in this industry for
the past 15 years. So, I love to do this. My philosophy is passion for work.
Do you have a word for our readers on
Asabeafrika Blog? Readers who will
love to patronize Shiro?
Asabeafrika Blog? Readers who will
love to patronize Shiro?
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| Mr. Unni after the encounter with the GDA |
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| The Shiro Atmosphere at night |
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| The custom of hospitality speaks on the wall as well |
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| Even the walls displays art |
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| Here, service maters |
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| The Boys & Girls of Shiro |
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| The Shiro Bar Team |
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| The Shiro Team |
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| The Lights are Shiro red when the evening falls |
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| A Shiro Bar attendant serving his guest |
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| The Shiro Bar Team |
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| Drinks are served here with premium attention |
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| DJ Java meets the GDA |
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| Artistic Display Indian Hospitality |
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| The GDA meets the Deejays |
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| A wine filled section of the Bar: Chose your choice |
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| An art description of Tara, the goddess of Wealth & Good luck |
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| The Full Bar @ Night |
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| A Nigerian & Indian Deejay in the House |
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| Culture @ Play with Hospitality |
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| Patrons enjoying their evening at the Inner- Bar Section |
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| The Sea-side Bar section at night |
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| The GDA with Mr. Unni & Mr. Bawar |
Everyone can
come to Shiro, I am always there. My
name is Unni, so anytime, any grace, any assistance you can always
reach me. We are also on the social media like Shiro Lagos, in face book as Shiro
Lagos, on Instagram we are the same.
You can always make reservations on Face book and Instagram, you could contact
the management and book for service.
come to Shiro, I am always there. My
name is Unni, so anytime, any grace, any assistance you can always
reach me. We are also on the social media like Shiro Lagos, in face book as Shiro
Lagos, on Instagram we are the same.
You can always make reservations on Face book and Instagram, you could contact
the management and book for service.
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| A Cultural Section of the Restaurant |
We are always here to serve you.
Thanks for speaking to Asabeafrika
Thanks for
visiting. Our pleasure to have you again.
visiting. Our pleasure to have you again.
