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Vol 7 May 2015
YUMMY MUMMY SPOILING MUM
MUM’S KITCHEN
FOODIE MECCA
Clueless? A list of 5 treats that she’ll love.
Celebrities reminisce about their mum’s cooking
A peek into Yaya Centre as a foodie destination
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EDITORIAL
DEAR MUMS, The Yummy Mummy issue, as the name implies, is dedicated to celebrating you. On 10th May this year, children in over a dozen countries around the world will honour and celebrate mothers for the impact they have had on their lives.
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nless you are one of the rare few whose father took care of the cooking, your earliest and strongest memories of food are tied to your mother’s meals, a role you likely play as mums yourselves. Whether insisting they eat their vegetables, or knowing exactly what to cook to lift their spirits, your role in shaping your children’s relationship to food and creating memories of a warm home is irreplaceable. This month’s issue is one massive ode to you – from Susan Wong’s
glowing review of Mama’s Patisserie, to our chef profile with a mother and chef of one of Westlands’ most iconic restaurants, About Thyme. Charity Keita shares details on her plans to prepare an epic room service surprise for her mum, and our new Wine Chic(k) reflects on her mother’s stories of her wilder days. Jackson Biko sticks to whisky instead, reflecting on whisky drinkers’ unreasonable need to find their precise brand of choice at every bar. Our main features this month are all about celebrating and treating those special mums in our lives. We
read about five ways to treat your mum this Mother’s Day (did someone say aromatherapy? I could be a mum for a day…). Nine individuals celebrate their mums by reflecting on their favourite memories of their mum’s cooking. Our regular news & events, new restaurants, wine picks, and cocktail recipes will offer more ideas on how to spoil mums this month. And as always, the Yummy Card program offers a great way to treat mums. Free for a limited time, the Yummy Card offers access to some of Nairobi’s best restaurants at
discounted prices. Make sure you’ve ordered your card by this Mother’s Day, make a reservation at your favourite restaurant online at eatout. co.ke, and show your card at the restaurant to get mum’s treat at a discount. Treat a mum today!
Hiyabel Tewoldemedhin General Manager EatOut Africa
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CONTENT
CONTENT 24 YUMMY MUMMY From spa days to homecooking, we give you 5 yummy ideas on how to treat your mom to a Mother’s Day she won’t soon forget.
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NEWS AND EVENTS
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NEW RESTAURANTS
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MY LIFE AS A FOODIE
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SUSAN EATS
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CHEF PROFILE
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KAHAWA DIARIES
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RECIPES
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WINE CHICK
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BRILLIANT MASTERS WINE
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MAN ABOUT TOWN
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WELLNESS
MUM’S KITCHEN Nairobi’s celebrities reflect on wonderful and not-so-wonderful memories of their mothers’ cooking.
Check out the tastiest news in the local food scene this month. Be sure to give these new additions a try when you next make a reservation. Charity Keita plans to surprise her mum with a feast-in-bed. Susan Wong heads to Mama’s Fine French Patisserie and falls in love with their Eggs Benedict. Deborah Swai of About Thyme discusses the long path that led to owning her own restaurant. Savory waffles, coffee and conversations with a young and focused single mom.
From Roast Chicken to Chocolate Mousse, Amanda Gicharu cooks up the perfect Mother’s Day spread. Annabel Onyango admits to adopting her mother’s former-wine-loving ways. Capital Club Nairobi’s Head Sommelier, Brilliant Mathelumusa, tells us what it takes to be a master of wine knowledge. Find out why Jackson Biko is drinking with mannequins. Amy Selbach talks about the importance of staying healthy for your kids.
YUMMY Vol. 07 · May 2015 · PUBLISHED BY EATOUT, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MANAGING DIRECTOR Mikul Shah GM Hiyabel Tewoldemedhin YUMMY TEAM Michelle Slater, Wendy Watta, Liz Maelane, Jean Wandimi, Mary Mahinda, Fred Mwithiga, Anne Kisang IT Kelvin Jayanoris SALES & OPERATIONS Gilbert Chege, Daniel Muthaini, Devna Vadgama, Seina Naimasiah, Yvonne Malebe, Wahid Osman, Yoga David GRAPHIC DESIGN Karan Khalsa CONTENT PRODUCED IN CONJUNCTION WITH UP MAGAZINE, PROJECT EDITOR Katy Fentress STAFF WRITER Alex Roberts, Loyce Odhiambo CONTRIBUTORS Jackson Biko, Amanda Gicharu, Charity Keita, Annabel Onyango, Amy Selbach, Susan Wong SALES INQUIRIES Call Yummy, 0711 22 22 22 EMAIL info@yummy.co.ke
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NEWS AND EVENTS
BEER O’CLOCK Unlimited beer...as long as you don’t take a bathroom break If you like the combination of beers and a challenge, then Crystallum Bar at Hotel Royal Orchid on Rhapta Road has an offer that is right up your alley. For Ksh 999 per person, you get unlimited beer. That’s right, unlimited! If it seems too good to be
true, it just might be, because as soon as you stand up for a bathroom break, you’re hit with a new bill. So prepare yourself for a long night of drinking and trying to hold out!
WINE GOGH Drinking wine as you paint is no longer going to be just a daydream. For the artistically inclined (or for the assorted wine lovers among us), be sure to check out Wine and Canvas going down on Saturday May 9th at The Wine Shop. You don’t even need to bring your own paint brush as for only Ksh 3,500, you’ll get complimentary wine and all the tools you need to get in touch with your inner artist. Select a drink from The Wine Shop’s extensive menu and try not to lose your paintbrush before you embrace your inner Picasso!
BETTER CALL KI.CHEN Office lunches just got more delicious with Ki.Chen’s healthy menu There is a new way to do lunch in the office in Nairobi. No more of that terrible choice between a boring packed lunch and dramatically overpriced take out because Ki.Chen is here. The service provides affordable and utterly delicious healthy food delivered in a timely manner right to the comfort of your office! They feature eats varying from Thai chicken noodle salads to North African flavoured halloumi wraps, so next time you forget to bring some lunch to work, don’t stress. Just call Ki.Chen!
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NEWS AND EVENTS
WHEN IN TOKYO Indulge in the ultimate Sushi and Champagne affair The ever amazing Tokyo Restaurant on Kolloh Road has a spectacularly luxurious offer this month. For only Ksh 2,000, you can get an amazing glass of champagne and complimentary bites paired specifically by Chef Philip Shin. Don’t miss out on a chance to toast to the good life and cleanse your palate with a glass of Tattinger Brut champagne. The offer is set to commence this month of May.
TASTY CANVAS Que Pasa invites you to an Art Showcase like no other Karen staple Que Pasa is offering an incredible art show from 1st to 21st May, featuring works from Artboyz and Saskia Darell. Experience their influence on Kenyan and African society as they showcase their various exhibitions. If you’re trying to drink in some incredible works of art (and maybe add a piece to your collection) along with a simply delicious meal, this show is bound to be a match made in heaven.
COLOMBIAN FEAST Sankara Nairobi is calling out all ye foodies who’ve been dying to try some Colombian Mark your calendars for May 4th to 10th for a chance to dig into authentic Colombian food at Sankara Nairobi, all prepared by Gerardo Zabala Campos, Executive Chef at Metropolitan Club Bogota. Since there’s nothing quite like being serenaded as you savour exotic food, entertainment will be provided by acclaimed composer and musicologist, Frente Cumbiero. Sounds like this will be quite the festival!
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NEW RESTAURANTS
STEAK OUT Graze, Sankara - Not your average steakhouse Just when you thought that the always fabulous Sankara Hotel couldn’t get any better, they have. Graze is set to become the signature foodie destination of the Westlands hotel, by slinging out some of the
most luxurious culinary experiences that Nairobi has ever seen. From aged beef to seafood and classic steakhouse dishes, Graze is an experience not to be missed.
HEY CUPCAKE! Get your cake fix at the new Cake City at Diamond Plaza For those of you with a sweet tooth on the Parklands side of Nairobi, here is some good news: Cake City just recently opened a branch at Diamond Plaza! The bakery will be featuring all of the great cakes and pastries they have become known for. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick slice of something delicious or are getting a custom cake for a special someone, the new Cake City at Diamond Plaza is the place to get your cake fix!
COFFEE BREAK If you have a latte on your mind, check out Dormans at the Village Market Food Court Everybody knows and loves Dormans, the chain has long been a staple of the Nairobi coffee scene. They are now bringing their twist on kahawa and a quick bite to a more convenient location
right within the food court, of the ever popular Village Market. If you simply can’t resist that coffee craving, don’t miss swinging by the new Dorman’s branch to get your favorite coffee concoction.
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SOCIAL SCENE
SOMETHING FISHY According to the EatOut team, high quality, fresh and inspired seafood dishes are always a good idea! As such, everyone jumped at the chance to head out to Ocean Basket to sample the very best they have to offer. The beautifully served starters, signature cocktails and their famous family platters were an absolute treat. All were however in agreement that the sushi platters, as recommended by head Chef JP, were simply the showstoppers of the night.
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SOCIAL SCENE
BERRIES & BARRELS
It was a night of pure luxury at the unveiling of Nairobi’s most exclusive liquor store, Berries & Barrels. Situated on the 2nd floor of Yaya Centre, guests were treated to delicate bitings, paired perfectly with a selection of whiskies, all available in store. The evening ended on a high note with an auction of the award-winning triple malt, John Walker & Sons Odyssey.
