SIGHTS AND FLAVOURS by Dishymagazine

Sights AND Flavours E A T

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D R I N K

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L O V E

ISSUE 3 SEPT- OCT

DISHY MAGAZINE

ME I HEART KENYA

EDITORS NOTE

THIS I Issue No.

EDITORS NOTE

#TembeaKenya

ISSUE The third issue of Dishy was always slotted as a travel issue. As such, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that you have both the food and beverage magazine and the travel magazine all wrapped in one amazing package. I will not lie; it has not been easy for any of us. We have had many sleepless nights and more than our fair share of disagreements as to how best to deliver this issue without compromising on the quality of our product. So, amid the varying dilemmas that we have had with this issue, we have waded through them somehow and I’m proud to say that we are live… As per the norm, our writers have broken their backs (proverbially) to ensure that they deliver content that is both relevant and well presented; all for our esteemed readers. The design of the magazine may have changed but that shouldn’t worry you. Change is a sign of growth and learning and we are still young with an endless capacity for growth. Watch this space for awe inspiring content; you can take that to the bank. Tembea Kenya is a tag used to promote local tourism in a bid to increase revenue for the government. This, however, is not why most of us use it. We use it to promote the beauty that is our motherland; the places, the people, the culture, the abundance of life and most of all the harmony born of this diversity. So, yes #tembeaKenya and see how diverse your homeland is. See how beautifully we have been blessed.

On the counter, as usual, tackles an interesting issue; love is blind. Jamo, and Allano still go head to head on opposing teams of this theory. Who holds the upper hand? Vero is in a conundrum as to how best to please her man; faithful side-chic and all. Grace and her crew, however, already have their holiday plans in order. Question is, are they prepared for the dazzling sites of both their destination and its occupants? We take you down to the Maasai Mara to view the eighth wonder of the new world and to dine like royalty; in the shade as you watch animals grazing. We take you to the lakeside for their special brand of royal treatment where you dine by lake as the sun sets in the horizon, maybe even on the lake itself; your choice. We take you to Nanyuki to sample their local scene and for more wildlife. On spot takes us for a whirlwind of a tour through Kisumu city, Meru, Nairobi and, believe it or not, Lodwar. Our resident fitness instructor would not be happy if all you did was add weight just because you’re on holiday. As such, he has a few exercises for you to do anywhere at any time. Our nutritionist, Eve, tackles the ‘avocados make you fat’ myth and has some interesting suggestions on how best to enjoy the fruit. I could drone on and on for pages but that would spoil the experience for you. All I can say is that this is an issue you don’t want to miss. Other than that… ENJOY.

Amos Wainaina Chief Editor

2 CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHEF CHRONICLES

FOOD RECIPIE 1

MAMA NITILIE

KIBANDASY 20 LOCAL LICKS 59

PG 8 CHEF CENTRAL

Dishy Issue 3 SEPT - OCT 2018. Published by DISHY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, MANAGING DIRECTOR Felix Musili. EDITOR IN CHIEF Amos Wainaina. STAFF WRITER Ted Otieno, Ivy Wamahiga, Faith Chebet, Winny Mbugua. CONTRIBUTORS Grace Alice , Mwanaidi Shishi , Nick. DESIGN Sam Kyalo. SALES INQUIRES Call Dishy 0718529093 EMAIL Info@dishymagazine.com / Tudishy@gmail.com

3 CONTENT WONDER BASKET

JUST BOOZE

PERFECT PAIR

KITCHEN DELIGHT

UNSULLIED 36

HEALTHY LIVING

DOPE CONVERSATION

ON THE COUNTER

DRINKS RECIPE 1

WINE WITH ME

4 KITCHEN DELIGHT

TOOLS FOR MEN Bachelorhood is the most short-lived and haunted phase of your life and that just calls for one thing “Travel the world! Maybe you’ll find a wife out there” So while going through this fascinating phase of your life, why not make the best out of it? Whether you’re thinking of the plains of the Mara, the white sands of Diani, the snow of Mount Kenya or even the Fresh fish of Lake victoria, we have to step out of our normal routines and travel (a call you can’t ignore forever). Everyone’s packing list is different. Everyone has their personal “must-haves” but this list has worked for me for many years of travelling the country and the world.

“

Turn up Travel’s Mike Njeru takes over as this edition’s forever bachelor and lists a few things that he has come to view as must haves when travelling ( including a few items that you might easily overlook). Being a travel enthusiast, his advice would feel somewhat amiss without tips on bucket list travel locations...

5 KITCHEN DELIGHT

1.Soap

Get a travel size version of your favorite soap and pack it in you dopp kit to ensure your skin stays smooth.

2. Shampoo

I love dandruff! Have you ever said that? You will be saying how much you hate it if you forget your shampoo at home. Don’t make your hair cry for help; avoid a disastrous situation by bringing along your own shampoo.

3. Body Lotion

If you’re traveling in the winter ALWAYS pack your body lotion. With heaters going, your skin will be dried out. The other time to pack your body lotion is if you are traveling to very hot and dry areas like the southwest US. This areas will leave your skin ravaged. You don’t want to be left with dry skin because of a few days trip.

4. Hair Comb

A hair comb will make a big difference in your style.This is especially important if you are on a business trip or going to a large event.Packing your brush can ensure that you keep looking fresh and dapper.

5. Antiperspirant or Deodorant

Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you get a smell-free pass. Don’t make the whole elevator pass out from your body odour. Deodorant is a great option if you want to keep smelling fresh but aren’t too worried about sweating a lot.

7. Hair Styling Products

A good hairstyle can change your life.Whether you use pomades, clays, gels, wax, hair spray, whatever, put it in that bag right now! Make sure it’s not too big of a bottle. The last thing we need is your hair styling product getting taken away at the airport.

8. Toothpaste

Nothing is worse than a man with bad breath. It’s embarrassing and makes everyone want to shut down all conversation immediately.

9. Q-Tips

No one wants to see gooey yellow liquid oozing out of your ears.?Now go grab some travel size Q tips to ensure your ears are always clean.

10. Condoms

After you’ve sufficiently followed all the tips above, you’ll be looking fresh and high on your game.Because of this, you might even get lucky in the sheets. Prepare for the expected or unexpected and keep condoms with you on every trip you go on. If you keep condoms with you, you never have to run to the store or hit pause. Protect yourself and your partner from unwanted STI’s by packing condoms in your dopp kit. Regularly check your unused ones for the expiration date and make sure you switch them before expiring.

Check also: SHOES:

•Neutral Polish Cream: A neutral polish works for brown or black shoes. •Shoe Brush: A horsehair brush and a soft cloth ensures my shoes are spotless and shining.

SHAVE:

•Shaving blades are not allowed on board an aircraft. Cartridge razors or electronic shavers are fine. •Shaving cream: Carry a travel size shaving cream along with a shaving brush.

MEDICATION:

Painkillers are helpful in alleviating an unexpected headache. Be ready with your prescription if you are stopped at the security check.

Tips*

When packing, the name of the game is lightweight and fast-drying. If you plan to travel around Kenya, you may want a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, a couple of vests, sandals and closed shoes as well and boots if you are doing hiking. Don’t bring any of your favourite clothes on a round tour – unless you won’t mind if they need to be left behind / thrown out. A Herschel would make all this a flash to carry.

Here are some destinations you wouln’t want to miss visiting in your limited bachelor days; Macau -Take a ride through the overflowing booze or just enjoy the captivating crowd; there are lot more in Macau. Synonymic to Las Vegas, a party in Macau will make you guilty of not making it again! Amsterdam- Tap your feet with the total strangers, enjoy the best tequila shots, get yourself some of the hi-end brands and party like there won’t be any tomorrow! Ibiza- Insane crowds, never-ending parties and the home ground of the largest club in the universe; Ibiza is one of the most sought after destinations for the bachelors. Music that draws you to the dance floors, stunning performances, overflowing booze and the alluring ambience all around; can you ask for more? Belgium- Doesn’t matter whether you know Dutch or not; just pack your bags and fly to Belgium and enjoy the most happening and stunning party of your bachelorhood. Hire a limo, trained artists, uncork some of the best quality champagne bottles and make the mark of your bachelorhood in the most exotic ways! Rio de Janeiro- If you haven’t heard about the carnivals in Rio, you are probably not the most eligible bachelor in town! Mesmerising crowds, beguiling music and some of the most captivating beaches in the world; you just need to check out what Rio de Janeiro holds in its couch! *All these different destinations have one thing in common; lots of hot girls.

Chefs on duty Chef Ali

He is not only a chef but a radio (radio Citizen) and TV host (Citizen TV)and producer. He is also the Brand ambassador for Chevrolet in East Africa. Impressive repertoire, right? Bet you didn’t know that he’s a writer as well. He does the breakfast recipes for the Standard Newspaper on Saturdays. Impressed yet? Pay a visit to his kitchen and have a taste of his form of art. From the presentation to the taste, you will have your mind blown at every step. You can follow him on his social media links such as instagram

Ombachi Dennis He is actually a professional rugby player with a passion for food. He is also a fitness enthusiast and an Olympian. What’s that you ask? Follow him on the various links in his social media to find out. I’ll get you started. His page makes you hungry even if you just ate. Trust me on this.

Chef Bennette Making his second appearance in the magazine. He hosts a cooking show on Ebru TV dubbed the Hot Plate. His speciality in main course meals has made him a star of impressive renown across the nation. He is also the head chef at rocketmeals services. For more details follow him on instagram

Cherry Tomato Exorbitant pricing was her muse. Interesting, right? She said no to the man and went ahead to create an amazing product; one that all food lover’s should try. She is a self proclaimed wine and single malt whiskey lover and a home chef as well. Take a look at her IG page and you’ll see how she is a problem solver.

TRIED + TESTED

Served YOU GOT

Enjoy it

all

f quick x NOODIES

ON THE GO

8 FOOD RECIPE I

MAIN COURSE I

Sesame Rice Noodles with Shrimp Yield Makes 4 servings Ingredients •1/4 cup gluten-free tamari or soy sauce •1/4 cup rice vinegar, divided •2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil •2 garlic cloves, minced •2 tablespoons honey •1 teaspoon Sriracha •1 cup peeled, seeded, julienned cucumber •1 cup peeled, julienned carrots •1 cup julienned radishes

•2 scallions, thinly sliced •1 tsp salt •2 packs of noodies •250g shrimp, peeled and deveined •1 teaspoon sesame seeds (black or regular) Preparation 1.In a large bowl, whisk together tamari, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oil, garlic, honey and Sriracha. In a separate bowl, toss together cucumber, carrots, radishes, scal-

lions, remaining 3 tablespoons vinegar and salt. Let stand for 10 minutes, tossing occasionally. 2.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles as directed on package until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add shrimp. Drain noodle mixture and rinse with cold water, shaking out any excess. Add noodle mixture and vegetables to bowl with tamari dressing and toss. Top with sesame seeds.

