Yummy Vol 15 - Nairobi Restaurant Week 2016

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Vol 2.1 . January 2016

NAIROBI RESTAURANT WEEK

WIN A TRIP Fly Emirates to Dubai and visit Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, with a 3-night stay at Atlantis The Palm.

WINE PICKS Check out 4 fantastic Nederburg wines you definitely need to sample during NRW

FREE RIDES Get a safe, reliable ride in minutes at the touch of a button using Uber. First ride free up to Ksh 650

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YUMMY EDITORIAL

LET’S CELEBRATE OUR CITY Nairobi Restaurant Week 2016 offers the ultimate culinary experience by bringing to light Kenya’s vibrant dining scene in a diverse showcase of Nairobi’s best restaurants. With the flavours of Kenya all coming together in the country’s biggest annual celebration of food and dining, there has never been a better time to discover the tantalizing sensations of eating and drinking in Kenya.

Najib Balala Cabinet Secretary, Tourism Ministry of Tourism

makeitkenya.com

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EDITORIAL

HASHTAG NRW2016 I’m just going to take a wild guess that, by now, you’ve got a mild case of the post Christmas blues...You’re probably battling with your New Year’s resolution, having taken or given up all manner of things, been cooped up in your house due to overspending and have returned to the office to find a scary backlog of emails that you just can’t seem to get to the bottom of. If that’s the case, I believe we have just what you need!

Our Third Annual Restaurant Week is back! Nairobi’s biggest culinary event is set to hit the city from January 28th - February 7th with over 60 of the best restaurants participating! Each will offer a 3 course prix fixe menu for dinner, with a few also including a lunch option. You’ll be set back a mere ksh 1,500 or ksh 2,500 at these establishments, just in time for pay day!

This essentially means you have absolutely no reason to say “Oh, I can’t afford that place” or “Let’s just stick to the usual babe”, because every... single...venue...costs the SAME. Chefs around Nairobi have spent the last few months creating menus especially for the occasion, each geared with the desire to impress and showcase their culinary mastery. So if you love experimenting with food and venturing out, avoid disappointment by making

your reservations early via www.eatout. co.ke or calling the restaurant directly beforehand. This month our team has put together all the information you’ll need, complete with a full list of all participating restaurants and their selected price points. This issue will therefore become your ultimate NRW2016 guide so be sure to flip over to page 32 and start circling the restaurants you’d like to visit.

To celebrate NRW2016 our partners will be spoiling you rotten with a few cheeky giveaways. Be spotted by our mystery diners with a bottle of Nederburg wine at participating restaurants to stand the chance of winning a trip to Cape Town, courtesy of our title sponsor Nederburg. From January 25th, be sure to tune into East FM and XFM where we will be giving away hundreds of dinner-for-two

vouchers to your favourite participating restaurant. And take advantage of Uber’s complimentary taxi rides for new users for the duration of NRW. You also stand the chance to win our grand prize of a fully paid trip to Dubai, thanks to Moyo Holidays. This includes three nights accommodation, return flights and an exclusive dinner at Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen at the gorgeous Atlantis Hotel on Dubai’s awe-inspiring island, The Palm. See more details on page 27.

With the New Year still in mind, be sure to check out Susan Wong’s food predictions for 2016, giggle at Jackson Biko’s incredibly accurate account of the struggles of January dieting on page 54, then get our Wine Chick Annabel Onyango’s low down on how to get your vino fix regardless of your lean January budgets on page 52.

I hope you all enjoy this year’s Restaurant Week. Break your dining habits and go somewhere you’ve never been and keep us posted on your experience via our social media pages and website using the hashtag #NRW2016. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Bon appetit!

Michelle Slater, General Manager.

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JANUARY 2016

CONTENTS 13

NEWS AND EVENTS Check out some of the tastiest news in the local food scene this month.

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BAOBAB TALES We look beyond the superfruit trend and discover that baobab pulp is as versatile and good for you as they say it is.

20 KAHAWA DIARIES Director of RAI (Italy’s national public broadcaster) sub-saharan

16 FOOD TRENDS 2016

bureau in Nairobi, Enzo Nucci, discusses how he likes to take his coffee.

22 NEDERBURG WINE PICKS We list 4 fantastic Nederburg wines wines you definitely need

From an Asian invasion to chef driven concepts, Susan Wong discusses five trends foodies can expect from Nairobi’s restaurant scene this year.

to sample during restaurant week.

25 CHEF’S TABLE Talisman’s Executive Chef, Ray Cournede, gives us an insider’s perspective on what goes on in the kitchen during Nairobi Restaurant Week.

27 YUMMY DUBAI With a trip to Dubai up for grabs during NRW2016, we explore some of the best places to eat in this thriving metropolis.