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MY LIFE AS A FOODIE TEXT CHARITY KEITA
FEAST IN BED How does one surprise a bedridden mother who does not expect to be celebrated? Charity Keita has something up her sleeve for this year’s mother’s day as she decides to go for a comforting and light, surprise room service meal
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other’s day can be incredibly confusing when you are used to living between cultures. In Mali, the country my esteemed father hails from, people follow the French day which usually falls on the last Sunday of May, while here in Kenya, my mother’s native country, we follow the US traditions and celebrate it on the second Sunday of the same month. To make matters worse, when I was living in the UK, I would always get a surge of guilt some time in March when the mother’s day reminders would start popping up; I would at this point hurry off to phone home, only to be answered with chuckles as Mama pointed out I was a month or so early.
To be honest at a certain point I all but gave up on the concept of mother’s day and just focussed on calling her on her birthday. This year, however, I intend to mix things up a bit as my Mama recently suffered a minor incident at the gym which has left her mostly bedridden. Instead of her usual spritely self, she has been confined to the tedium of daytime tv and to reading books which seem to always end up depressing her— actually that’s probably my fault; I should have guessed that now was not a good time to insist she read Chimamanda’s “Half of a Yellow Sun”. How does one surprise a bedridden mother who does not expect to be celebrated? Easy of course, cook her something yummy and turn her bed into a veritable feasting space. Light feasting though,
mind you, as she’s already been complaining to me that all the carbs she keeps on eating are making her feel bloated. To make things infinitely easy for myself, I am going to make the same recipe I tested out on my friend Amy just the other day. This consisted in: goat cheese cauliflower mash accompanied by veal and asparagus rolls. Yes there isn’t much else to it: boil the cauliflower and mash it up with a light fluffy goat’s cheese and salt and pepper to taste. For the rolls visit one of Nairobi’s fancier butchers and ask them to finely slice you some veal escalopes (calculate about two each). Then invest in some quality sliced cheese (gouda or black danbo should work fine), some unwaxed lemons for zest, and a bunch of asparagus (steamed).
The idea is that you lay out your piece of meat on a surface, put in first your cheese, then some lemon zest and finally two asparagus (cut in half so there are four stalks coming out of the wrap) on one of the ends. Sprinkle some salt over the mixture and then take the end with the asparagus, tightly roll it and skewer it with a toothpick to keep everything in place. Put it in a tray and stick it in a preheated oven (160 °C). Last time I baked it all for about 20 minutes and when the cheese started coming out at the ends I took that as my cue to remove it. The only question remaining is at this point: will it be ok if I give my mother a glass of her favourite Amarula on ice as dessert? The rest of the family won’t approve but can they argue on mother’s day?
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MAMA’S BEST Mama’s Fine French Patisserie & Bakery
Susan Wong delights in the uncomplicated flavours of the baked goods at Mama’s Patisseries 18.
In a quaint modern dining room that subliminally suggests the Parisian vibe, I hide my face in one of my favourite brunch items. After a chilly and damp evening, nothing lifts my spirits during Nairobi’s rainy season quite like a classic Eggs Benedict served on an oven-fresh, still hot to the touch, and an irresistibly flaky croissant. Above me, dramatic chandeliers hang, whilst vintage French film posters adorn the walls. The modest yet elegant bakery and café is accentuated by pink accents and large windows wash the black granite floors with an ethereal natural light. A cute elderly couple adoringly sips on infused tea, young parents negotiate with their daughter what pastry she can have if she’s good, and a young man in a suit quietly enjoys his Americano – a lovely morning crowd. My companion and I sit by the window – the ideal people-watching vantage point. Francophone pop and
RESTAURANT REVIEW TEXT SUSAN WONG PICTURES KARAN KHALSA
In a perfect world, I would eat my Eggs Benedict on Croissant with a Double Espresso three times a week
LEFT Chef Brian
folk music hum in the background and instead of the parking exit of ABC Place, I imagine a Parisian street scene: cobblestone pathways and women cycling in their stilettos. However, I will admit that it is quite entertaining to watch drivers struggle to manoeuvre their cars once they realised they can’t pay for their parking at the exit. Mama’s Fine French Patisserie & Bakery opened in 2013 when the new addition of ABC Place was still under construction. Its menu is French-inspired, and its strength is formidably expensive sweet treats and pastries, which its ingredients up until the moment it’s presented in the display case, have been imported from all corners of the world. In a perfect world, I would eat my Eggs Benedict on Croissant with a Double Espresso three times a week, with no regrets and no plaque in my arteries or protruding belly. In Mama’s case, though as delicious as my Eggs Benedict was, I would stay
away from the jello-like Hollandaise sauce, thankfully served on the side. There was also another breakfast classic French Toast, which arrived brown, crispy-edged, creamy on the inside, truly airy and delicately dusted with icing sugar. Served with a dollop of homemade crème fraîche, its subtle tang balancing the sweetness of the strawberry sauce, the French Toast was delicious. The French usually boast they’re the best at everything when it comes to food, and in the case of reviving “lost bread” or pain perdu, they are. On the rest of the menu, Mama’s keeps it uncomplicated. Mama’s doesn’t always duplicate its finesse from the bakery throughout the kitchen. The Bruschetta Platter of tomatoes, avocado, basil, olive tapenade, eggplant hummus, feta, mushroom with parsley seemed determined to leave no impression at all. Sandwich choices are straightforward and expand beyond the French inspiration
with nine options, some with a more Mediterranean influence. The morning was saved by Mama’s pastries. Mousse de Fraises, also known as Strawberry Mousse arrived as a pillowy rectangle in a beautiful light shade of pink and tasted of lazy summer afternoons. The Passion Fruit Cheese Cake looked exquisite and had flavours to match. The individually-sized pastries offer gourmands a taste of the good Parisian life in Nairobi whilst showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients from the region. Mama’s offers the growing bakery and café scene in Nairobi a unique boutique culinary experience that will transport you to the streets of France. Mama’s décor is a one-of-akind blend of Parisian artifacts and modern interpretation. The small dining room usually hums with polite conversation from people who act like regulars. Not a big fan of the short outdoor trek to the ladies’
or gents’ thanks to the property managers. The service is practiced, and with patience, especially during peak hours, can be charming. But what keeps me coming back, especially early in the morning before they’ve sold out, are the fresh breads and croissants – their sweet and yeasty aromas still linger in my memory. Mama’s Fine French Patisserie is located at ABC Place, Nairobi, Kenya.
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BELOW Deborah Swai
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CHEF PROFILE TEXT ALEX ROBERTS PHOTO EATOUT / KARAN KHALSA
GREEN ZONE
About Thyme tries their sincerest to make the eatery relaxed for everyone to feel at ease.
After paying her dues slogging through other people’s restaurants, Deborah Swai is finally content with the way things are panning out at her very own About Thyme Restaurant. Fancy but not pretentious, this relaxed establishment is fast becoming a Westlands favourite. It isn’t always the straightest of paths to own a restaurant, often times there are curves and changes before winding up with the white coat of a chef. For Deborah Swai of the Westlands institution About Thyme, it was well worth the wait. After slogging through years in the service and restaurant business in England (including an early morning stint as a baker), Swai decided to come home to Kenya to try her hand in the restaurant business. Like a lot of things at About Thyme, even finding the location was a labour of love: Swai looked for over a year before settling on the quiet location off Peponi Road. Since opening in 2005, About Thyme has become known in Nairobi for being the go-to spot for relaxed cuisine with the atmosphere to match. The atmosphere feels a bit homey, just as Swai intended, adding to the veneer of the spot is the exceptional blend of “home-cooked” food that has been keeping guests happy for the last decade. It isn’t your normal fare, with a slightly off-kilter blend of spices, backgrounds, influences and presentations. This even makes its way into the appetizer course, with the duck cigars (an Asian flavoured
spin on a samosa) finding itself both familiar and different. In spite of the eclecticism shown from Swai’s kitchen, the overall theme comes back to a home away from home. The décor of About Thyme matches that mantra: fancy but not pretentious, chic but not aloof. This isn’t the inaccessible cuisine that first time diners can’t relate to. No, About Thyme tries their sincerest to make the eatery relaxed for everyone to feel at ease. It’s a point that Swai insists on: with the staff some of the friendliest in Nairobi, the food the most familiar, the touch the most personal. Every table gets a visit from Swai, every one made to feel special by a “Chef’s surprise” biting given with every meal. The aloof inaccessibility of many highend restaurants is nowhere to be found among the rolling hillside garden of About Thyme, the further you go into the property the warmer and more casual it feels. For Swai, the sustainability of About Thyme is its adaptability. They mend and adjust the menu, finding comfort food wherever they can find influence. This rings especially true from their participation in Nairobi
Restaurant Week, where some of the featured dishes became so popular they made the jump from a one week experiment to full time featured item on the menu. The Pepper Steak is one such dish, becoming one of the restaurant’s most popular plates in recent months. Even experiments in desserts have found their way onto the ever-changing menu, with frozen Key Lime pie (once feared too cold for diners) becoming perhaps their most loved dessert. For Swai, it has been everywhere from India to England bringing in a bit from everywhere, with everything from coconut curry fish an English
style chicken pot-pie being featured on the menu. This is definite stickto-your-ribs type of cuisine, with the mind of Swai producing menu standouts such as lamb stew with lemon and figs, to pumpkin and amaretti tortellini served up in portions that are guaranteed to fill up and satisfy. Whatever it is, there isn’t a rush to get to the point, only a garden, food to bring some joy and maybe a cocktail or two. For Deborah Swai that’s exactly what About Thyme should be, a place to feel like family, a home away from home.