9 FOOD RECIPE II

MAIN COURSE II

Course: Main ,Servings: 2 Ingredients Dressing •1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, light or ordinary •2 1/2 tbsp peanut oil •3 tbsp rice vinegar •1 tbsp mirin •2 tsp brown sugar •2 tsp ginger, minced •1 clove garlic, minced Steak •200g rump or sirloin beef steak, excess fat trimmed •1 tsp vegetable oil •180g soba •200g green beans, trimmed •1 scallion/shallot, finely sliced

Beef Soba Noodles with Green Beans •1 tbsp crispy Asian Shallots Instructions 1.Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes prior to cooking (or 15 minutes if it’s a stinking hot summer day). 2.Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and shake. 3.Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat until smoking, then cook the steak to medium rare - perfect for absorbing the flavours of the delicious dressing (2 minutes on the first side and 1 minute 45 seconds on the second side). 4.Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into fairly thin slices against the grain

5.Bring a pot of water to boil. Cook the Noodies according to packet instructions. For the last 1 minute of cooking, add the green beans. 6.Drain the noodies and beans and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking further and to cool the noodles. Roughly separate beans from noodles. 7.To serve, divide the noodles between 2 bowls, top with the beans then the steak slices. Drizzle with the dressing (over the steak and noodles), then garnish with shallot slices and Crispy Asian Shallots.

10 FOOD RECIPE III

BREAK FAST

Noodles and Greens Breakfast Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins, Yield: 8-10 servings Ingredients Noodles: •4 packets of Noodies •2 Tablespoons olive oil •1/2 Teaspoon salt Serve with: •Over easy eggs or scrambled eggs (1-2 per serving) •Sliced avocado (1/4 per serving) •Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 1.Boil water on a pan,Peal the Packet of noodies and place them in once the water comes to boil and allow them to cook for 5 Minutes until just tender, switching the pan halfway through the cooking process so they cook more evenly. 2.While the noodles are cooking, start the greens. Pour 3tbsp of oil on a pan and heat over medium heat. Cut both ends off the onion, slice it and dice them finely and add the onions to the pan till they soften.

3.While the onions cook, roughly chop the mixed greens and add them in the pan. Add seasonings, salt and pepper as you stir. When the greens are just wilted, but still bright green, remove them from the stove. 4.To serve, heat up a portion of noodles and greens, then top them with 1-2 eggs per serving, cooked as desired, and sliced avocado.

12 FOOD STYLING

Incredible Moments DENNIS OMBACHI •International rugby player •2016 Olympian •Food blogger •Fitness enthusiast Sharing my story a mouthful at a time

INSTAGRAM @ombachi_dennis TWITTER @ombachi13 SNAPCHAT ombachi wemenshouldcook.com

13 FOOD STYLING

14 CHEF CHRONICLES

POPPING THE LID ON Chef Ali There’s nothing as satisfying as finding your way in life. Chef Ali has had a varied career with only one possible destination: running his own show. He shares his story with the Dishy team…

15 CHEF CHRONICLES

Clue us into your career, how far have you come and what your future projections look like? Alhamdulilah Allah knows best.... all I can say is that I have come a long way thanks to the Almighty. Who’s kitchen do you envy /respect the most ? Mine lol What dish, on the menu of a hotel, do you eat most? Chicken chooza Hashmis BBQ What is the most exotic destination that you have been to for work? Stockholm How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave when you’re gone? Eradicating Hunger #ZeroHunger #ZeroWaste Tell us about Kericho Gold and your association to the brand. I have worked with Kericho Gold as the brand Ambassador for so many years that it feels like a part of me deep inside. Kericho Gold is a brand that I adore and I would love to take it to greater heights. What’s the one tip for budding chefs wanting to develop their cooking skills? Be passionate and love what you do. On the flipside, if you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life what could it be? Mhhhh tough question no favs for me at all so anything would do. Tell us the kenyan experience with migrationology , mark wiens... and who else have you worked with from abroad... Mark wiens is one amazing person we had a blast in mombasa shopping for ingredients and cooking together, I have worked with many personalities including Chef Osama el-Sayed, Chef issa Al Lamki, Chef Manal al Alem, Chef Anahita Dhondy, Dennis the Prescott, Jamie Oliver and the list goes on.

PASSIONATE

AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO.

16 FOODIE CRONICLES

Cherry “ THE

ON TOP

Tell us more about Cherry tomato… I am a Mother first. A daughter. A lover of food..... cooking it, eating it, discovering it. I am also a lover of good wines and whiskey. By day I work as a marketer. By night I put on a cape and masquerade as the cherry tomato

What would you say is the place you eat most on your days off? If I’m honest, at home. I have a 9 to 5 so I don’t have as much time as I’d like to spend in the kitchen. So you’ll likely find me in the kitchen experimenting and whipping things up..... Other than that, I love Asian food so Zen garden and Pan Asian Yao are a favorite.

What is the first word that comes to mind when I say foodie ? Pretentious I think these days people use that word to be uppity or snobbish about food when really being a foodie is not about that at all. It’s about the journey with food whether it’s in a 5 Star restaurant or a kibanda that has amazing food.

What’s the most exotic vacation destination you would / have visited ? Zanzibar? I have travelled but not to exotic places. I would love to visit Fiji

or any South Pacific island. I have a slight obsession with that place and the culture and food....

Tell us about Nate’s organic sauces and the part you play in it’s creation. So Nate’s Organics was born out of frustration. I went to the supermarket to look for pesto and was upset because it was so expensive and I thought to myself. Why can’t I make this at home? So I made it at home and it was a hit with my family. Then I thought to myself, we are so used to buying imported sauces and condiments when really there’s no need. And so Nate’s Organics was born. I am the owner and I am also the production staff, the marketer, the sales woman... It’s a one man show for now but we are still growing .....

Where can we go to purchase Nate’s organic sauces? You can buy them via Instagram through my page and soon we will have a web shop on the website www.thecherrytomato.co.ke

What did you have last night for dinner and why? We had chicken noodle soup. My son decided from lunchtime that he wanted noodles, so I jazzed up instant ramen with some broth and chicken :-)

What is your most regrettable purchase ever ? Heh! There have been MANY!! I can’t name one that was THE ONE!! I’ve bought clothes a size small in the hope of slimming into them and failing ......

Necessity is the mother of invention. This has been the case for humanity’s growth and Cherry Tomato is no exception. Born out of frustration, Nates Organics has brought a piece of her passion into our homes…

17 FOODIE CRONICLES

GET SOCIAL WITH US

18 MAMA NITILIE

Viazi Ulaya VIAZI ULAYA

Karibuni wadau, Karibuni tena kwenye kipindi kingine cha mapishi yangu, mama nitilie. Hapa nitakupa ricipe mingi na jinsi ya matayarisho yake , kwa njia rahisi tena ya kufaana. Si mapochopocho, si mlo mku... usibanduke katu, rai kaa kitako tutie ndani pamoja. Usiogope kusisitiza mama nitilie. Leo tunapotandaza mkeka kwenye veranda tunajiadaa , mlo wa kusisimua. Huku kwetu pwani, Kila wanabara wanapokuja lazima waijaribu na harusini ni lazima tuile . Pepeta jiko tayari kutayarisha Viazi vya Nazi au ukiepnda Viazi Ulaya au ukijiskia viite Viazi Mbatata.

19 MAMA NITILIE

Mahitaji •viazi 1kg •Vitunguu •Kitungu saumu 1 tsp •Tomato mbili • Carrot zilizokwanguliwa (grated carrots) 2 •Hoho nyekundu lilokatwakatwa (chopped red pepper) 1 •Hoho la kijani lilokatwakatwa (chopped green pepper) 1 •Tui la nazi vikombe viwili •Kitungu maji mbili •Ndimu moja •Bizari njano 1 tsp •Pilipili chumvi kiasi •Mafuta ya kupikia 2 tbsp •Dania kwa kupamba Matayarisho 1.Katakata viazi katika vipande vya wastani kisha vichemshe na chumvi mpaka viive kisha viweke pembeni. 2.Baada ya hapo kaanga vitunguu kidogo (visiwe vya brown) kisha tia kitunguu saumu, hoho zote na curry powder. 3.Changanya vizuri na uzipike kwa dakika mbili kisha tia viazi, carrot na chumvi kidogo na vimaji kidogo uchanganye vizuri na upunguze moto. 4.Vipike kwa muda wa dakika kumi. 5.Baada ya hapo malizia kwa kutia dania na uipue. Na hapo viazi vyako vitakuwa tayari kwa kuliwa. Teremsha na juice baridi ya sharbati

20 KIBANDASKI

Kikopey Way Some radio presenter was updating us on the time as we drove down on our way to Eldoret. My friend, Njoro, had been talking nonstop about how he had just the place for us to have lunch. Kikopey he said, was nyama heaven on earth. I was struggling to listen to music on the radio because of Njoro’s endless love for nyamchom. After a couple of hours on the road, just 20 minutes from Naivasha we came upon the huge red sign reading ‘Welcome to Kikopey’. The overpowering aroma of burning meat was heavy in the air as smoke from the many vibandas rose up into the air as a welcome. The parking lot was fully packed and I had to wait for a car to leave then park. We hadn’t even stepped out when a couple of men dressed in whitish lab-coats swarmed our car each directing us to their place claiming to have ‘nyama ya kimataifa’ I had read about the famous Kahatia Butchery where president Unye ‘kamwana’ had stopped to dig into some well roasted nyama choma with tu politician friends of his. The nyamchom was so good that they paid. These people rarely pay. Njoro knew exactly where we were going to eat among all these stalls but he led me slowly through the tasting areas of all stalls. We tasted everything, kuku choma to nguruwe choma. Njoro told me that this was a way we would be able to bear with the 20-30 minutes wait after placing our order. It cures some hunger pangs. Just outside Kahatia was a short stout man busy turning meat on the brown ageing grill that had seen its fair share of meat. He donned a faded TNA cap on his head to probably commemorate when Kamwana came. He had a toothpick in his mouth which I suspected was a butcher men thing. His loose kitambi protruded from his ill buttoned striped shirt. His fingers were swollen from the turning of hot meat but they had learned to handle the heat. “Karibuni sana. Mimi ndio Waziri wa Nyama. Aah karibu sana boss. Onja hii wewe. Na wewe onja hii hapa. Moto sana. Laini kama pamba” We tasted some liver, some mutura and then finally settled on the nyama choma. I mean what else would we take? “Leta kilo moja na nusu.” We got inside and the smoke and aroma had accompanied each other here as well. Mugithi music was blasting