44 LOVE & HATE Charity Keita explores the balance between loving ourselves for who we are and making healthier choices in life, as she decides to go on a health retreat in India.

46 RECIPES Stick to your healthy eating resolution this year with these

32 PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

yummy recipes from April Dodd.

54 MAN ABOUT TOWN Having survived December with all its excesses, Jackson Biko goes on a much loathed detox this January.

With special prix fixe menus being offered across over 60 restaurants this year, check out the full list of participants and make a game plan.

YUMMY Vol. 2.1 · January 2016 · PUBLISHED BY EATOUT, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MANAGING DIRECTOR Mikul Shah GM Michelle Slater EDITOR Wendy Watta STAFF WRITER Fred Mwithiga, Soni Adriance GRAPHIC DESIGN Karan Khalsa SALES & OPERATIONS Gilbert Chege, Daniel Muthiani, Devna Vadgama, Seina Naimasiah, Wahid Osman, Yoga David CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Katy Fentress CONTRIBUTORS Annabel Onyango, April Dodd, Charity Keita, Jackson Biko, Susan Wong SOCIAL MEDIA Anne Kisang IT Kelvin Jayanoris SALES INQUIRIES Call Yummy, 0711 22 22 22 EMAIL info@yummy.co.ke

/eatoutkenya

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@EatOutKenya

@eatoutkenya

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WIN WITH YUMMY

DEAR YUMMY This month’s winner of the classic Bisquit VS Cognac is Tom Fraser, whose creative letter about restaurants in Nairobi wowed the entire editorial team.

This cognac courtesy of Distell Group Limited is worth Ksh 4,085, and will be up for grabs again next month. Get writing as you might soon be the one sipping this!

WIN NRW2016 VOUCHERS TO VARIOUS PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS! With over 60 restaurants participating in Nairobi Restaurant Week from 28th January to 7th February this year, it is time to go through the list and make a game plan of how you’ll check out as many spots as possible. We will be giving away various vouchers via social media (and to those writing in, of course) to help on that mission. Even better yet, there’s a fabulous trip for 2 to Dubai to be won, and you can start by signing up for your FREE EatOut account at www.nairobirestaurantweek. com

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Phiona Mbeche is last month’s winner of a pair of tickets to the New Year’s Eve masquerade ball at Kempinski.

Dear Yummy, Just wanted to thank you for letting me hang out in the kitchen with Sauti Sol in December (2014), for the discounted lunches in January with Nairobi Restaurant Week and the Chinese New Year in March. April was no exception and I had fun making Easter treats, and in May, my kids agreed I was indeed Yummy Mummy after I made sweet bitings.

Did I mention that I am Kenyan? This you made me more proud of in June, July and August. Then came September with the Taste Awards and I was excited to see my favourite restaurants win. My birthday month October was my favourite as I attended the Pizza Fest and come November, I learnt to spice up my meals with a Taste of India.

December is here and we are closing the year with cocktails from the kings themselves. I cannot say thank you enough and really looking forward to what you will present in 2016.

Regards, Phiona.

Dear Phiona, We’re glad you’re a die-hard Yummy fan and enjoyed all our 2015 issues! We are working hard to produce even more fantastic copies this year. Be sure not to miss any edition, as all past and future copies can be downloaded on issuu.com/getyummy. Happy 2016!

Wendy Watta editor@eatout.co.ke

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NEW RESTAURANTS

AT AN ANGLE Italian and French cuisine plus a relaxing Sunday brunch at 45 Degrees Kitchen!

45 Degrees Kitchen just turned up the heat as the latest fine dining establishment to set up in Maruri Road, Garden Estate. While the kitchen is headed by an Italian chef, the menu is both French and Italian. Ingredients are sourced from the restaurant’s organic garden which makes this the perfect Sunday Brunch location. Fancy some meat? The herb roasted lamb rack will bless your taste buds and leave them yearning for more! eatout.co.ke/45degrees

NOODLE MARKET

NRW 2016

Vietnamese Noodles and more now at The Village Market, Gigiri.

Tofu baguette anyone? Creators of the finest noodles around, Ohcha Noodle Bar, have now set up at Village Market. Whether you crave South East Asian cuisine, a beef baguette, ginger chicken soup or want to build your own noodles, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Ohcha. Be sure to pop in during NRW2016. eatout.co.ke/ohcha

JAMAICAN VIBES Bring out your inner Jamaican at Sugarcane Caribbean Restaurant.

NRW 2016

The Caribbean. The thought of it would make you want to go on vacation and just eat, relax, listen to reggae music and not worry about life. Thankfully, you can now come close to that experience in Nairobi. Newly opened at the Garden City Mall, Sugarcane offers Caribbean classics like jerk chicken, curries, tropical desserts and drinks in a casual and stylish atmosphere.