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COFFEE TEXT MARYANNE NJOROGE
KAHAWA DIARIES HOW I TAKE MY COFFEE WITH SHELLA THIONG’O
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hella Thiong’o is a beautiful, hardworking single mother who works in Client Relations at Flametree - a local advertising agency. The way she takes her coffee shows that she is very focused and decisive but bold and outspoken - characteristics she is starting to see in her beloved 4 year old son, Tristan Nanzai Washika. How do you take your morning coffee? Black. No milk, with very little sugar. What’s your morning routine? When my son is with me, he wakes me up and I help him get ready for school. I have a quick breakfast and
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coffee, drop him at school and dash to work. What’s your favourite pastry?
What are some of the most challenging things about being a mom?
Plain croissant. Uncomplicated.
Being a parent in general. You may not know what’s right or wrong. There are no books on it. You just have to trust your instinct.
What would be your ideal mother’s day breakfast? A cake and eggs made by my son (with help, of course). Bacon made by me and pineapple juice - his favourite. How would you describe his personality? He is such a free spirit. He’s the loudest kid in the class. He’s very open-minded and not shy to talk to people even if he’s just met them for the first time.
What are some of the most rewarding things about being a mom? I can’t even put it into words. That unconditional love. You’re a superstar to someone everyday. He’s my best friend. I wouldn’t have it any other way. What inspires you to keep going everyday?
He has inspired me since the day I found out I was pregnant. I bought my car because I never wanted to get into a matatu with him. I got a bigger house... At the end of the day I know there’s someone who depends on me and my decisions will impact him in some way. Where do you want to be in 10 years time? In the rare event that I’m single (I do hope to get married) I would want to be a motivational speaker to young, single moms. I want them to know that being a mom is the best thing that can happen to you. It gets better and better each day. Career-wise, If I could be a marketing manager for a multinational brand, I would be happy. I hope all my experiences lead me to that.
A morning without coffee is simply ‘waffling’ to me…
Waffle Wednesdays
DORMANS’ SIZZLING NEW MENU ITEMS The Dormans menu is the proverbial gift that keeps on giving. Sip on the creative coffee brews made with the highest quality beans or cool off with a freshly squeezed juice or fresh fruit smoothie. Whatever you drink, make sure to pair it with one of these delightful new additions:
Make your next Wednesday a wonderful one by taking advantage of this tasty offer. Get any savory or sweet waffle from the Dormans menu and a glass of fresh juice for only Kshs 500. For a change of pace (and taste), try the brand new, flavorsome Antipasti Waffle made with grilled peppers, zucchini, eggplant and pesto. With a combination of ingredients that always go well together like these, it’s no wonder it’s as delicious as it sounds. Kshs 500
Muffins New flavors include the classic Blueberry, the cinnamon-infused Apple Crumble, and the out-of-this-world Coffee & Toffee. Yes, the flavours of coffee and toffee in one muffin - genius. Toasted Bagels For the first time, Dormans is serving up a scrumptious range of toasted bagels. The Cheese Bagel comes with gouda cheese and spiced butter. Add a slice of ham and it becomes the classic Ham & Cheese Bagel. The Mushroom Bagel is an easygoing mix of mushroom and mozzarella cheese. Best of all, and the one to look out for, has to be the Pizza Bagel. Layered with mozzarella cheese, kalamata olives and pomodoro sauce, it is the deconstructed pizza sandwich of your dreams.
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YUMMY MUMMY Mothers Day is upon us and most of us will settle for the same old bouquet of flowers bought from the guy on the side of the road as we rush over after work. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Make it special this year - go the extra mile and make sure you show that really amazing woman in your life that you care. Here are five ideas to make this occasion stand out from the other 364 days of the year. You can either go all out and do all five of them (because hey, you know she deserves it) or you can simply mix and match according to your schedule and budget.
1. Breakfast in bed Remember all those times you faked sickness so you could spend the day in bed watching cartoons while your mother fussed over you? Well this is your chance to pay her back. Nothing says “I love you Mama” more than a delicious and light breakfast, served in bed on a pretty laid out plate. Marbleized eggs are a fancy way of making scrambled eggs. The idea is that by mixing the egg up in the pan and not a bowl, you do not create a uniform mixture and the white and the yellow stay separate making it more textured and pretty. Serve this breakfast with your mother’s favourite hot beverage and a glass of fresh fruit cocktail on the side.
fillet it (it’s already cooked so you just need to heat it for a minute)
Smoked Trout and Marbleised Eggs on an English Muffin
For the Eggs 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 freerange eggs, ¼ cup of minced chives, salt and pepper to taste
For the Trout: Find out the closest shop that stocks smoked trout from the Nanyuki Trout Tree restaurant. Gently heat the trout whole in a pan and then peel and
Melt the butter in the pan, crack over both eggs and break up the yolks using a heatproof rubber spatula or flat ended wooden spoon. Swirl the
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eggs around into a spiral taking care not to scramble them. Cook until the bottom is set, add the chives and fold into quarters. In the mean time cut your English Muffin in two and stick it in the toaster or oven. Butter the muffin on both sides and place the eggs on each half. Serve with the trout on the side and garnish with a couple of split cherry tomatoes.
2. Get her a bunch of white lilacs Lilacs symbolise peace and are also beautifully scented. Your mom will surely be blown away by this tasteful bouquet. If you think white is too plain for your bouquet, try mix it with the purple lilacs. 3. Aromatherapy Every woman needs a relaxing heavenly moment once in a while and your mother probably has been
MAIN FEATURE TEXT LOYCE ODHIAMBO
dreaming of one of these for ages, but has just not been able to find the time. Aromatherapy is a one of a kind therapy that uses different scents to balance one’s well-being both emotionally and physically. The term aromatherapy was coined by a French Chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, in 1937. This came after he witnessed the first-hand healing power of lavender oils on skin burns. If wondering where your mom can
have such an experience, there are numerous great spa options to choose from in Nairobi. 4. Write her a poem “It’s not the money you spend but the love you put into it” mothers are prone to say. Well put your heart into this one and spell it out to her. Poems don’t need to be long or complicated, a few words to express your love and respect for her will
suffice. Invest in a nice card, write a rough copy and when you think you’ve nailed it, transcribe in your best handwriting. 5. Take Her Out for an Exotic Dinner Has your mother ever tried Chinese or Eritrean food? This is your chance to show her a good time and delight her tastebuds with something new and potentially exotic. Double Dragon at Junction mall serves an
authentic Chinese fare while the newly opened branch of Asmara on General Mathenge drive, serves delicious Eritrean food (basically the same as Ethiopian) with a modern flare in an exquisitely designed setting. For more ideas on how to spoil Mum, log on to eatout.co.ke/mothersday
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Marek Fuchs It was mostly my dad who was the Gordon Ramsey in the kitchen both in character and execution. Don’t get me wrong, my mum’s cooking has always been amazing and her porridge with cocoa is a clear winner. She wasn’t very fond of us playing with our food and even less with hers. I remember my brother picking something out of her plate while she
was looking away and next thing I knew, her fork was standing upright out of his hand! When we moved to South Africa, I recall us trying to feed a table of 8 with an ostrich egg. Cracking an ostrich egg isn’t easy. We broke at least 5 different utensils and a tile on the floor. These adventures were always the highlight with mum. Love you mum!
MUM’S KITCHEN
A lot of people will be showing some love and appreciation for their mums this Mother’s Day. These popular personalities are certainly not left behind as they reminisce about their earliest memories of their mum’s cooking. Avril Nyambura My mum used to make the best French fries and she only did that on Fridays. As such, my brother and I looked forward to that day because of this. I also remember her teaching me how to make ugali using the ‘roll into a ball and throw to the wall’ method. I would make quite the mess! She thinks my food is too spicy so for Mother’s Day, I would probably take her to Seven Seafood & Grill.
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Devna Vadgama I remember my mum cooking while I was there just chatting away. I think I talked more than I ate. Still do. I have a list of her best dishes, one favourite being daal. It’s an Indian staple and when served hot with rice and yoghurt, it brings back some awesome memories. I love baking and she is my mentor. We still create cakes together when we get the chance. I’ve often had to eat humble pie when we put theories to the test!
SPECIAL FEATURE Patricia Kihoro
TEXT WENDY WATTA
Growing up, I picked up a lot of things from my mother and for that I am forever grateful. The one thing I didn’t learn from her, however, was how to cook. It’s not that she couldn’t, it’s just that my dad spent more time in the kitchen than the entire family combined. His prowess and passion for cooking ran so deep that it was only natural that my passion for enjoying a good meal would follow suit. Because of mum, however, I am great at creating optimum conversation and ambience while the kitchen maestros do their thing. I’ve actually curated a close group of friends great at whipping up fantastic meals as I let them do their thing while showering them with just the right amount of praise. Thanks mum!
Waihiga Mwaura My mum was a busy career woman but she always found time to make some special meals for us. I remember her waking up early on Sunday mornings to make banana drop scones. She also started barbecue nights on Saturdays and we would sit outside on the verandah roasting chicken while catching up. It was her birthday just recently and we spent part of the celebrations talking about her cooking and reminiscing about good times.