through some unseen speakers. The wooden tables each had almost empty toothpick holders on them. Some tables had wooden benches while others had some leather covers. A fridge that had some beers and sodas went about it’s business as loud as it could. It was not as comfortable as I pictured it but if prezzo kamwana had choma here then it must be kwa Waziri Wa Nyama kweli. Some skinny but stellar looking wench with a purple wig shuffled to our table to ask if we needed a drink. “Hi I’m Stella. Stellar Stella,” She smiled, flashing some brown teeth. “Mtatumia nini? Kuna soda, njuce (this was definitely juice) na Beer Balidi. We settled for the Beer balidi and ice cold Tuskers were whisked our way. “Njoro peleka mutura onja table five.” A voice echoed across the dingy ceiling. I hadn’t even realised we were on table five until the complements of the house came. Kamau, the ugali specialist, was to be credited for this lovely customer service. The mara and mutura came hot on a chop board with a slice of ugali and we dug in while waiting for our ‘main course.’ About 20 minutes later the nyama choma was brought by Stellar Stella on a huge chop board. The lines on the board told a story of knives passing ruthlessly on to cut into the fine pieces of meat. The ugali was served separately in steel plates and it was literally huge ugali ( definitely a tip I would take back to Musyoka. Remember Musyoka from City Market’s Kwa Musyoka? That one). Kachumbari came in too and I could see the various small pieces of pilipili among the tomatoes. Tear gas they call it.The nyama choma looked well roasted and heavenly and had been chopped down to smaller pieces. I sprinkled some salt and dug in to the nyama. I tasted why they say “There’s no nyama choma like Kikopey.” The meat was tender, truly laini kama pamba. Waziri wa nyama might have been a plump man but calling him a liar would be outright slunder. It had some spicy taste that I couldn’t quite know what it is they use for that effect. The kachumbari added some extra hot tingling sensation and the cold Tusker just capped things off. Njoro was quiet, for once, as he enjoyed his nyama choma. “Stella, leta Avacado,” he shouted across the room. I didn’t even know nyama choma goes with avocado. The nyama choma just got better with every single bite. We finished eating and I ordered another beer. One for the road. We washed our hands in the blue tapped tank that had been covered in soot as if it had been tasting the nyama choma throughout the years. I paid the bill via the M-Pesa paybill number. 1300 for the nyama choma and 1000 for the beers. We went out and I surely had to tip Waziri wa Nyama on my way out.

“

Dishy’s Wasps was not left out of the travel season as he made his way to Eldoret for a visit. On his way, he had to stop and try out Waziri wa Nyama’s speciality at Kikopey. He shares his experience with us in the hopes that we find our way there soon…

21 DOPE CONVERSATION

dope

conversation

The precise Phoenter Blaszkowski takes the conversation down a traditional way preparing some dishy Omena with a toucheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of spice and tender ugali cooked to perfection courtesy of JOGOO Maize Flour Ingredients Omena 2 round onions sliced (medium size) Paprika (hoho) 3 tomatoes Oil JOGOO maize Flour Methodology Heat the oil , add omena(washed mine using warm water therefore oil heating is required)deep Fry till they turn brown add onions continue frying till the Onions turn golden brown then add tomatoes. Fry while stiring to make the paste thick then add a little bit of tomato paste if you want a thicker outcome. Add salt to taste stir then add paprika and let it cook for few minutes . For Ugali: Bring the water to boil in a pot/sufuria. Add 1/2 cup of AMAIZE maize flour to the boiling water. Adding a little bit of the meal to the water ensures that the water starts to roar which makes the perfect ugali. Stir using a mwiko break any lumps apart and smoothen out any lumps that may have formed. If the ugali is not hard enough, add more flour. Lower the heat and keep working the ugali against the sides of the pot, getting rid of any lumps and also making sure it is evenly cooked. Heat water to boil , put some Amaize Maize Flour and stir till cooked. Serve for lunch or dinner NB: you can add milk,spices and even garlic.

with Phoenter Blaszkowski

22 WEAPON OF TRADE

WEAPON OF TRADE Gourmia GMC650 11 in 1 Sous Vide & Multi Cooker Gourmiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to make everyday cooking easy, healthy and delicious and this multicooker is the perfect solution for someone who is always on the go! No time for hours of meal prep? This state of the art multi-cooker allows you to create delicious meals in no time at the push of a button.

23 WEAPON OF TRADE

Gourmia GSI180 Automatic Healthy Frozen Dessert Makerr For fresh and Healthy treats, this Gourmia Dessert maker is just perfect. The Automatic Healthy Frozen Dessert Maker makes Sorbet, SoftServe Sherbet & Frozen Fruit Treats. FAST & FRESH: Pop in your fresh frozen fruit, and watch it magically transform into deliciously creamy soft serve- in just minutes! DELICIOUS & HEALTHY: Slash away those fats, sugars, and artificial flavourings- while still satisfying your sweet tooth.

To Rival five star steakhouses in meat, poultry and sea food perfection, Gourmia GMC650 11 in 1 Sous Vide & Multi Cooker is the way to go. It makes it easy and quick to make delicious meals for your family in one easy step. It’s the perfect addition to your kitchen. With a sleek & streamlined design that will complement any decor and 11 different cooking settings, the culinary possibilities are endless. 11 in 1: This revolutionary multi cooker does it all! Choose from 11 cooking functions, including Sous Vide, Bake,Rice Maker,Roast,Yogurt,Porridge,Slow Cook (Low/High),Keep Warm,Saute and Steam

ONE TOUCH: Just hit the single power switch for automatically perfect, smooth sorbet. EASY CLEAN: All parts remove for safe and simple wash-up. This product is ETL certified so you can be confident that you’re receiving a safe, efficient, high quality appliance. It’s the perfect addition to your kitchen and a go for you and your family as you let your creativity flow, exploring different fruit combos.

Specifics: • Capacity: 6L (6.5 Qt) • Tempered Glass Lid- allows you to check on your food periodically without releasing heat • Non-Stick Aluminum Pot- spreads heat evenly to ensure perfectly browned and sauteed food every time • Stainless Steel Housing- Makes it an ease wash and Scratch Proof • LCD Display • Blue LED Indicator • 1500W/120V/60Hz • Polarized UL Plug • Built-In Cord (0.8m) • Heating Plate:1250W/120V

24 WINE AFTER WINE

MEN LIKE ‘GODS’:

HEAVENLY GREECE Grace finished buying her Luis Vuitton suitcase on Jumia and went online on their “Sister Sister “ WhatsApp group. It was 11:56 am on Saturday, no one was up. Shay’s last seen was twenty minutes ago though, so Grace typed a quick morning text and hoped they’d get it. They all needed to discuss their trip to Athens, Greece that evening. Brenda had earlier suggested South Africa but everyone negated, claiming they could ‘do better’, someplace they’d only dreamed of going to but Africa was out of the question since they had been to almost all the countries. Grace chose Thailand, Cate chose Greece, Ashley chose London and Shay picked France (I’m sure you can guess why). After thorough late-night debates and plenty of reviews read though, they settled on Greece. Everything from the statues, beaches, architecture and not to mention ancient Greek mythology, enticed them. Cost was not an issue, which suitcase to carry, what clothes to buy and which lipstick matched which shoe, was their major concern. At 12:30 pm, Grace’s IOS flashed, the girls were online. They talked about travel essentials: mesh slip-on water sandals, sunglasses, lipstick-sized portable chargers, cameras, cocktail dresses, makeup, jet lag relief pills, underwater cameras, swimsuits and passport pouches. These babes were overzealous. “Grace, is Trevor tagging along?” Ashley asked. She answered, ”Are you bringing Calvin?” Cate typed a quick text to Grace, “But you two are an official couple, aren’t you?” “We are, but this is a girl’s trip,” and she smirked thinking they’d make one hell of a Girl’s Trip 2. Arrangements were already in place, everything was set, they were all packed and ready to go. At 5 pm, they all arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, coincidentally all dressed in high-waisted jeans, off-the-shoulder chiffon tops and sandals. Tugging suitcases and strolling majestically with tickets to Greece in hand. Clearance was swift and easy and they were settled in first class aboard British Airways in no less than twenty minutes. They’d be arriving at Athens International Airport in ten hours. They were going to be picked and driven to Hotel Amalia Athens where they’d spend 7 nights and 6 days. The flight was long and someone

“

Grace and her crew have always been over-achievers. This time, however, they have outdone themselves. It’s the holiday season and they opt for a trip to the land of myth: Greece. They are captivated by more than just the breathtaking scenery...

was bound to fall asleep, that being Cate. Ashley updated her instagram feed, Grace made a skype call with Trevor, Shay called Brenda, who couldn’t come, owing to her pregnancy. “Please remain in your seats and turn off all your devices as we prepare to land,” said a petite lady in blue, looking dashing as ever. Cate could feel her insides churn, she hated travelling, mostly because she got motion sickness. They landed and were met by a striking young man in white holding a placard written ‘Grace Kiama’, since she was the one who made the payments. He introduced himself as Triton and said he’d be their guide during their stay and when he smiled, Shay was instantly drawn. Triton had a sleek haircut leaving hair at the top only and had sideburns that were simply to die for. Piercing blue eyes that could look into your soul and a lean frame that towered over the girls. He led them to their ride which was a red Mercedes Benz with tinted windows and Shay immediately called shotgun. Triton brought the car to life and his beautifully sculptured hands steered them away to their residential hotel. Everyone’s face brightened at the sight of the hotel; it was tall and bright...it almost looked alive. Triton offloaded their luggage onto a trolley leaving the valet to take them to their rooms while he ensured all the girls got their room keys. Shay asked when they’d go out, “Tomorrow we’ll be visiting Greece’s oldest amphitheatre, I’m sure you’ll love it,” he said, winking at Shay. He strode out as the girls were being led to their rooms. That night they had something to sip wine over... “Shay, I see you already found a boyfriend,” pointed Cate. Everyone but Shay giggled, she was turning red. “I just think he’s really hot, besides Greek men aren’t my thing,” she added rather defensively. This time, they all laughed. Grace was feeling rather wild, “Haha, you go get it girl. If it weren’t for Trevor I’d definitely hit that.” Lol... You Only Live Once. “Are you people seriously talking me into, you know, with our tour guide?” She sounded shocked. But deep down, she was all for that. Shay downed from her wine glass, thinking about Triton made her throat dry. “To us. To Athens. To the men in Greece. And to rare opportunities,” said the all-too-quiet Ashley. They clinked their glasses together but Shay couldn’t stop thinking about the way he winked at her. A smile spread across her lips, ‘definitely happening’, she thought.

25 WONDER BASKET

PLUG IN WITH Sannie Sanford

1.In a nutshell, who is the foodie and food photographer Sannie Sanford? Food has always been a huge part of who I am and when photography became a hobby those worlds collided in the most perfect way and thats Sannie Sanford 2.Describe to us how your weekends are in brief. I am an SDA thus my Saturdays are mostly spent in church or hanging out with some close friends after. Sunday is usually a lazy day which I mostly spend indoors eating and watching movies 3.Being a travel content creator means you travel a lot, how do cope with it? Yes, I do travel a lot and I love every second of it because I usually get to travel with some really amazing friends. I always look forward to travelling with them. They make it fun. 4.What’s in your travel park on a go? Camera, charger, power bank, polaroid camera, magazine, snacks, wallet and a hat.

5.Where, in Kenya, have you loved every second of your visit and why? Kilifi..its a really beautiful amazing place with amazing weather. 6.They say cheese on anything is a win. What do you consider your best pair.? Any sandwich that has meat and cheese is a win for me. Other than that a good cheese burger always hits the spot. 7.How do you love your cheese? I’m not really a cheese fan. Other than in sandwiches and burgers I don’t eat cheese that much. 8.What’s your go to cheesy meal on the road? A grilled cheese sandwich, any day. 9.What’s your favourite type of cheese? Mozzarella cheese takes the cup for this one.

“

Sannie has made a name for himself in the food and photography industry. If you know his work, you understand why he has.

26 PERFECT PAIR

MEAT MEETS JACK

Whiskey & meat are a match made in heaven. Pork Ribs reach these heights when roasted to perfection with Jack Daniels Barbeque Sauce. Taste the rich heritage and tradition of southern cooking in every bite. The unique mellow taste of Jack Daniels has long been recognized for adding a special touch to marinades and sauces. Now you can enjoy this distinctive flavor in a variety of Jack Daniels meats which can be ready to serve in minutes.

27 PERFECT PAIR

Pork ribs, rubbed with black pepper, salt, brown sugar, garlic and onion. Whiskey Glaze – Dark brown sugar, water, onion, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, wheat, soybeans, Molasses, Vegetable oil, corn starch, garlic, Tennessee whiskey, salt, caramel color, Lemon juice, cayenne pepper and black pepper. *Contains: Soy and Wheat Products. *Btw Mr Jack sold meat & whiskey by the wagon in Tennessee to fund his Distillery. Let’s GO have it Jack’s Way

WINE WITH WINE

LOVE LOST IN THE GROOVE

“

Vero, unsurprisingly, sticks to her ideals and opts for a nice dinner alone as she figures out what to do for the holidays. These decisions never come easy but she has a will of steel and a variance of choices. Where do you think she chooses?

‘Live within your means’ resonated in her mind but so did ‘You only live once’. This was too much. Where do campus slay queens go for holz? Vero and her friends were on long holiday and wanted to go for a vacation but had no idea where. It had to be somewhere local though, say Machakos, Naks, Naivasha, Mombasa, you know. Maybe they could go to Maasai Mara and watch the wildebeest migration? Not that she cared about those beasts... lol. She just had a show to put up. Frank was taking his wife to Nyali for the week but had promised Vero a road trip on the weekend. She didn’t complain. It was better than nothing, she consoled herself. At least he was trying. So all Veronica had to do was decide where. All her friends settled on going to Naks for a concert that weekend but as we all know, Vero always put Frank first. So, she had to choose a romantic setting for her and Frank... Any suggestions? A warm beautifully scenic place where they’d spend two nights in each other’s arms. That Monday, Frank texted Vero to tell her that he and his wife were already on a flight to Mombasa and reminded her to pack light for their weekend road trip. Veronica went online and googled some of the best destinations in Kenya during this holiday. She got about 7 results. Number one on the list was Maasai Mara. She’d heard about the place but had never actually been there. First time for everything, right? She made a mental note to call Frank on Thursday. Now she needed to go some place to unwind and relax, by herself, since the previous semester had not been the best for her. After thorough deliberation, she Ubered to Villa Rosa Kempinski, even though she knew it would damage her purse. For Vero, fine dining was therapeutic. She got there and walked right into the Lucca Restaurant like it was a reflex. She ordered her usual, crostini with melted mozzarella and anchoives. Looking across from her table, she saw a lovely family of Indians; a bearded fat man with a turban on his head exposing a few bangs, his beautiful wife with long black hair tied at the top in a messy bun, probably an indication that she does alot to get this family moving. Seated opposite them were two identical twin brothers playing with their food, ignoring death stares from their mother. They looked happy. One of the boys slingshot a carrot into another man’s plate without him noticing, and they all broke into a fit of laughter. She had the sudden urge to take a photograph of them. She craved this kind of oblivious state of happiness with people important to her. Just then, her Tecno Spark rang, she waited a few minutes (like we all do, so we appear disinterested) then she put the phone hovering slightly above her ear. “Hello?” Frank. “Hi love, how’s Nyali?” she asked, swallowing hard. “Awesome, change of plans, we’re heading back on Thursday, so where’d you want to go!” he said bearing the slightest hint of interest. “The Mara,” she said gleaming with hope. “See you on Thursday then, I’ll make the necessary arrangements.” Her appetite got bigger and she fell into a trance, thinking about how the trip would play out. After compiling a list of what she would carry, she cleared her plate and left for home. Toothbrush, lingerie, sunglasses, sunflower dresses, heels, red lipstick, Maasai Shuka, boots, birth control pills just to name but a few. Soon enough, it was Thursday, she woke up feeling all sorts, took a long shower and dressed in a red knee-high dress with black boots. There was a knock at the door, Frank stood there in khaki’s holding a rose, “Ready?” She breathed, “As I’ll ever be.”

#tembeakenya

30 THE ESCAPE

The

Opulent Wilds of the mara

31 THE ESCAPE

“

The wild parts of the world hold such a deep allure to humanity that we are constantly drawn towards them. Ever wondered why? Maybe a trip to the Angama Mara would help you figure it out. From the breathtaking natural scenery to the melding of human ingenuity with nature, this place has it all

Today we talk about richness, in the sense of possessing deep, pleasing qualities. What makes something rich? What kind of flora do you need to plant to have a rich garden? What kind of life do you need to lead to have rich experiences? How diverse does a culture need to be to be considered rich? Some would say richness is an ultimate goal, others would disagree and say it’s relative but we can all agree that an experience at Angama Mara is rich. Angama is a Swahili word that roughly translates to ‘suspended’. Angama Mara is a gem in the wild, hanging over the Maasai Mara, one of the greatest natural reserves in the continent, a home to the big five. It’s the kind of travel experience that makes you feel lost when you get back home. You can be ready for a lot of things but not a vacation at Angama Mara. Let’s start off with a typical day in the magical world of Angama, to some a once in a lifetime experience. It’s early in the morning before the sun rises over the vast horizon. Breakfast is served in the tented suites for those who would like to savor the Savannah landscape from an aerial point of view. From your tent, a short game drive leads to a launch site for hot air balloons. As the balloon inflates you go through a pre-briefing in which you barely pick a word out (thanks to the juvenile excitement). Minutes later the sky starts to turn orange and you hop into the balloon. It takes off and with every passing second the ground gets further away, as does the horizon. You are now floating delicately over the Maasai Mara, the green plains spread beyond your eyes’ reach, the rising sun warms your skin as the morning breeze drifts you magnificently as it pleases. All the wildlife is visible, the Mara river meanders to infinity, a river that hosts one of the most spectacular annual events, the wildebeest migration. It’s a photographer’s dream come true. Picturesque, to say the least. This is not your everyday safari.

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Once you get back to the ground you can toast to the recent highlights of your life. A memory that will forever playback in slow motion. If you want a closer look of the Mara you have access to tailor made safaris with flexible schedules, personally modified to tickle your fancy. You can pack a picnic bag to dine in the wilderness among prides of lions, shy rhinos and herds of elephants. How long you want to stay is fully dependent on you so you might want to pack a second picnic bag in case the safari seduces you into spending the whole day there. The picnics are suitable for the romantics and fans of the movie, Out of Africa, where the most romantic

scenes were filmed in the picnic sites overlooking humbling views. If you, however, want to sip on some wine, have a good read and watch a wonderful day pass by, you know where to be. If you prefer to walk you will be accompanied by a Maasai naturalist to guide you through some prolific sightings of grazing gazelles and zebras and over two hundred bird species for the bird enthusiasts. This also comes with the firsthand experience of interacting with the Maasai community, one of the most popular traditional cultures of this era. Regularly wrapped in their checkered shukas, accessorized in colorful beads and headgear. As the sun sets the warriors perform their traditional dances. In the heart of Maasai-land,

33 THE ESCAPE

the people and Angama Mara were a match made in heaven. Angama Mara partners with the greatest photographers in the business to help you capture the moments that take your breath away. With guidance on the best positioning and lighting to get the best angles. You can wonder how difficult that can be when every angle of the over 2000 hectares of wild land is a perfect angle. From the landscapes, to the staring giraffes, to the storming skies and the balloons floating in it. The challenge would be to capture all the moments. For those who would like to take things a little easier and just breeze around, Angama has got

your back with full body massages from the deck of your suite. With floor to ceiling glass fronts you can count on never missing a moment of the beauty outside. The tented suites have sunken lounges at the periphery of the Rift Valley, lit and kept warm by a central fireplace and a library curated by some of the greatest in African film and literature. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fitness center and a pool overlooking the Mara for those that would like to get in a little workout. From the views, to the people, to the experiences, to the first class service what else would you need to consider this rich?