Joy Kendi I think my mum viewed cooking as the best way to show love for us. When we moved to the US, she always made a point to keep us linked to Kenya at least through the food. When my other African friends were having burgers or mac and cheese for dinner, mum would make us pilau, chapati, mukimoand I loved it! She was also known as the amazing woman who fed everyone’s child. I have her middle name tattooed on my wrist. She’s my everything and I love her dearly.
Nick Mwaniki I’ve always loved my mum’s cooking. In fact, sometimes I may not enjoy particular meals as much if she isn’t the one who’s prepared them. Her lasagna is ridiculously good and those who’ve tried it can attest to this. She puts in so much time and effort in the kitchen that I’ve always suggested she open a restaurant. As a kid, I remember spending time watching her cook and sometimes I would put on an apron and help her prepare the dough for pizza and chapati. I owe her my cooking skills.
Fareed Khimani My mum has always had a knack for great cooking and just like every Indian mother, she can make incredible Indian food. She’s also just amazing at whipping up western dishes like bolognese sauce, lamb chops, roast potatoes and leg of lamb. Simply put, anything you want, my mum can hook it up. The crown however goes to her roast chicken which has got to be the best I’ve ever had. Come to think of it, she hasn’t made that in a while. Mum, if you’re reading this, make me roast chicken!
Wanjira Longauer I recall seeing my mum slumped over the kitchen counter whipping her famous pancakes, or every so often, chapatis. She makes amazing beef and goat stews which are always accompanied by sukumawiki or some other vegetable. I’m more of a meat eater myself. My mum is such a germaphobe. I always joke that if she could literally sterilize herself and everything she comes into contact with, including food, she would.
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ADVERTORIAL TEXT ALEX ROBERTS PHOTO EATOUT / YAYA
YES, YAYA!
This almost hidden series of gems set within one of Nairobi’s premier malls, will leave both your mind and taste buds boggled.
From its Food Loft to cafes, take a peek into Yaya Centre as Nairobi’s premier foodie destination
If the phrase “food court” has you imagining greasy Chicago pizza, soggy chips and Lebanese shish kebabs, then you’re in for a treat when you visit the Food Loft at the top floor of Yaya Centre. No, this isn’t your run of the mill, franchiseowned, badly lit section of the mall that for all intents and purposes seems to have been stuck in as an afterthought. Opting for quality rather than quantity, the Yaya Food Loft hosts four bijoux restaurants: Primi Piatti, Mint Leaf, Chinese Kitchen Dim Sum Restaurant and Absolute Juice. Sitting side by side, these eateries strive to present clients with some of the best food in town, without undue delay, and at a price that even a foodie on a
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shoestring can afford. Elisabeth Klem is the Managing Director of Yaya Centre and she has some ideas as to why the Hurlingham mall is rapidly becoming the go to destination for all things culinary. “The restaurants are all together but with individualised service,” she explains, “choice is certainly there, from Chinese to Indian to contemporary- there is something there for everyone.” The foodie crew has definitely taken notice as they increasingly flock to Yaya Centre to have their palates amazed. And the gourmet destinations do not by any means end at the Food Loft. From Alexandre Bakery, to Sierra Brasserie, to the
recently opened, ever popular Artcaffe on the ground floor, serious food lovers have been put on notice. For the lunchtime crowd both Alexandre and Artcaffe can provide quick, light and delicious lunches. If a sandwich is what you are after Alexandre offers the closest thing to gourmet lunch delights with their open sandwiches. If instead your idea of lunch heaven is a Caesar Salad with just enough croutons and parmesan to get your tastebuds raving, then Artcaffe is the place to go. Sierra Brasserie, which UP Magazine recently voted as serving the best steaks in the whole of Nairobi, is definitely your high-end after work place to go. If you’re looking to chill with friends
or impress a client, you’ll get to enjoy carefully selected wine, as well as beer straight from Sierra’s own brewery on Mombasa Road. The ambience is something that really needs to be seen to be understood. Tiny, tucked away corners open up into wide elegant restaurants, everything with its own place to belong. “The consistency is amazing,” says Klem, “Yaya has a great variety for any pocket size.” So if you plan to get fancy with your appetite this month, then look no further than Yaya to get your culinary fix.
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RECIPES
Amanda Gicharu-Kemoli Co-founder, Amanda’s Kitchen Amanda is a marketer turned chef and nutritionist with a passion for giving traditional Kenyan recipes a healthy twist, while infusing them with global flavours. A slightly sweet dressing with the crunchiness of sugared almonds makes this a truly delicious salad. Ready in just 20 minutes, the Asian flavours sparkle in this tangy dish, sure to put a smile on your mother’s face!
MANDARIN SALAD Makes 6 servings INGREDIENTS
Dressing 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil 1⁄4 cup cider vinegar 1⁄4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
Topping 1 cup sliced almonds or halved cashew nuts 1⁄3 cup sugar
Salad 1 head iceberg lettuce 1 head romaine lettuce 2 cups chopped celery 2 cups oranges, deseeded and sectioned 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
Add the dressing ingredients into a large jar, shake to combine and refrigerate. Stir almonds (or cashews) and sugar in a small pan over medium heat until sugar melts and starts to caramelize. Keep on low heat until almonds (or cashews) are very lightly toasted. Scrape into metal bowl and cool to room temperature. Break up and store covered at room temperature. Just before serving, put chopped lettuce in a large bowl. Add celery, oranges, onions and almonds. Shake dressing well and pour over salad. Toss to mix and evenly coat.
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RECIPES TEXT AMANDA GICHARU-KEMOLI
Spoil your mother rotten with a whole roast chicken and all the trimmings! This Italian-inspired chicken dish couldn’t be easier, but the result is really special. Cooking both the potatoes and chicken with the same whole lemon creates the most amazing flavour.
GARLIC ROAST CHICKEN WITH ROSEMARY AND LEMON POTATOES Makes 6 servings INGREDIENTS
2 kg whole chicken, cavity cleaned 1.5 kg white potatoes, peeled 1 large lemon + 1 small lemon for garnish 1 whole bulb garlic, broken into cloves 1 handful fresh thyme 1 handful fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves picked 8 rashers smoked streaky bacon, optional Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Olive oil
Rub the chicken inside and out with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Preheat oven to 190ÂşC. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Cut the potatoes into golf-ball-sized pieces, place into the water with the whole lemon and the garlic cloves, and cook for 12 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for 1 minute, then remove the lemon and garlic.
While the lemon is still hot, carefully stab it about 10 times. Take the chicken out of the fridge, pat it with kitchen paper and rub it all over with olive oil. Push the garlic cloves, the whole lemon and the thyme into the cavity, then put the chicken into a roasting tray and cook in the preheated oven for around 45 minutes.
Remove the chicken to a plate. Add the potatoes and rosemary leaves to the roasting tray. Shake the tray around, then make a gap in the centre of the potatoes and put the chicken back in. If using the bacon, lay the rashers over the chicken breast and cook for a further 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the potatoes are golden brown.
Remove the lemon and garlic from inside the chicken, squeeze all the garlic flesh out of the skin, crush it and smear all over the chicken. Discard the lemon and rosemary. If using, remove bacon from the chicken and crumble it over the potatoes. Garnish with freshly sliced lemon and carve chicken at the table.
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RECIPES TEXT AMANDA GICHARU-KEMOLI
This is a tasty but simple dessert the whole family can prepare together in true Mother’s Day tradition. When it comes to chocolate and company - the more the merrier!
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Makes 6 – 8 Servings INGREDIENTS
1 3/4 cups whipping cream 1 1/2 cups quality semi-sweet (35 percent pure) chocolate, chopped 3 ounces espresso or strong coffee 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon flavorless, granulated gelatin
Chill 1 1/2 cups whipping cream in refrigerator. Chill metal mixing bowl and mixer beaters in freezer.
On top of a double boiler (a metal mixing bowl placed on top of a pan of simmering water), combine chopped chocolate, coffee, vanilla and butter. Melt over barely simmering water, stirring constantly. Remove from heat while a couple of chunks are still visible. Cool, stirring occasionally to just above body temperature.
Pour remaining 1/4 cup whipping cream into a metal measuring cup and sprinkle in the gelatin. Allow gelatin to “bloom” for 10 minutes.
Then carefully heat by swirling the measuring cup over a low gas flame or candle (do not boil or gelatin will be damaged). Stir mixture into the cooled chocolate and set aside.
In the chilled mixing bowl, beat cream to medium peaks. Stir 1/4 of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining whipped cream in two portions.
There may be streaks of whipped cream in the chocolate and that is fine. Do not over work the mousse.
Spoon into bowls or martini glasses and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with fruit (berries of any kind) and serve.
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WINE CHIC(K) TEXT ANNABEL ONYANGO
TURN UP TURNAROUND
Do we grow up to be what our mothers are like today or what they were like when we were kids? In the case of Annabel Onyango, her wine loving mother of yesteryear is definitely the role model to aim for.