34 THE ESCAPE

MIGRATION

OF THE

BEASTS

Wildebeests are what we would call victims of their own success. There is safety in numbers, a mantra and a way of life that these beasts believe in, so they flock in herds counting up to thousands, hundreds of thousands and even millions. They give birth around the same time due to their regular mating season and soon enough their numbers pile up pushing up their population to a critical mass. New-borns literally hit the ground running and in two days they can move as fast as their mothers, as if they are aware of the race they are about to run. With appetites as massive as their sheer numbers they eat themselves out of their temporary homes. Come a time between September and November they have to move in search of greener pastures, whatever triggers the migration is still unknown and was once controversially debated to be a wonder of the world. The Mara hosts the exodus of a million beasts. Located in the south western parts of Kenya, the Mara lies in the heart of Masai Land. The area is accessible by air or by road. Whether from a helicopter flying low enough to subtly upset the dust or by road across the Great Rift Valley and in the midst of manyattas, a show is guaranteed. Hotels and resorts such as the Olare Mara Kempinski, Angama Mara, Ashnil Mara, Olarro Lodge and Aruba Mara Camp offer accommodation services fit for royalty.

Grab yourself a front row ticket to witness the greatest wildlife show on the planet, as the leader of the beast kicks off the migration and the calm waters of Mara River are disturbed and turn muddy, as the hooves and horns clutter against each other chaotically, as the young calves try to keep up with the big boys, as the crocodiles and lions try to make a meal out of it, as the weak succumb to the overwhelming odds, as the millionth beast crosses over successfully to the other side, as the river calms down and the waters clear, as the survivors bask in the glory of abundance. Be there.

35 THE ESCAPE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Considered one of the seven wonders of the new world, the migration of these majestic creatures is the ultimate call of the world. Man traverses continents just to watch a herd cross a river. Do not, however, be fooled. This is no mere crossing but a test on endurance and, to some extent, luck.

36 UNSULLIED

DINNING IN THE

Wild

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The world is full of wild places that hold such beauty and balance that some of us are unable to understand it. The Angama Mara is one such place. From breakfast through to dinner, you will be in awe at every turn.

37 UNSULLIED The Angama Mara is a restaurant in the heart of the wild with an outdoorsy feel to it. On the outside, the walls are entirely of clear glass allowing you a peek at the plains of the wildlife as you eat. You get to watch everything in close detail, just like wearing 3D glasses (feels like you’re part of the action but you’re really not). You don’t really have to eat at a table; there are chairs facing the wild with low stands, much like footrests. Breakfast here simply kick starts your day. We all know how the Mara can be scorching hot but the heat doesn’t really get to you here thanks to the many air conditioners propped on the ceiling. The food served is light and quite amazing from simple eggs, bacon, bread, juice, tea and all other things break-fast. Once inside, the view disappears as you’re surrounded by stone walls. Not much is lacking though, just the view. Lamps hang low, hovering closer to the table. There’s also a fireplace and book compartment, giving the room a rustic touch. The ambience is still pretty much the same, if not better. With all the safaris, game drives, bird watching and other spontaneous activities, lunch time draws near. Pay close attention to your safari guide as he meticulously sets up a table before your very eyes. Notice how he lays the Maasai shuka on the table in one swift movement without the faintest Ocrease? He does it like its the most natural thing on earth. He sets the plates, silverware and glasses in such a languid manner and pulls out a picnic basket.

Finally. He pulls out those stretcher seats, unless you prefer sitting on the ground. You have bottles of wine and...is that steak? Oh yeah. He roasts it there and then, with a little help from the sun. You can definitely see the juice oozing from the piece of flesh, can definitely smell it burning and can most definitely hear it sizzling. The midday heat of the place still manages to keep your piece warm as he fixes it on your plate. Eagerly and greedily, you slice a portion and pop it into your mouth and immediately regret it. You reach for your glass in an attempt to cool your semi-burnt tongue. All this while, zebras are watching you in amusement. Eating in the wild is pretty fun, I’ll give you that. Soon the sun starts fading...This takes me back to dinner at the rooftop lounge. The kind of service you get here is like no other. Maasai’s in their element, dancing the night away. Chefs all helter skelter playing match-make with menus and guests. The light burns low and everything seems to fall into place. The sunset becomes a trillion times better and you can’t wait to sit next to your perfect stranger and talk about nothing and everything. The experience is overwhelming. Trees are erected close to tables, then there’s the bonfire surrounded by red couches, a little lower than the rest of the dining tables. The sun soon sets over the horizon, reminding you of ‘The Lion King’ as ‘hakuna matata’ resonates in your mind. As you dine, the stars seems to shine brighter and the air is a lot fresher.

38 THE ESCAPE

I LOVE

nanyuki

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Ever since colonial times, Nanyuki has been a centre piece in Kenyan culture. It has reinvented itself as a tourist attraction site with multiple high-class resorts and wildlife conservancies. Nanyuki has curved out a niche for itself and promises to be a leader for years to come.

Nanyuki is a small beautiful town lying on the North-Western slopes of Mt. Kenya. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has a delightful ambience, the kind that makes you want to retire there. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effortless to picture yourself rocking in your chair, watching the little kids running around the ranch with the snowy capes of the mountain in the background.

39 THE ESCAPE It has a rich background with the Mau Mau warriors setting camp in the caves located on the mountain sides for refuge in the colonial age. It was one of their numerous bases of operation. It has since grown to a charming town, luring people from all over the world for the last couple of decades; becoming a multicultural hub. With foreigners speaking the common tongue as fluently as the natives, the harmony is almost hypnotic. Some would say you really havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t traveled in Kenya until you see some wildlife and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some truth to it. Lucky for you, the plains are home to plenty of wildlife. The high peaks are home to a collection of birds so carry a set of binoculars for some bird watching. For a small town thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite a variety of activities to partake in ranging from mountain climbing, hiking, game drives in the Mount Kenya National Park, fishing in rivers

Nanyuki and Liki, camel and horse riding and nature walks in the forests and conservancies. Nanyuki is also located on the equator so if you have ever felt like standing in two hemispheres at the same time you know where to be. During the day you could head over to Ngare Ndare, a place for the adrenaline junkies with one of the longest ziplines across the forest which guards indigenous plant species dating back to over 200 years. Or to the Lewa conservancy where the Lewa marathon is held annually with a roaster boasting of runners from all over the world. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is another place you would not want to miss out on with the exotic wildlife it hosts and the proximity it offers to one of the greatest animals still

40 THE ESCAPE

41 THE ESCAPE roaming the earth, the white rhino. Extinct in the wild but not at Ol Pejeta. The Mount Kenya National Park is great for hikers and campers who would like to challenge themselves. The empowering feeling that comes when you are at the peak, staring down at the clouds is unmatched. For a more playful vibe Chaka Ranch would not disappoint your inner child with a wide spectrum of physical activities for the young at heart, from the quad bikes to bike challenges, you’re in for a treat as you enjoy their brunch and picnic set up. For accommodation you would be spoilt for choice but a few hotels stand out. For a traditionally exquisite stay, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club would be the ideal place…Or a cozy stay at the Falcon Heights Hotel, the setup is welcoming with tastefully done finishes for a luxurious feel. To save on some coin without foregoing a proper stay in Nanyuki, Acacia Furnished Apartments offer a bargain worth considering. A rustic theme to it suitable for the reserved. Guides are also available for touring the caves and also educating in the struggles and tactics of the Mau Mau movement. For a small town it sure has the character to host the founding freedom fighters of our country. It’s symbolic of the size of the fight in the small dog. And when dusk comes the town still lives on. Like most towns in Kenya it has its own unique night life with bars here and there offering different tastes with respect to the diversity in the area. There is the Mohegan Club, a relatively new club serving up the bourgeois. Then there is The Casino, a classy joint with an aura of old money generally flocked by expatriates amongst others who love to gamble. There is the Painted Dog, a curious name. It’s an American pub and you can tell by the framed, cliché one liners about beers and drunkenness hanging on it walls, characteristic of American bars. Numbers is a great spot for proper clubbing with a great sound system that attracts an energetic crowd, it’s the place for a not so calm night and to round off the night you can grab some classically Kenyan Nyama Choma at the Pyramid or the Nyama Choma village.

42 FINE DINING

Fairmont MY

EXPERIENCE

“

Luxury has a new face in the image of Mount Kenya Safari Club. Everything from the moment you drive in to the moment you leave is designed to ensure that you feel like royalty. The dining experience will leave you speechless. A five star rating is simply not enough to describe the Haven that is Mount Kenya Safari Club.

Once in Nanyuki, we needed a place to crash, and what better place than The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club? It’s all about serenity and comfort here, with views of the magnificent snow-capped Mt. Kenya and the impressive grounds; manicured lawns, peafowl and geese roaming freely an all manner of avian life. It took me more than half an hour to navigate it but it was totally worth it. Everything about it is ensnaring, the name, the location, not forgetting the breathtaking view of the mountains and surrounding forest. We were met by Mr. Daniel Mbaabu, the PR and Communications Manager who gave us a brief history of the club (from back when it was a home known as mawingu all through to date) and a schedule of the varying activities within the compound. I could tell he loved his job by the enthusiasm he exuded while relaying the story. “Welcome, Karibu Mount Kenya Safari Club. I trust

43 FINE DINING you had a safe travel...” then a scent struck me. The cool breeze drifted a particular scent that completely caught me off guard, drawing my attention to it. I was barely able to keep up with the story anymore, I was completely distracted; flowers, ones that grow at my grandparents’ farm. After my mumbling of ‘uuhs’ and ‘aahs’, feigning concentration, we proceeded in. Glancing at my wrist watch, it was almost 8:00 pm, when that all-too-familiar scent of food hit me, whispering, beckoning...At the Fairmont Tusks restaurant and terrace, so called because of the giant Tusks strategically placed at the entrance, the tables were already set. Wine glasses erect in all their glory, sparkling silverware, thanks to the dimly lit room. A single candle on the table is what will help you decipher the meat from the veggies (especially at the terrace where we opted to sit); candle lit dinner struck from my bucket list. As if it’s not enough, they literally go out of their way to put flowers on your table and a neatly folded white napkin adjacent to you. There are majorly tables of four but you can find a double one. The number of chairs didn’t really bother me though, I was here for one reason and only that. Collapsing on the chair nearest to the terrace entrance, the sleekness of it did justice to my cramped behind. And who likes a cramped butt? I know I don’t. I was still taking everything in. The tantalising aroma of melted cheese, the cool breeze, the spotless table cloths and napkins, the subtle sounds of the wild teasing my mind, the warmth seeping from the candles and the fact that all the streaks of melted wax were even. Meticulous. Another word for it, inviting. A striking young man whose name tag spelled Pincus, approached my table, with a toothy smile, it looked sincere enough. He handed me a menu and left, saying he’d be back to take my order. The thin object was

glossy under my touch, with thick bolding spread all over it. I scanned through it looking for anything I was remotely familiar with. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Their options were beyond and above my expectations.. Eventually, I settled on pommery mustard fish tikka and asparagus with almond butter. My wine glass was filled generously with bubbling red wine and I took a sip; heavenly does not begin to describe the sensation. Pincus appeared again. Carrying a plate in that adorable way that most waiters do. (All fingers pointedly supporting the plate and hoisted just above his neck). Thumbs up good sir. The food before me was graciously plated. Neither too much nor too little, just right. The fish was amazing, perfectly crispy and so satisfyingly easy to slice. The red wine just made it a lot better, you know, like how beer and nyama choma takes you places. The almond butter, however, was the icing on the cake (in this case, the fish). This was no ordinary butter, bless the hands that prepared it. I savoured every bit, licking my spoon to infinity. No way I was going to brush the after taste away. Now my eyes started drooping. I brought the napkin close to dab my mouth but yawned instead. An interesting thing I learned it that they have a suite which is strategically half on either side of the equator. My 28- year-old self didn’t get that room though, someone beat me to it. The one I got was still more than gratifying. The bed, the bathroom, the pond just outside the transparent double door. Already picturing you rolling on the endless bed and waking to the sight of Lenana Peak. The bed was draped in white, the couch next to the vanity in ivory, the lamp on the nightstand in brown eluding a rich brown brightness. Really setting the mood. I peeled the layers of clothing and dipped my lithe body in between the sheets, shivering from the coolness of it.

44 THE ESCAPE

SPIRIT OF KISUMU

Kisumu THE LAKESIDE HAVEN

In this edition of Turnup Travel Tours we were invading the lakeside city. On paper it seems like the perfect get away tour keeping in mind a road trip precedes the adventure that is Kisumu City. For those still unfamiliar with the concept, the IG tour is a fixture for those with the purpose of simply having an undeniably good time with friends, learning of the history and various cultures of different cities and without a doubt, to turn up. So letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get right into it. The journey began at Aspire Centre, Westlands, where our Renault convoy awaited. The road trip was already looking up. All the ingredients for a memorable trip were falling into place like a set of dominos; a lively crowd, comfortable rides and the sense of impending adventure.

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We were to arrive at two in the afternoon but we were not about to forego the acclaimed proverbial phrase, African timers. Not with all the scenery on the way. The lapse from Nairobi to the Rift to Kisumu City was breathtakingly beautiful. So much so that every once in a while we had to stop and savor some of the views allowing us to capture lovely scenery, the most outstanding ones from Kericho. Our journey would end at Acacia Premier Hotel, in the heart of Kisumu City, where we would stay for the next eventful couple of days. The city has its own tropical microclimate which makes it feel like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always summer; thanks to Lake Victoria which was magnificently visible from our hotel rooms. The city is relatively quiet with wide streets lined with buildings that speak of colonial architecture. There are plenty of places to be in Kisumu; if only time would slow down then maybe you could exhaust the experiences offered by the lakeside city.

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46 THE ESCAPE

Lucky for you the highlights can be found right here beginning with the Impala Sanctuary, a place that gives you a chance to witness captive wildlife not limited to impalas. The impalas have the honor of sharing the same space with lions, leopards, hyenas, zebras and dozens of bird species. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great spot for picnics, nature walks, birdwatching and just kicking it with family. For those who prefer to see wild animals in their natural habitat, the Ruma National Park would be more than willing to have you go for a game drive. There is also the Kit Mikayi, a giant rock formation, popular for the myths surrounding it: A man named Ngeso had an unexplainable attachment to the rock, he would visit it daily. When visitors would go to his home his wife would tell them that he is out to see

47 THE ESCAPE his ‘first wife’ which, when translated to the local tongue, is Kit Mikayi. The huge rock is now believed to be sacred especially to the Legio Maria sect who claim to have seen the image of Jesus and Mary. If stories of rocks with controversial beliefs fascinate you, Kisumu is the place to start. Luanda Magere a legendary warrior of the Luo community was a man who never lost a battle. In an attempt to establish a truce the Kipsigis offered him a wife. She was to pose as a spy. When Luanda Magere fell ill, he asked her to treat his shadow. She ensured the news traveled back home and when the Kipsigis warriors heard of this they set out to battle and when the chance appeared a spear was thrown at his shadow, instantly killing him and turning him into a stone that stands to date.

afternoon in Kisumu, set on a hill with great views of the lake. From here you can hear the ringing of lapping waves and the singing of birds and music from live bands, a proper place to enjoy a cold drink and toast to the beauty that is Kisumu City. Then there is Hippo point from where you can, you guessed it, see hippos. They like to roam along the shores of Lake Victoria nibbling on grass and dipping back into the water to cool off.

I have always been a sucker for museums, all kinds of them. The Kisumu Museum opened its doors to the public in 1980 and offers a deeper insight into the lives of the Western community from their ways of life to their traditional dressing styles. A sneak peek into a day in the life of a wife in a polygamous Luo homestead. The museum also hosts a selection of reptiles with tortoises older than most of us if not all. Speaking of lifestyle, it would be considered a sin if you visited the lakeside and didn’t have fish at the Lwang’ni Beach. A string of restaurants line the beach offering fresh fish and other delicacies popular in the Luo community. You are also treated to a front row view of the lake absolutely free of charge. Dunga Hill Camp is the perfect spot to be for a hot

When the sun finally disappears into the lake the night comes to life. Aqua Bar at the Acacia Premier Hotel would be a great place to start off the night with a light pregame session before heading out to some of the clubs and lounges popular among the pub crawlers. The most popular being Club Signature. Others include Bacardia Lounge, Roan Rooftop, Club Samba, Latitude Lounge, Buddy’s Bar and Grill, Club Da Place to name but a few.

Another place inspired by the hippo is The Kiboko Bay Resort. The place you want to be at in the evening. Perfect for honeymooners, sunset chasers or a quiet evening on the lake. Enjoy a sundowner cruise at sunset as the water turns golden and the sun sinks into the lake. A phenomenal sight to behold.

On your way back don’t forget to pass by the open air Kisumu Market to get yourselves and your loved ones some souvenirs and take away tilapia. Cheers.

48 THE ESCAPE

ROUND THE CLOCK DISHY TURN UP

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The big city has more to offer than most people think. From historical landmarks to business hubs. From laid back restaurants to booming clubs. Nairobae has you covered. Dishy and Turnup Travel have a brief peek into the diversity that the city has in store for you.

Time can be phrased as a summation of moments. Technically a day has twenty four hours but, we can all agree, we have had our share of long and short days. Long days where you checked the clock after every ten minutes but only two had gone and short days that we will always remember as if they only passed yesterday. This is a story about a short day where in twenty four hours, strangers became family. This was possible thanks to Turnup Travel Instagram Tours which allows people to interact in the real world while experiencing the best of Kenyan cities. Would there be a better place to start than Nairobi? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think so.

49 THE ESCAPE

It’s six in the morning, we are on top of the KICC building. The view is breathtaking, the street lights light up the sleeping city in a golden haze. With every passing minute you can feel the city come to life. The silent night slowly morphs into a beehive of activity. We are keenly waiting for the sunrise to symbolically kick start our adventure. Unfortunately, on this day, the sun is a bit shy so we only witnessed a slight break of dawn which is ironic for the ‘City in the Sun’. Nevertheless from the top, Nairobi is a beauty to be savored and as if we weren’t lucky enough we had a beautifully diverse mix of people to supplement the vibrancy necessary for a good day’s recipe. Speaking of recipes, we had our breakfast right on the helipad served by Serena courtesy of KTB. We were spoilt for choice with the wide variety they provided, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a cup of tea, samosas and sausages over the skies of an awakening city? What a way to start a Nairobi tour! Our first activity was the walking tour which led us to Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the US Embassy bombing on August 7, 1997. It had us all in a patriotic nostalgia, fighting the urge to recite the national anthem amidst sobs. There was a lot to learn about the heroics of a certain security officer who prevented the truck carrying the bomb from entering the Embassy’s parking. I’ll leave out the rest for when you make a visit to the park.

50 THE ESCAPE After the walking tour was over we had quite the exciting day ahead of us and to get around the city we had transport provided by Mondo Ride. The range of activities one could partake in Nairobi is expansive to say the least. Our next stop was Bao Box, a board games café located in Westlands. It has a breezy feel to it, with over two hundred board games with categories ranging from adventure, party, adult, and lots more. Bao Box has a no WiFi policy, to promote sociality: says a lot about the type of space it is. We engaged in a light intellectual brawl, in groups of six, in the form of 50/50, a Kenyan version of charades where your prowess in Kenyan pop culture is tested. Board games aren’t really complete without snacking, are they? Bao Box have their house in order with nachos, fries and some amazing sauces. For lunch we headed to Rioja Tavern, a Spanish restaurant along Spring Valley road. At this time the sun was out, the weather and the open plan layout of the restaurant blended seamlessly. The wooden finishes gave it a traditional look and a pop of color. We had Paella with chicken and downed it with their amazing Sangria. Being the romantic I am, I couldn’t help but wonder how many wild romances have sparked from the miniature Spanish experience offered by the restaurant. For lunch we headed to an afternoon pool party at Kingfisher Nest in Westlands. They have various amenities including but not limited to, a heated pool, a gym for the fitness fanatics and Feaston, a restaurant that serves Italian and Indian dishes. We had Martel Cognac sundowners and I couldn’t help but feel euphoric as my feet dangled carelessly by the pool with a glass of Martel Curious Dawa in my hand. The energy was lively and contagious. To burn some of it off we had

51 THE ESCAPE ourselves a dance off. A battle of the sexes, boys vs girls. Needless to say but the girls won. The sun was setting, we dried ourselves off and headed to Cloud Suites and Hotel for more sundowners and dinner. Just a walking distance from Karura Forest Reserve the setup is a contemporary masterpiece. With a playful set up, proper lighting, massive windows and the sensual allure of a roof top pool glowing in the dark night the ambience promised an ecstatic night. The energy at this point was nuclear, the vibe was undeniable. Never in a million years would a by passer have guessed that we had only met hours ago. The bar was filled with laughter and indistinct conversations as we sipped on our appletinis. They offered chicken lollipops and mutton samosas. The general playfulness of the setup made it a wonderful place to consider for pre-gaming or a relaxed night out. This was by far the most interactive tour I had been a part of and with a good section of it still not crossed off the least I could say is that it was a success. The final part of the tour had to be the crowning touch, the Nairobi Nightlife. Words that give justice to this experience have not been invented yet. The bar crawl began at Brew Bistro,Roof top of Fortis Towers, Westlands and later at Havana. You can count on the DJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to have you on your feet with their magic fingers. Our energy was well matched with other revelers. What a city she is, Nairobi; she is an elusive damsel, one you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite figure out but beautiful anyway. Soon enough it was five in the morning and then daybreak. Twenty four hours had passed in the snap of a finger. It was a short day but densely packed with rich experiences, good company, good food and drinks and a new family. Sunrise to sunrise, it does not get any better than this. Treat yourself to a Dishy Turnup Trip.