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rowing up, my mother was the party queen. It was the 80’s and she was a hot young mom with perfect hair, nails, and clothes and four hectic kids. My sister Janet and I are both April babies and every year without fail she would devise a combined blow-out bash. The festivities would typically start on a Saturday around 2pm, with parents dropping their little kiddies off at the house for an afternoon of bouncing castles, Orangina and cake. In new birthday frocks we would run around the garden with our friends, eventually passing out when the sugar-high subsided. Then as the sun went down, parents would return, not to collect their respective chil-
dren, but rather settle down to the stash of booze and grilled meat my parents would then unleash on them. That’s when the party would begin in earnest. Growing up, my mother didn’t mind a glass of wine or three at dinner. We lived in francophone Cote d’Ivoire so it would invariably be French wine. At a restaurant she would always initially decline a drink at the beginning, then sip my dad’s until he would exasperatedly just order her one, and then another, and another. And yet I have never, not once, seen my mother inebriated. She would just never take it to that point. That was then and this is now, because today my mom won’t touch
alcohol. She is aggressively tea-total. Somewhere along the way her moral taste for wine diminished to the point in which it became non-existent. She can’t suffer people indulging around her and will literally judge people who order non-virgin drinks. She is a woman of unflinching principle in this regard. So it’s with much irony that, twenty years later, I’m the one who will unapologetically order drink after drink after drink. Although not in the charmingly coquette style of my mother back in her day, I am now the first one to order a glass of chilled dry white while my family members all order chai with warm milk. Unfailingly my mother will give me the side-eye (which I ignore) and the day
will continue without incident. Because much like my mother did in her heyday, I never drink to get drunk. I keep it cute. Alcohol is an accessory to the occasion, to the meal, to the night, not the do-andend-all of it. It comes in charming glasses that are a great deal sexier to handle than a mug of coffee. Despite my mother’s usual tight-lip as I order a third cocktail at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, I know (and she knows) that I am my mother’s daughter. Annabel Onyango is an awardwinning Fashion Stylist in Africa. She’s also a tv personality, social influencer, and taste-maker. Style is her do and end all.
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WINE PICKS TEXT WENDY WATTA
Let your mum view the world through rosé-tinted glasses this Mother’s Day not only to appreciate her but also because, wine not? Here are some suggestions that she’s bound to love! FOR MUMS THAT WINE. FRONTERA CABERNET BLUSH This vibrant and delicate rosé of the central valley of Chile is easy to appreciate with its refreshing strawberry and raspberry notes as well as zesty edge. Serve it chilled and on its own or with tacos, spicy prawns and mildly spiced fish dishes. Available from Viva Global (www.viva.global) CINZANO ROSÉ (SPARKLING) Cinzano Rosé is a dry, sparkling wine which would be ideal as an aperitif. It is light and refreshing with a delicate spring of strawberries and raspberries on the nose, and a touch of creamy sweetness on the finish.
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Available from Viva Global (www.viva.global) ROSÉ D’ANJOU Rosé d’Anjou is an appellation for rosé wines from the Anjou district of Western France. It gives a fine and elegant nose with ripe red berry aromas and hints of black pepper. It also has overtones of sweet red fruits and spices, and pairs well with salads or exotic and spicy dishes. Serve it well-chilled at about 1012°C. Available from The Wine Shop (facebook.com/thewineshopkenya) KUMALA CAPE CLASSIC ROSÉ This South African off dry wine is
soft, gentle and has red berry fruit flavours with an edge of lemon zest and peachy ripeness, which give it a long lingering crispness. It pairs well with seafood, couscous and fruity salads, and is also perfect for brunch. Available from The Wine Shop (facebook.com/thewineshopkenya) JUNO CAPE MAIDENS ROSÉ Originally establishing itself in the namesake of the Roman Queen of the Gods, Juno represents feminine sensuality and the beloved protector of women, mothers and children. It is highly concentrated with raspberry, cherry, ripe peach and
apricot notes. It pairs exceptionally well with Oriental and Asian foods. Available from MIA Wines (www.miainternational.co.ke) FAIRVIEW GOATS DO ROAM Goats Do Roam is a cheeky play on the name of the French wine appellation- Côtes du Rhône. This rosé boasts a bright salmon-pink colour and has red berries which lead to an elegant fresh finish on the palate. It is the ideal wine to drink with tapenade, grilled chicken, fish or lamb with herbs. It also pairs well with goat cheese. Available from MIA Wines (www.miainternational.co.ke)
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WINE EDUCATION TEXT MARYANNE NJOROGE
WINE BRILLIANCE
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Capital Club Nairobi’s South African Head Sommelier, Brilliant Mathelumusa, is as passionate about wine education on the continent as he is about the grapes themselves.
ABOVE Brilliant Mathelumusa, Head Sommelier at Capital Club
was born in the cellar” chuckles Brilliant Mathelumusa, as he ushers me into Capital Club, one of Nairobi’s most exclusive members clubs. I glance around, catching my breath as I take in the 360 degree aerial views of the city. If Mathelumusa wasn’t there with me, I probably wouldn’t have been let out of the elevator much less past the hostess and into this refined space. Mathelumusa is the Head Sommelier and Food and Beverage Manager at Capital Club and he knows a thing or two about wine. His father, he explains, was a welltravelled man who, for as long as he could remember, had a passion for collecting fine wine. “From about age 15, at dinner, my dad would give me a tiny sip of wine with a drop of water. He would tell me that this is a Cabernet or a Merlot or a Bordeaux blend. I was totally lost! ” Little did he know that this was a flavorsome debut to a life dedicated to mastering the knowledge of grapes. There’s a general misconception that any person at a restaurant who helps you pair a wine with your meal can be called a sommelier. In a nutshell, a sommelier is a knowledgeable wine professional who is qualified to serve, sell, pair, suggest and teach about wine. A Master Sommelier is the highest possible ranking in this regard. The only difference between a sommelier and a winemaker/viticulturist is the application of their knowledge and studies: sommeliers choose to work in the hospitality/service space and winemakers choose to produce wine. According to The Court of Master Sommeliers - one of few sommelier examination authorities in the world - since their first examinations in
1969 up until 2013, there were only 214 Master Sommeliers certified through their body. Having himself been certified as a sommelier through this very prestigious organization in March last year, Mathelumusa is now working towards attaining the esteemed and notoriously challenging ranking of Master Sommelier. He definitely has come a long way since his earlier wine days, working part-time as a glass-washer at a popular French restaurant in Krugersdorp, South Africa. The majority of Mathelumusa’s “down-time” (one day a week) is spent studying. “I work 14 hour days here at the club but I love it.” He says he’s not a wine snob and that when it comes to a good bottle of wine quality means more than the price tag. “The best part of my job is sharing wine knowledge with the members. I do masterclasses and host monthly wine tastings. I also do private lessons with anyone interested in learning more about wine - non-members included.” Part of his decision to move to Nairobi just over a year ago was rooted in wanting to help grow the industry around the continent. “Times have changed. Wine has nothing to do with rank, anyone can drink and appreciate wine.” I leave inspired with notes, lessons and images of the setting sun coating the city’s buildings and arboretums. With a name like Brilliant, it goes without saying which word one would use to describe his knowledge, taste and future in the wonderful world of wine: simply brilliant.
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COCKTAILS
nts Ingredie poons of s le b a T 2 e Cassis Crème d 2/3 Cup pagne of Cham ns Directio ake easy-to-m hr e th o An es fr re dibly and incre . Simply pour tail ing cock is into e de Cass the Crèm nd slowly pour a your glass over the top. ne champag
e l a y o R r i K ients n Juice Ingred Fresh Lemo p 1/4 Cu Sugar p tles of u C 4 / 1 er) Bot t li li il M 2 (750 rosecco P ies d d le il h spberr on Rin C esh Ra Grated Lem r F p u of 1C spoon 1 Table n o a pa ice int e heat ju s n n o h io m Direct ugar and le il. Reduce t , stir te bo es Put th g them to a or one minu he rind t in rf r e in b h ir t d t e n S g a er to lves. o mix m s e is im h s d t and sugar Strain e . t h with t h h ll ig garnis overn until a , l o il c h c c e en ros and th bine with p m o c d n a rries. raspbe
SHE’S ROYAL
, elon erm t s a t w n . ved bed edie Ingr ps of cu ds remo Sugar 6 Cu the see ulated hly n s ine with up Gra of Fre ce ite W n i C h o u 4 J o / W p n 1 t bles emo wee 1 Ta ezed L cato S s e o Squ p of M and gar in the u 1 Cu s , lon tly Stra ons aterme ooth. an, gen i t c e m p w r x s i i g e l D m d th unti akin the Blen n juice into a b reeze lly to x F i o a t lem nd pu scato. casion the m n a o c e o x M i h s ’ e m ng g. W cy it tirri in th stir ours, s l freezin nsisten h o 2-3 ent tota lushy c s prev mes a e! v o bec y to ser d a re
Raspbe rry Lemon Prosecc o
This Mother’s Day make sure to enjoy a light refreshing cocktail that helps to make the month of May one of the best of the year! Don’t miss out on these yummy favorites!
Wat Mosc ermelon ato S lush
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ADVERTORIAL
WORLD CLASS Diageo World Class reaches Kenya
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aunched in 2009, the Global Final is an internationally recognised platform and mark of distinction for mixology, at which the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year will be crowned. World Class bartenders are synonymous with sophistication, impeccable service and pushing the boundaries of contemporary
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and experiential cocktail culture, with tradition and modernity as a common thread. As a landmark week in the luxury calendar, the Global Final will be judged by the world’s most respected mixology cognoscenti. It will be attended by trend leading editors, renowned bar owners and a selection of guest judges who are also renowned craftspeople in their fields.