52 MY TRAVEL GUIDE

My Essential

“

With the summer winding down and just enough time for a last-minute escape, we couldn’t think of anyone better than Lucia Musau , renown and award winning fashion blogger to help us savour these final moments of sun with a twist of what her Travel Essentials are.

Having navigated love journeys far and wide, it’s no secret that this award winner and travel enthusiast comes with baggage—literally—and she’s got the best tips on smart packing. So we asked her for help with our suitcases. And while hydration and snacks seem to be a common theme among most travellers join us as Lucia narrows it down to a single essential that she could never leave home without.

1.My carry on essential is always a book. If you are traveling with me on a long flight don’t expect so much inflight interaction because chances are I will be buried in a book. On my last flight, I read “Memoirs of a Geisha”. What a read!!!

2.I can’t leave home without: applying my Clinique moisture surge 72-hour-auto replenishing hydrator. In this summer heat you need a product which works for you

3.I must have my camera or better yet a Tecno Camon CX Pro, the phone’s camera is on another level. Which allows me to make quick snaps on the move

4.I love carrying my Michael Soi bag. What a conversation starter

BLACK

E X C E L E N C E

#tembeakenya

54 DRINKS RECIPIE

Whisky Smash A bold, delicious and refreshing way to try your old favourite, Johnnie Walker Black. Perfect to impress friends at the next summery catch up or BBQ, and simple enough to shake the ingredients together then pour the whole contents into a glass!

Ingredients •60ml Johnnie Walker® Black Label® Blended Scotch Whisky •20ml Fresh Lemon •8 leaves fresh mint •10ml sugar syrup •2 slices fresh ginger •1 sprig fresh mint

Instructions 1.Pour the Johnnie Walker Black, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker or jar 2.Add fresh mint and ginger and fill it with ice cubes 3.Give the mix a brief but vigorous snappy shake 4.Dump out into a stemless wine glass and garnish with mint sprig

55 DRINKS RECIPIE

56 DRINKS RECIPIE

Smokey Summer Shandy A fortified shandy with a flavour profile that triggers memories of that smoky haze just before dusk in summer. Tart old fashioned lemonade and a crisp, fruity Pilsner are joined by the signature smoky undertones of the unrivalled Johnnie Walker Black. Ingredients •30ml Johnnie Walker® Black Label® Blended Scotch Whisky •60ml Old Fashioned Lemonade •60ml Pilsner Instructions 1.Measure and pour Johnnie Walker into a tall glass 2.Fill glass completely with ice 3.Top half with old fashioned lemonade and a fruity, crisp Pilsner

57 DRINKS RECIPIE

Perfect Old Fashioned A version of one of the all-time classic cocktails switches in Johnnie Walker Black Label for a smoky edge to the stirred mixture. It’s one of the most elegant ways to savour this great whisky.

ingredients 50ml Johnnie Walker® Black Label® Blended Scotch • Whisky 1dash of Angostura Bitters • 1cube of Sugar • 1piece of Cherry • 1slice of Orange •

Methodology 1.Place a sugar cube in a glass and add a dash of angostura bitters. 2.Muddle until dissolved into the angostura bitters. 3.Fill the glass with ice. 4.measure 50ml of Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky and pour into the glass. 5.Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

58 JUST BOOZE

Walker to the Mara It was Wildebeest migration season down at The Mara and Johnnie Walker had organized ‘The Mara tour experience’ for a couple of whisky lovers. My boss wanted me to go down there and ‘do my thing’. I drove my Subaru (Betsy) to Westgate Mall where we were meeting up. I have never been comfortable leaving Betsy behind (it feels like I’m cheating) but I wasn’t going to drive all that way alone. We did some light whisky tasting and left for Narok. There were ten of us in the van, with two being beautiful ladies with white Johnnie Walker branded shirts and cream pants.They were seated next to a small mini fridge since they were charged with making sure we were well ‘lubricated’ with Johnnie Walker. Travelling with whiskey, not bad. Alimo, an old acquaintance of mine, was also part of the crew. We had met down in Dar-es-salaam a couple of years back. Finding a fellow Kenyan there provided a sense of ease and since then we’d become ‘hommies’. Alimo, however, was in Insurance and I do not trust insurance guys; they have a way of naking you feel happy and comfortable giving them your money. For me that is a very dangerous thing. I grabbed a Johnnie Walker Red label for the two of us while we were catching up. Pouring my whisky in a plastic cup felt relaxing as compared to the normal whisky glass. When we left Nairobi everyone was quite reserved and keeping to themselves but when we hit freezing Limuru the Johnnie Walker provided the kick. Soon we had all introduced ourselves and were singing to some karaoke. I had the feeling that Alimo would eventually prove himself as a typical insurance guy, which he actually did. I was thinking up a plan on how to approach one of the Johnnie Walker brand ladies. That outfit looked amazing on them, these guys truly had brand representation down to a tee. Her name tag read Jennifer. Alimo began to tell me how they provide care for people’s ‘old cars’ like my Betsy, and that there was it!! I downed the last of my whisky and left my seat to go sit next to Jennifer. I had resorted to one of those few pick-up lines that don’t always work but when they do, they do! Felo had tipped me well on how to get this going. It had never backfired on him even at his senior age. Well “Excuse me, but you do look familiar. I could swear I have seen you before”. “Yes. You also look familiar”. She told me how she thought we’d met at some Johnnie Walker tasting event down in Malindi which actually I didn’t attend. I just nodded, smiled and said “Hii dunia ni ndogo” It felt weird sitting next to her drinking while she didn’t. They were not allowed to drink on the job.

We hit the Maasai Mara rough road in the evening and everyone who was asleep woke up. The road was so bumpy and uncomfortable. It was irritating how my drink kept spilling on me making me have to refill which, thanks to the road, wasn’t a smooth task. Our driver, being in a hurry, also never slowed down. We got to camp and after a couple of refreshments we were off for an evening drive in the wild. The sun was just setting and we could hear the animals getting ready for the night. Ten minutes into the drive and the car suddenly stopped. I thought Peter (the driver) also wanted some Johnnie Walker but he got out looking worried. As soon as he said “Mguu moja imetoboka” I saw the excitement and calm leaving Jennifer’s face. I was a bit tipsy but we rushed out to see if what he was saying was true (as if he had not assessed the situation right). It was getting dark and some guy and I offered to help fix the mess. The rest were too scared to even imagine that they were here so they stayed in the van, offering nothing but moral support and lighting from their phones. I saw Alimo in the van and wondered whether running away is how they’d take care of my Betsy. We fixed it, among cheers and a smile from Jennifer who I was clearly impressing today. Way to go Johnnie Walker. We headed straight back to camp while Jennifer poured me some much deserved Johnnie Walker Black label. The camp service had prepared a buffet with more bottles of Johnnie Walker making their way in. One of the guides was carefully taking care of the well-lit bonfire. We ate and sat around the bonfire telling silly stories and me making sure Jennifer was laughing. The stars seemed to smile down on us as they tried to outshine each other. The moon lit up the pathways around camp. In the distance, lions were roaring and hyenas laughing over whatever it is they laugh at. I grabbed Jennifer’s hand and we headed to the camp pathway where the crickets seemed to invite us for a walk. She told me to wait as she grabbed a bottle with no cup and off we were on a walk. The Mara at night is cold but beautiful. And with Johnnie Walker we kept walking.

“

Going to watch the Wildebeest migration is all well and good but there has to be more to the whole Mara thing than that. Dishy’s Wasps takes a trip to the Mara and finds the proverbial more while in the grasp of Johnnie Walker…

59 LOCAL LICKS

“ RAISING THE BAR WITH BLEND MSA RD

Nightlife

Sensation

I was shopping at NextGen Mall just the other day, when I wandered into this gold mine. For starters, it’s not as big as you’d expect a club to be, it’s relatively small and uniquely set up with red decor, allowing you a seductive ‘Valentine’ ambience on a daily. This club is famed for its signature red seats and tents, you can definitely bring your plus one to this place, consider the Blend your wingman. It’s not a cramped up juke box that’s all stuffy either. Blend has an outdoor feel to it with an open space giving it a fresh atmosphere that soothes your drinking. It’s fitted with soundproof walls and, personally, I think they set up a show just for you once you’re in. On the outside, they don’t give out as much, but the inside tells another story. The sound system is spot on with many renowned DJs gracing the decks on their amazingly slotted theme nights. Blend is NextGen’s prime music hub, hosting a number of celebrities and other interesting persons like yourself. Now let me answer your pressing question, haha, yes, there’s food. Do wings and fries count as food? The Blend kitchen is perfect for a meal on the go. You can munch on their finger-licking goodies at really reasonable prices. I’m not much of a meat person, but their wings had me thinking twice. My set of wings was meticulously plated and droned in on my table, emitting a striking aroma that almost had

me ordering for the list of ingredients and recipe too. Ha. But seriously, you should try them. Talking about prices, this joint is one of the fairest clubs in the Nation. Their prices comfortably entice you to drink as much as you can. If you fancy a different kind of snack though, you could always just walk out and into Burger King or Dominos Pizza, which are just adjacent to Blend. Grab a burger and enjoy it with your drink in hand. The services here are fast and efficient, meeting your needs with a touch of warmth and delight. My personal favourite is Yvonne, who took my first impression of the club a notch higher. The club recently underwent renovations, making it soundproof, granting it the newest sensation in town. For those who prefer getting in on the action, there’s a counter next to the DJ booth, being the main bar counter. The other one is on the periphery. You can literally just stretch your hand for a beer, much like the way you stretch for the remote from the comfort of your couch. The Blend isn’t just some other club that goes underrated, no, it demands to be lived. Being the pioneer of ‘Social Sunday’, it has attracted much attention to itself, earning a spot under the limelight. It’s back, my people. Closed for a while, but now it’s definitely back. Blend is the place, living up to its mantra ‘We do it for you’.

Have you had the chance to visit Blend of late? Thought it was closed? Think again. They are open and ready for business. Try it out, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

ON SPOT 60 ON SPOT

Club Signature

Kicker: A sports lover’s Haven Being among many others in the signature chain, Signature club in Eldoret is well known for it’s number of screens, (about 18 screens) three bars and a smoking area catering to sports lovers. This, more than anything, makes it a place to feel at home especially during this football season. If you’re in Eldoret for a weekend or so this is definitely the spot. It accommodates both the old and the young alike. Sometimes, however, they charge entrance fee during the weekends.