The 2015 Global Finals will be held in Cape Town this coming September, where one Kenyan bartender will go against competitors from 56 countries around the world aiming to be win the title. Dougie Duncanson, Reserve Brand Ambassador for Kenya, said, “World Class is a true celebration of the world’s best bartenders and fine-drinking experiences. It is another giant step for the hospitality community here in Kenya as we will finally have a representative in the global finals. We have currently shortlisted 22 people whose drinks are available in their outlets for consumers to buy. Consumers are encouraged to post on social media with the hashtags given on the drinks menu. I will be in bars this May to judge the 22 so we can get down to our final 6 contestants. The national final will be a full day of challenges for the bartenders in mid-June. The winner, our national champion, will go to Istanbul for a boot camp training lasting week in July, then to the World Class Global Finals in September” Stay updated on the competition by following Dougie on Twitter/ Instagram @Mcflougal and on facebook.com/worldclasskenya
The 22 contestants competing for a place in the Kenyan final are: David Kinyua - Aqua Blu Club and Lounge Bar Varun Sareen - Brew Bistro and Lounge Benu Kundra– Brew Bistro and Lounge Joseph Mwawaka – Brew Bistro and Lounge Alex Kavita - Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar Austin Kranja - Caramel Restaurant and Lounge Anthony Waweru - ArtCaffe Oval Evans Mbugua – ArtCaffe Junction Trybone Salamba – ArtCaffe Karen Kenny Owuocha – ArtCaffe Lavington Perminus Waiharo – dusitD2 Nairobi Mo Njama – Tamarind Mombasa Hotel Kevin Mbugua – The Capital Club Mwanapili Mohammed – The Capital Club Joseph Josiah – The Capital Club Malanga Kennedy – The Capital Club Joan Samia - Villa Rosa Kempinski Akash Tomar – Hotel Royal Orchid Kelvin – Tapas Cielo Bar and Restaurant, Mombasa Andrew Gunter - Talisman Restaurant Ndoto Babu – Seven Grill and Lounge, Village Market Redempta Muluka - Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
MAN ABOUT TOWN TEXT JACKSON BIKO ART MOVIN WERE
DRINKING WITH MANNEQUINS
Some whisky drinkers believe if they drink a whisky they normally wouldn’t drink, they grow old faster
Jackson Biko, is a lover of whisky and people watching. He likes to walk the shadows of the city at dusk, picking conversations of a people spurred by the night and by their drink.
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here are chaps who won’t drink anything else if the bar doesn’t stock their devil’s piss. I’ve drunk with them before; sore drinkers with bottles up their asses. You will go to a pub and they will say, “double Glenlivet please, no ice, water.” And you will turn to shoot them that dude-look-around-does-this-placelook-like-it-can-even-spell-Glenlivet look. They will remain defiantly unperturbed. The waiter will clear his throat and say something like, “I don’t think we have that, uhm, drink here, but let me confirm with the barman.” Then you will tell them, “they don’t have that drink here, man” and the waiter will come back and say, “we don’t have that drink here, man” and he will brood and mumble and complain why people just can’t stock a goddamn bar when they decide to open a drinking establishment. And so you will ask him if he would like you to ask for a handkerchief from the big-bosomed
lady seated across the room, so that he can have a good cry in it. He will settle for water. Only water. Which means you will end drinking alone. And where is the fun in that? You might as well be drinking with a mannequin. There is a non-conformist attitude with some whisky drinkers who believe that if they drink a whisky they normally wouldn’t drink, they will grow old faster; or grow hair on their backs; that they will be less cool. It’s not even a question of taste or a palate conversation. It’s elitism worn inside out. It’s like a Mercedes owner refusing to get a ride in an Audi; or a BMW. It’s like a French restaurateur refusing to eat spaghetti Bolognese. And it’s annoying. Still, when I visited the Deck, one of the coolest shisha joints in Nyali, cast at the backend of The EnglishPoint Marina overlooking Fort Jesus across the creek, I sulked a bit when I was told they didn’t have my 12yr old Chivas. They
had Jack Daniels and Glenfiddich which I really don’t have a problem with although truth be told, I hate the smokiness of Jack and the aggressiveness of Glen. I just expected more from a place like English Point, which is the only marina between Cape Town and Egypt. But to be fair, the bar is fashioned more to be a shisha place and folk gather there not to pander to their whisky snobbishness but rather to while away the evening across the bay from one of the most magnificent sights on North Coast: Old Town. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, Mombasa glitters across the water like a lost medieval city. I thought of my mannequin friend and asked the waiter to get me two fingers of Jack Daniels and two rocks, no water. Then I settled back in the silver chairs and stared out at the lights across and I heard Coldplay’s “Christmas lights” in my head.
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WELLNESS TEXT AMY SELBACH
STOP WEIGHTING
Amy Selbach is the owner of Taut Body Studio www.tautbody.com. She is a holistic health-coach, personal trainer and Pilates instructor and creator of the Taut Body program that has helped hundreds of her clients lose weight and change their health completely. She also leads life-design and business-design incubator workshops email amy@tautbody.com.
Day in and day out, I hear success stories about how people’s weight loss has translated to so much more than fitting into a smaller pair of jeans. Many of these stories tell how motherhood has been enhanced by one’s fitness and weight loss journey. The feelings and experiences that we can not measure on the scale include: feeling great in a bikini while playing with kids on the beach, having more energy to play with kids, having more confidence as a mother, and setting a good example for children with a healthy lifestyle. With every small transformation doors to bigger and better transformations are opened. Something happens when women form a community and habits around health and wellness that are actually good for them. A powerful example for the next generation is set. Major life changes take place and people stop “weighting” to feel the things they want to feel and have the experiences they dream of having. While working out may seem like a superficial task at first glance, the benefits reach your children at monumental depths. Your workouts are a metaphor for other areas in
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your life. Here is what I have seen: 1. Your workouts are confidence builders, one of the most immediate and powerful tools around. The goals you accomplish in your workouts translate to doing the same in the outside world as well. 2. Pushing through a hard workout, gives you the stamina and endurance and courage to push through hard times in life. 3. The “high” that you experience in exercise alleviates the need to find it elsewhere, i.e. from food, alcohol, drugs, overeating. Biologically
speaking exercise endorphins are real and they can drive an entire day to maximum potential and replace the need for naughty cravings. 4. The more disciplined and consistent you are in the studio/gym, the more you are outside the studio or gym in your business, at work and at home. 5. The more focused you are in your fitness routine, the more you are in all aspects of your life. Exercise also helps tremendously with stress reduction, mental clarity and depression.
6. The more your body moves forward the more your LIFE moves forward! Weight loss or staying thin tends to be the goal for people walking into any gym or fitness studio and that is a great goal for your physical health. But the collateral outcome of working out is –freedom to stop “weighting” and start living the best life you can and set an incredible example for your kids. If you really want to change your life, start with exercise. Fall in love with movement and watch what stars moving in your life. The good news is you have a place to start, right here at Village Market!
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RESTAURANTS
RESTAURANT GUIDE LOWER KABETE PARKLANDS SPRING VALLEY WESTLANDS
About Thyme
Pan Asian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount The Bamboo restaurant is a fine dining restaurant offering fusion cuisine. You can enjoy a combination of Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine, set in an elegant sophisticated atmosphere.
Eldama Ravine Road, Westlands Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays About Thyme offers a well-prepared menu and beautifully presented dishes from around the world. Enjoy an intimate dining experience in a leafy, secluded area of Westlands.
Big Square
Artcaffe
Cake City
The Oval, Westlands Café $$$ Artcaffe Oval showcases a distinctly chic style through their creative décor elements, including the largest balcony space among Artcaffe outlets. The ArtBakery serves freshly baked homemade breads, pastries, cakes and desserts.
Crossroad Junction, Westlands Bakery & Juice Bar $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Using traditional recipes to make delicious treats that feel home baked, Cake City will be there to deliver carefully created cakes and pasteries.
Artisan Sankara Hotel, Woodvale Groove, Westlands International $$$$ Artisan’s global cuisine evokes craftsmanship. From the pleasant outdoor terrace to the private dining room, Artisan is designed to reflect a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Dress code is smart casual.
Bamboo Zen Garden, Lower Kabete Rd, Spring Valley
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The Oval, Westlands Burger, Fast Food $$ Visit Big Square’s new branch at The Oval, Westlands and enjoy juicy burgers, creamy milkshakes and a fun kiddie corner. Let’s make a square-mess.
Cake Ville Amani Plaza, 3rd Parklands, High Ridge, Parklands Bakery & Patisserie $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount They offer freshly baked cakes, pies and pastries using the finest ingredients. They are conveniently located in Westlands, where they serve up inspired new creations every week.
Chicken Inn Oil Libya Service Station, Westlands Fast Food
$$ The design and layout of Chicken Inn is inviting and colorful, appealing to the whole family. Their menu has something for everyone from roasted rotisserie chicken to children’s meals.
Colosseum Coffee Bar & Restaurant West End Towers, Waiyaki Way, Westlands Italian $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Their stylish contemporary designed restaurant makes for a perfect meeting point with friends or family. Colosseum’s authentic Italian cuisine is prepared with the freshest ingredients. Enjoy their extensive alcoholic beverage selection.
Zen Garden, Lower Kabete Rd, Spring Valley Multi Cuisine $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Overlooking the beautiful Zen Garden, Jade is a beautiful venue, situated in the heart of Spring Valley. The food quality and high level of service, attracts customers to this area.
Lime Light Hotel Royal Orchid, Azure, Westlands Multi-Cuisine $$$ This is the main restaurant that offers buffet set-up and seats both inside and outside set on the large veranda overlooking the swimming pool giving a relaxed atmosphere.
Mama’s Patisserie Furusato Ring Road Parklands, Westlands Japanese $$$ Furusato specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine and friendly service that will make your dining experience unforgettable. Now with 6 Teppanyaki tables and a Sushi Bar.
Galitos Oil Libya Service Station, Westlands Fast Food $$ They offer authentic flame grilled chicken Lemon&Herb, Mild, Hot or Extra Hot as per the preference of the customer and many are the patrons who have termed it unmatched.
Jade Coffee and Tea House
Book online at www.eatout.co.ke or call our reservations hotline on 0711 222 222
ABC Place, Waiyaki Way, Westlands Café, Bakery & Patisserie $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Mama’s Patisserie offers some of the best cakes and pastries, as well as a lovely menu you can enjoy in a relaxed environment at the ABC Place. Their recipes from France will have you coming back for more.
Mediterraneo 9 West Plaza, Ring Road, Westlands Italian $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Mediterraneo brings you an unforgettable experience of true Italian dining. Its warm colors will take you back to the streets of Florence. They serve great seafood, pasta and vintage wines.
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RESTAURANTS
Munch N Madurai
Saravana Bhavan
Ngara Rd, Parklands South Indian $$$ Munch N Madurai offer the best South Indian cuisine in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. Their extensive menu will cover both vegetarians and non vegetarians at affordable prices.
2nd Floor, Victoria Plaza, Parklands Road, Westlands Indian Vegetarian $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount The world’s largest vegetarian chain now has a branch in Nairobi! Swing by for tasty, organic, purely vegetarian South Indian cuisine!
Ocean Basket
Secret Garden
The Oval, Ring Road, Westlands Seafood, Sushi $$$ At Ocean Basket you’ll find people who share a love for delicious seafood served hot. You can expect quality seafood, a cool relaxed atmosphere and great value.
14 Riverside Drive Cafe $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Conveniently located in the new office blocks at 14 Riverside Drive, they strive to keep their food simple, fresh and natural. Secret Garden is one of Nairobi’s must-try healthy restaurants.
Pizza Inn Oil Libya Service Station, Waiyaki Way, Westlands Fast Food $$ Pizza Inn continues to deliver some of the best pizza made using the freshest ingredients. Enjoy their contemporary design as you indudlge in your pizza.
Rendezvous La Maison Royale, 9 Mogotio Road, Westlands Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount They offer an exhuberant environment that incoporates french aroma in its essence. Their wide array of delectable dishes will satisfy your food cravings
Sarabi Pool and Supper Club Sankara Hotel, Woodvale Grove, Westlands International $$$ Enjoy sweeping views over the Nairobi skyline in an exclusive ambiance. Dress code is smart casual and note, the age limit after 6pm is 25 years and above.
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Seven Seafood & Grill ABC Place, Waiyaki Way, Westlands Seafood $$$ Seven Seafood & Grill offers a sumptuous selection of the finest Indian Ocean seafood. Indulge in one of Seven’s decadent desserts to complete Nairobi’s most unique dining experience.
Shangrila Diamond Plaza New Wing – 1st Floor, Parklands Chinese, Indian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Experience delicious Indian & Chinese Cuisine prepared by Shangrila’s highly experienced chefs. Their tastefully decorated interior offers a warm atmosphere for any meal. Home deliveries and catering for your special events also available.
Snack Attack Sarit Centre, Westlands Fast Food $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Snack Attack Kenya at Sarit Centre is a quick serve restaurant franchise from the UAE and the first restau-
rant in Nairobi to bring you “Loaded Chips”, made using Snack Attack’s own unique recipe.
SOI dusitD2 Hotel, 14 Riverside Drive Thai $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount SOI brings world-renowned Thai street food with a modern twist to your plate. SOI also features a communal table and an enclosed space with its own terrace for more privacy.
SOKO dusitD2 Hotel, 14 Riverside Drive International $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Soko offers a private dining roundel and a sublime terrace perfect for an upscale business lunch, a get together or a romantic dinner completed with an international and eclectic menu.
Taste of China VIP Plaza, Westlands Road, Westlands Chinese $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Taste of China is a modern bar and restaurant serving indo Chinese food. The dining room has a tranquil color scheme with ambient lighting. They have an extensive alcohol menu.
Temiras Coffee Garden General Mathenge Drive, Westlands Continental, Italian $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Serving Continental cuisine and having introduced a Lebanese menu, this restaurant is based in the hub of Westlands. Simply enjoy your coffee or meal in their serene garden or enjoy dining in their authentic Lebanese dining room.
Book online at www.eatout.co.ke or call our reservations hotline on 0711 222 222
Tiger Trail Hotel Royal Orchid, Azure, Westlands Indian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount This is a fine dining restaurant that serves Fine Indian Cuisine from a delicate balance of succulent food, authentic ambiance and personalized service from our experienced staff.
Vista Hotel Emerald, 6th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands Multi-Cuisine $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Enjoy Indian, Chinese and Italian specialties in a serene setting with a great view of Nairobi from the 6th floor of the Hotel Emerald making any evening out unforgettable.
GIGIRI MUTHAIGA UN AVENUE VILLAGE MARKET
Café Brasserie The Village Market, Gigiri Cafe $$ An elegant and simple style gives Artcaffe’s Café Brassiere at the Village Market a distinct class. It is the main bakery for all their cafes and serves an extensive menu throughout the day.
Big Square UN Avenue, Gigiri Burger, Fast Food $$ The Big Square Gigiri branch is located at the Kenol petrol station on the corner of UN avenue and Limuru Road. This is the perfect spot eat, work and chill.
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RESTAURANTS
Dormans The Village Market, Gigiri Cafe $$ Dormans Coffee Shops has unveiled a new-look branch at the Village Market’s 1st Floor, New Wing. Aside from their favourite cup of coffee, the new venue boasts a new menu including a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, pastries, cakes and cookies.
Habesha United Nations Crescent, Gigiri Ethiopian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Renowned for its authenticity in Ethiopian cuisine, Habesha offers a wide array of traditional, hearty Ethiopian cuisine served in a rustic and homely atmosphere.
Jiko Tribe Hotel, Gigiri International, Formal Dining $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Jiko is glamourous yet sophisticated whilst maintaining the warmth and personality of Kenya. Its contemporary international cuisine focuses on carefully grown fresh ingredients and specially sourced international imports.
La Dolce Vita Muthaiga Shopping Ctr, Limuru Rd Italian $$$ Nairobi’s La Dolce Vita Restaurant has a bright interior filled with artwork, creating a stylish but unpretentious space for lunch or dinner.
Mediterraneo United Nation Ave, Gigiri Italian $$$$ Mediterraneo brings you an unforgettable experience of true Italian dining. Set in its warm colours,
Indulge in the specialties of great seafood, pasta and vintage wines.
Prime Cuts Butchery & Bistro Village Market, Limuru Rd, Gigiri International $$$ The Prime Cuts Bistro offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, including their Famous Philly, toasties, burgers & sandwiches. They also offer delicious steaks, seafood, meat platters.
Seven Grill & Lounge The Village Market, Gigiri Steak House $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Seven Grill is considered to be Nairobi’s premier seafood destination, offering a sumptuous selection of the finest Indian Ocean seafood as well as a delicious array of Kenya’s finest beef.
Suite 101 Tribe Hotel, Gigiri Bakery & Patisserie, Ice Cream & Desserts $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Get all your custom cakes, novelty cakes, freshly baked pastries, gourmet chocolates and Italian homemade gelatos, all at Suite 101.
Tamambo The Village Market, Gigiri Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Tamambo Bar and Grill has a casual trendy atmosphere ideal for coffees, lunch and dinner. Their exciting menu offers a delicious selection of light salads as well as appetizing gourmet dishes.
Tiramisu Village Market, Gigiri Cafe, Bakery & Patisserie, Ice Cream
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& Desserts $$ Tiramisu recreates the authentic Italian taste of fine pastries, desserts and freshly baked bread, complimented by their freshly brewed Kenyan coffee or hot chocolate with whipped cream.
JUNCTION HURLINGHAM KILELESHWA LAVINGTON
Adega Lavington Curve Mall, James Gichuru Rd Portuguese $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays An upmarket Portuguese restaurant that caters for a variety of tastes and styles, Adega offers a warm unpretentious ambience and gorgeous balcony view of the Lavington suburb.
Artcaffe The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd Café $$ The ArtCaffe is a bright, lightfilled café famous for its roasted coffees,hearty dishes and mouth watering deserts. The café has a unique character, and is the ideal spot for postshopping coffee and cake, breakfasts and leisurely lunches
Big Square The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd Burger, Fast food $$ Located at the Junction Mall, here you are guaranteed to enjoy the ambiance as you eat your favorite fries, the famous square burger, crunchy onion rings and juicy ribs marinated in Big Square’s secret sauce.
Brew Bistro Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd
Bistro $$$ Yummy Card: 5% Discount, free beer sample & tour The Brew Bistro offers an unparalleled dining adventure. The fine dining section is complimented by a centralised open kitchen which serves Pan-Global cuisine, incorporating a fusion of French, European, Asian and classic Kenyan flavours.
Cheka 101 Manyani East Road - Off James Gichuru, Westlands Japanese $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Cheka Japanese Izakaya provides authentic Japanese meals including sushi, noodles, a variety of seafood specials and imported sake from Japan
Habesha Argwings Khodek Rd, Hurlingham Ethiopian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Renown for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine, Habesha has continued to win hearts around Nairobi and is set in a warm homely atmosphere.