Club Da Place

The lakeside gem with your needs in mind Definitely the place to be while in Kisumu. It has made a name for itself as a club that offers it’s clientele a range of events allowing them to interact with famous Kenyan celebrities. Let’s not forget their amazing sound system and the ambiance that is to die for.Club Da Place is a guaranteed good time all the time.

Mohegan lounge

An escape within an escapade… Located in Nanyuki, Mohegan lounge boasts a beautiful backlit onyx bar, powered by fireflies and love. They offer the experience of a refined selection of local brews and international favorites, ice-cold from their tap. They keep it simple with friendly service, tasty cocktails and classic tunes in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you fancy a chilled out night with a glass of wine in hand while chatting with a friend or an all night dance spree, this is the place to be on a night out in Nanyuki

61 ON SPOT

Zipang

Home land club

Lodwar’s nightlife pioneer. This joint is located in Lodwar. If you’re ever around those sides, have no worries, the nightlife is alive and kicking. Stars are constantly flown to the club for appearances and performances to ensure that you enjoy your night there. Let’s not forget a few comedy shows here and there and more importantly the top deejays that grace the club. Who said we can’t party in the desert?.

The Irish twist in Nairobi Located at Nextgen Mall on Mombasa Road, Zipang gives it’s clientele the Irish pub experience. It is well known for it’s beautiful and massive glass chandeliers. The service team always brings their A game to ensure that you are relaxed and having fun. Couple this with their great music and a mature crowd and you’ll find yourself coming back time after time.

Infinity club

The ultimate party destination in Meru Find your clubbing Nirvana at Infinity Lounge located in Meru’s entertainment hub of Makutano. They offer the ultimate entertainment destination in Meru. They run on one simple phylosophy ; One Function, One sound system, one dance floor and one DJ all night, whether that be someone plucked from the rising ranks of local DJs or someone straight from the top, they’ve got your back all night long.

62 ON THE COUNTER

Sundowner

REVELATIONS The boys and I had decided that it had been a long while since we’d left the big city; we had to leave for a weekend. Mombasa was out of the equation since Allan and his mama, Esther, had December plans. Nakuru was two hours away and not considered traveling by us and Kisumu offered the best solution. It was not going to be a boy’s only trip as the girls were always invited for these once in a while trips, just for peace purposes. Only Jamo’s mama hadn’t confirmed if she was coming.

“

They say that love is blind. This has never held as much water as it does when the blind idiot is your close confidant. As usual, the overly verbal Allano questions his friend’s decisions and weighs them against his strict moral code…

63 ON THE COUNTER Sly was my girlfriend by now and I picked her up from her place in Lang’ata at around 8 am. We were to meet up at a restaurant in town for breakfast. Allano and Esther arrived after us and we waited for Jamo while snacking. He walked in, alone, minutes later pulling a ka’small suitcase which was definitely a lady’s traveling package, a smug look smeared all over his face. “Eeh Jamo kwani your mama ako wapi? I thought you said she had decided to come?” Allano asked. Jamo looked vaguely optimistic and said, “Anakam. Don’t leave her out of our plans. Let’s get going she’ll come by plane baadaye.” Jamo’s girlfriend had not yet confirmed whether she would join us on this trip to Kisumu weeks after we had come up with the idea. He always shrugged it off that Tamara would join us. It was now D-day and still nothing. We were to use Allano’s Toyota Alphard as it was the most comfortable travel car among ours and that meant that no one but Allano was driving. We passed by the local supermarket where the girls bought snacks for the long drive while we bought four Tusker six packs which Allano would have none of. ‘I don’t drink and drive’ was part of his life’s not so many strictly followed rules. Jamo was on his phone most of the times and from the looks of it the texts were doing a not so good job at cheering him up. He even threw his beloved iPhone on the seat a dozens of times and Allano suggested that “Buda si you just call the guy. Or stop replying to the texts.” None of us really paid it much attention as we were pre-occupied with the Tuskers, the road and lots of stories. We finally cried ‘Kisumu Wasechopo’ as we got view of the lakeside city at around 3 pm, Allano was definitely a mad driver. Mad in a good way. He looked back and asked Jamo if his mama was still coming on the 4:45pm flight to which Jamo affirmed not so confidently ‘relax man Tamara is coming.” We drove our way through the hot and humid city trying to find the popular Dunga Beach Hotel where the girls had booked us rooms. Being all really tired, we checked into our rooms for a brief one-hour nap and refreshment.

We met up at 5:00pm for an early supper by the beach. What else would we have but fish. Not just any type of fish, but tilapia. I had us booked for a 6 pm boat-cruise into the lake to relax and unwind while watching the sunset: the famous sundowner boat ride that made Dunga one of the best in the area. We grabbed another batch of Tusker six pack cans and headed for the boat. Jamo’s girl was clearly terrible at keeping time. I’d pity anyone who’d miss one of these sundowner rides.

“First up you have failed us bro. Aids is real, heck even I am afraid of that. Sponsors are the most reckless people. They don’t only have one side chic, and we all know that Most of them do not even use cd’s bana.”

Our boat ride guide, who proudly introduced himself as Omondi from Kisumu Dala, ushered us into the boat down at Dunga Beach, ready for the sundowner sunset ride. I could tell that Omondi had done this a lot of times before. The guy knew his boat, the lake and was saying all the right things to charm the ladies without making us feel offended. We even threw two Tusker cans his way. I mean, you can definitely drink and row. The girls were already indulging in light gossip while we slowly sipped beer as we drifted into the deep waters. You could feel the spirit of Magical Kenya hovering around. Sly suddenly came close to me and said, “Eey babe I have been with you guys long enough to know when something is not right, and now there’s definitely something bothering Jamo.” I turned to Jamo and asked “Eey Buda kwani what’s wrong bana? You have been sullen sana.” Allano too snapped and added “Yes tell us. How do you come all the way here and you are not talking to any of us?”

Jamo was not backing down just yet. He argued as we all looked at him. “Heri mimi, my girlfriend is cheating and I know that she is. I even know the guy. You are here feeling all secure and you don’t know if you are being cheated on, plus cheki, me I love the girl. She’s my ride or die. Have you ever been in love jamaa?

Jamo bitterly sipped his beer and opened up. His feelings were in a whirlwind. Tamara, his girl had a sponsor and he (the sponsor) had insisted on taking her down to Diani in the south coast. And that was why she had not confirmed whether she was coming for our trip or not. She couldn’t cancel and join us. Allano asked whether they were still together and Jamo said “ Yes.” Allano snapped.

“Secondly, no normal man can share a woman knowingly. If it’s incognito sawa. But how do you sleep knowing someone is on top of your girl bana? Do you just sleep and tell yourself you are one generous person?”

Esther and Sly were now rolling their eyes in dismay. This was a totally new low for Jamo. “Plus we get to use the money for the stuff we need. You’re here complaining and I even sponsor you drinks with that money.” Allano spit and said, “Ata ningejua I wouldn’t even be drinking when you buy.” The sun was now slowly setting in the horizon, painting the sky dark orange. Omondi was now paddling the boat slowly while sipping his can of Tusker, his eyes fixed thinking on whatever it is he was. A sundowner in Kisumu is something you need to experience before you die or grow too old. “You know kuna time love becomes stupidity. And you my dear friend are at that level. This here, this is a proper relationship (Allano cuddled Esther as he pointed to Sly and I) you need that. Jamo argued that he was being a faithful boyfriend. “So wait, you’re being faithful to someone who’s cheating on you?”

64 HEALTHY LIVING - FITNESS

FITNESS WITH NICK

On the go exercises Traveling can be disruptive to our fitness routine. As such, most people normally take a break and get back to it when they’re back home. This, to me is like taking one step forward and three steps backwards and still wondering why we’re not getting to our destination. There are simple exercises that can be done anywhere at any time and still have a positive effect on our health and fitness. I.Crunches: All you need is a flat surface and a mat to lie on and you’re ready. This exercise is especially effective on the abdominal muscles and really tones them out. II.Lunges: Specially targeted for the thighs and gluts, this exercise ensures that these muscles are well toned. One again, all you need is a flat surface. III.Squats: Focuses on the gluts and lower back muscles. Ensure that your back is straight all through the process. IV.Push-ups: There are multiple ways of doing push-ups. No matter how you do them, they open up the chest and strengthen your arms. V.Burpees: Considered an intense workout where multiple muscle groups are targeted. Very effective VI.Mountain climbers: Also considered intense as it targets multiple muscle groups. Lastly, don’t forget to start each workout session with some warm-up stretching. It will do more good than you realize.

“

The last thing anyone wants is to get cramped up in a gym while on holiday. As such, simple every day exercises work wonders. Dishy’s resident fitness guide has come up with a list of simple exercises for those of us who travel.

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Lets Avocado 66 HEALTHY LIVING - NUTRITION

NIST NUTRITIO

EVE NJAMBI

I’ve always been a sucker for avocados. For starters, avocados won’t make you grow fat, contrary to popular belief, they instead contain the good kind of fat that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart diseases. Remember the vitamins you learnt about in school? (Ehm... Vitamin K, B2, C, D and E) Well, avocados naturally contain these nutrients. Avocados are also a great source of potassium, a nutrient that helps reduce your blood pressure. There’s nothing as too much avocado. Nothing. For the best avocados you can ever have, check out Saipei Foods Limited. They are the leading fresh produce exporter, their avocados are the best in the European and Dubai market. I don’t know how they do it, their avocados are loved, possibly even attend a group of schools. Their attention to quality and great customer service brings that ‘extra’ that ‘oomph’ to your table. It’s smoothness and creaminess just glides in your mouth making you feel like nothing else matters at that moment. Avocados remain to be my best fruit and it should be yours too. On a lighter note, for the ladies, avocado is great for your hairline, even better for your skin. Avocados help detoxify your skin as it is packed with skin friendly minerals. Mix it up with honey or oatmeal for best results. There are many ways to eat avocado. 1.Seasoned, this means you can sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar on it and eat it that way. 2.You can add your avocado to scrambled eggs or toast as a substitute for butter and maragarine 3. Blend it and have it as a smoothie. 4. As a topping in your ice cream, pasta sauces and pancakes. 5 Blend it into your cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris and martinis for that refreshing feel. However you like it, go nuts, be creative, avocados go well with everything.

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