La Salumeria Valley Arcade, Off Gitanga Rd Italian $$$ La Salumeria offers only the finest Italian cuisine in a tranquil and peaceful ambiance. Their warm service and hearty meals will certainly create a memorable experience.
Le Palanka 909 James Gichuru Road, Lavington African, Fusion $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Inspired by the fabulous Angolan antelope, Palanka Negra, this venue is just as unique and rare as the animal serving fine African cuisine.
Enjoy special offers and discounts at the coolest restaurants in Nairobi!
RESTAURANTS
Mambo Italia Lavington Curve Mall, Lavington Italian $$$ Mambo Italia is a casual Italian restaurant and café specializing in gourmet pizzas, pasta, salads and more
MEZZE on the deck BEST WESTERN PREMIER Nairobi, Argwings Kodhek Rd, Hurlingham Middle East & Mediterranean Cuisine $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount For traditional Arabic hospitality, and a breathtaking view of the Ngong Hills, Mezze on the deck is ‘the’ place to dine in Nairobi. Located on the rooftop, the restaurant serves a wide variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes as well as an exotic array of sheesha flavors.
Pampa Churrascaria Thompson Estate, Kingara Rd, Lavington Brazilian, Steak House $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Pampa is a haven for meat lovers and vegetarians alike; it encompasses an authentic Brazilian rotisserie steak house and buffet salad bar.
PABLO’S BEST WESTERN PREMIER Nairobi, Argwings Kodhek Rd, Hurlingham International $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Pablo’s is a contemporary styled dining area, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu encompasses a wide variety of international cuisine, from authentic Asian dishes to Italian pastas and pizzas. You’re sure to be spoilt for choice!
Phoenician The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd, Japanese, Lebanese
$$$$ The Phoenician is a fabulous restaurant which serves sushi, Lebanese and Teppanyaki courses, in an al fresco atmosphere at the Junction. The Phoenician has a delightful ambience and good service.
Sierra Brasserie Hurlingham, Yaya Centre Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Sierra Brasserie is a modern interpretation of a classical French brasserie serving simple yet elegant food using the best ingredients available.
Slims Kedong house, Ralph Bunche Rd, Hurlingham Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Voted Nairobi’s “Best Sun-Downer,” Slims takes pride in delivering fresh creations. Boasting six-foot high French café windows, Slims offers a sunken bar and floor-to-ceiling mahogany paneling.
The Wine Shop 671 Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd International $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays The Wine Shop encourages you to explore your palate and experiment either by the glass or bottle. They also offer up a selection of delicious complimentary dishes.
Tokyo Kolloh Road, Lavington Japanese, Korean $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Tokyo Restaurant is a Japanese/ Korean restaurant that has over 10 years of experience serving top class food in Nairobi with a fine selection of Sushi and other typical Japanese dishes.
KAREN NGONG ROAD LANGATA
Artcaffe Karen Crossroads Shopping Centre Café, Continental $$$ Offers a tranquil setting for work and play, boasting a two-level restaurant space including the famous Art Bakery, a coffee bar, cocktail bar and outdoor seating
Big Square Karen Square, Ngong Rd, Opposite Shell Petrol Station Burger, Fast Food $$ Big Square Karen offers some of the best burgers and ribs that your teeth can sink in to. Features play area for children that has iPads and latest gaming consoles.
Carnivore Carnivore Rd, Langata African, Barbeque, Kenyan $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Considered as ‘Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience’ Canivore will serve exotic meats roasted over charcoal and carved at your table all in an attractive tropical garden
Creative Kitchen Wilson Airport (Off Langata Road) Langata Road Continental $$ Creative Kitchen offers an a la carte lunch menu that caters to all palates. Family friendly with a playground for the children, they feature a live band that plays once monthly.
Sign up for your FREE* yummy card today! Log onto yummy.co.ke/card
J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen Across St. Christopher’s Secondary School, Ngong Rd Gastropub $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount One of the newest restaurants in the area, J’s freshly prepared delights are uniquely served on wooden boards. The environment is just right to enjoy a few drinks and great music with friends.
Que Pasa Karen Shopping Centre, Karen Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Built to create a stylish yet simple space, Que Pasa provides the perfect location to enjoy a meal, drink or to lounge and relax. Enjoy fresh woodfired pizzas.
Simba Saloon Carnivore Rd, Langata African, Barbeque $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount A vibrant informal restaurant which fuses a childrens playground and a lively nightclub. You are welcome to for their fine cuisine or a themed night out with your friends.
Snack Attack Adams Arcade Fast Food $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Snack Attack Kenya is your go to source for “Loaded Chips”. Come indulge in their tasty menu which offers extensive and rich meals at an affordable price
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RESTAURANTS
Talisman 320 Ngong Road African, Pan-Asian, European $$$$ Talisman serves up a delightful fusion of European, Pan-Asian and African creations by Chef of the Year winner, Marcus Mitchell. Live music and art exhibitions are available at the Veranda
Tamambo Karen Blixen 336 Karen Road Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Relax in the cozy and redecorated indoor restaurant with adjacent outdoor garden, remodeled with a variety of functions areas set in one the largest and oldest formal gardens in Kenya.
Tamarind Nairobi Karen Blixen, Karen Seafood $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Tamarind Nairobi offers some of the city’s leading seafood in an ambience of elegance. Enjoy a drink in their bar or a well-prepared meal as a live band entertains you.
CBD INDUSTRIAL AREA MOMBASA ROAD
Baraka Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kenya Rd, UpperHill Continental $$$$ Baraka is an All-day restaurant situated on a terrace overlooking the hotel’s main pool. They serve full English buffet breakfasts, contemporary buffet lunches, and an Al a Carte or set Menu Dinner.
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InterContinental Hotel, CBD Indian $$$$ Bhandini transports you to Northern India in first-class style with fine cuisine and a sophisticated setting. The Chef works his culinary magic in a glass-enclosed kitchen so you can see what goes into the dishes.
Big Five Ole Sereni Hotel, Mombasa Rd Multi Cuisine $$$$ Prepared to savor and relish over the finest of five cuisines of the world as you watch their award winning chefs prepare each order in front of your eyes with a bonus of the best view of Nairobi National Park.
Cafe Maghreb Nairobi Serena Hotel, Kenyatta Ave, CBD Seafood, Cafe $$$$ An internationally-themed buffet breakfast and lunch are served in the Moroccan-styled Café Maghreb, which also features a table d’hôte dinner menu and 24-hour brasserie service. Café Maghreb also offers a specialty coffee area.
Flame Tree Sarova Panafric, Valley Rd International $$$ Come dine at an award winning restaurant that overlooks well manicured gardens and prepare your senses for an unmatched culinary journey. Their personalized service will ensure a great experience.
Lord Delamere’s Terrace Fairmont Norfolk, Harry Thuku Rd, CBD International $$$ One of Kenya’s most fabled locations, this cosmopolitan, open-air Café offers simple, classic cuisine from continental to Italian to Asian—
Makuti Bar & Grill
Red Garnet
InterContinental Hotel, CBD International $$$ The restaurant is popular among businessmen and other prominent personalities who frequent it for lunch and meetings. Situated by the pool, this is also ideal for families on the weekend.
The Panari Hotel, Mombasa Rd International $$$ Enjoy great food and a beautiful view of the National Park at the Red Garnet Restaurant with family and friends. It offers a delightful variety of international cuisine that you can choose from the buffet or a-la-carte menu.
Mandhari Nairobi Serena Hotel, Kenyatta Ave, CBD Formal Dining $$$$ Mandhari Restaurant, overlooks the pool and offers an exclusive finedining experience. Renowned for the excellence of its seasonally inspired menu and extensive wine cellars.
Mukutan Garden Fairview Hotel, Bishop’s Rd, UpperHill Cafe $$$ The Mukutan Garden Café overlooks the most beautiful water feature in East Africa and is known for its, coffees and light meals such as gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and quesadillas.
Pampa Churrascaria 1st Floor, Panari Sky Centre, Mombasa Rd Brazilian, Steak House $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Pampa is a haven for meat lovers and vegetarians alike; it encompasses an authentic Brazilian rotisserie steak house and buffet salad bar.
Pango Brasserie Fairview Hotel, Bishop’s Rd, UpperHill Formal Dining $$$$ With its underground wine cellar, romantic ambience, quality service, classy food presentation and excellent taste, Pango is in a class of its own.
and signature cocktails.
Book online at www.eatout.co.ke or call our reservations hotline on 0711 222 222
Sikia Fine Dining Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kenya Rd, UpperHill Formal Dining $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount The Sikia Fine Dining room is perfect for lunchtime catch-ups or mid-week dinners with friends and family. The modern menu is delightful and the dining room is comfortably elegant.
Tatu Fairmont Norfolk, Harry Thuku Rd, Formal Dining $$$ A contemporary grill featuring a variety of coastal seafood and the finest Kenyan produce. Tatu also features a patio, ideal for cocktails and private dinner parties.
Thai Chi The Sarova Stanley, Kimathi St, CBD Thai $$$$ One of the city’s most elegant dining establishments, The Thai Chi Restaurant at The Sarova Stanley, boasts the finest in authentic Thai cuisine. The Thai Chi is a small piece of Thailand in Nairobi.
Thorn Tree Cafe The Sarova Stanley, Kimathi St, CBD Continental $$$$ The Thorn Tree Cafe is a legendary open-air, bistro style pavement cafe and is most famous for its message board located at the centre of the restaurant. The cafe is the perfect meeting place for friends.
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