Check it out during #NRW2016. eatout.co.ke/sugarcane

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NEWS & EVENTS

NRW 2016

LOVE STRUCK Fashion and romance at Best Western Premier.

Annually presented by Imani Bijou Creations, this is an exclusive romantic dinner and fashion show under the stars with a night overview of the city at the Best Western Premier Hotel Rooftop. Ambiance music, poetry and a mini- love bird exhibition will also make the evening complete. Happening from January 13th to February 13th 2016, tickets cost Ksh 3,500 and include a buffet dinner, welcome drinks and chocolate. eatout.co.ke/bestwesternpremier

RAID THE LARDER

NRW 2016

Fantastic multi-cuisine lunch spread now available at The Larder.

This January, The Larder at Radisson Blu invites you to enjoy a sumptuous lunch buffet featuring African cuisine with a bit of European, Asian and Lebanese influences, for only Ksh 3,500.

If you are after something lighter, then this newest addition to the Nairobi restaurant scene serves up tantalising soups and salads for Ksh 1,500. eatout.co.ke/larder

360 BRUNCH New weekend brunch menu at 360 Degrees Pizza.

Located at ABC Pace, this upscale casual restaurant is best known for serving authentic Neapolitan pizza in a warm and lively atmosphere. This year, you will know them for their tempting weekend brunch menu, featuring yummy dishes like grilled steak served with two fried eggs, potato hash, Hollandaise sauce and a fresh garden salad- perfect way to spend any weekend. eatout.co.ke/360degrees

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SOCIAL SCENE

HAVING A BALL The stunning Grand Ballroom at Villa Rosa Kempinski was the place to be for those looking to usher in 2016 in style. As predicted, guests turned up to the fantasy masquerade ball dressed to kill and ready to enjoy the free flowing selected wines and gourmet food, plus belly dancing and music from the live band. Here’s a window into the festivities:

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SUSAN EATS

2016 promises to continue some old trends, such as locally-sourced ingredients, whilst bringing in some fresh concepts shaped by the city’s growing cosmopolitan population.

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FOOD TRENDS 2016 True trends evolve over time, so what does this mean for a city such as Nairobi where the flourishing gastronomic scene is still very young? Susan Wong finds out five things foodies can expect from restaurants this year.

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hen I was a child I thought Tong Yuen or small round balls of glutinous rice flour in savoury broths with rich and smoky Lap Yuk (Chinese cured bacon), delicate small portions of Dim Sum, long strands of Sapporo Miso Ramen with Garlic Oil, and my neighbour’s Italian Meatballs were just delicious. I never thought they could be both delicious and trendy. Tong Yuen, traditionally homemade and eaten in celebration of the beginning of the Winter Solstice, was to me something deeply rooted in tradition and definitely not as cool as eating pizza. Now, they’re often found occupying the freezer next to your grocery store’s diverse selection of frozen Dim Sum. Culinary and restaurant trends aren’t new news to us, and understanding them depends on the prediction of mood, behaviour and eating habits of the diner at a particular time. True trends evolve over time, so what does this mean for a city such as Nairobi where the flourishing gastronomic scene is still very young?

As Nairobi becomes more cosmopolitan, so will lifestyle-based choices that extend into other areas of our everyday life. Dining offerings will reflect the growing interconnectedness of the global space and trends in foodservice usually led by professionals in more developed markets will echo those in emerging ones. Thanks to growing com-

petition between restaurants in Nairobi, it’s not surprising to see an increase in demand for variety.

2016 promises to continue some old trends, such as locally-sourced ingredients, whilst bringing in some fresh concepts shaped by the city’s growing cosmopolitan population. The culinary forecast in Nairobi calls for sunny with a chance of delicious eating! Here are five restaurant trends to look out for in Nairobi: ASIAN INVASION Ethnic cuisine continues its inroads into mainstream and Nairobi menus. As Kenyan palates become more adventurous, so do restaurant offerings. Already there are a fair amount of Chinese restaurants here, but that’s about to increase especially with authentic and regional offerings. People want to experience the true depth of flavours so don’t be surprised when you see less signs reading “XXX Chinese Restaurant” and more like “Shanghai Dumpling House.”

The opening of Ohcha Noodle Bar in Westgate will certainly lead the way in an imminent ramen and noodle explosion as Malaysian and Vietnamese favourites continue to pop-up in restaurants such as The Arbor. Personally, I’m looking forward to the opening of the French-Vietnamese restaurant in Upperhill this year. This would be the first time Nairobi has enjoyed the fresh flavours of authentic Vietnamese cuisine and the intricate preparation and

precise presentation of the French since Chef Philippe Bischoff and Chef Mai Phuong Nguyen visited the Fairmont Norfolk in 2011!

OUTDOOR SPACES From lush gardens and large patios to rooftops, Nairobi restaurants are offering spaces for people to lounge and linger. No longer are lush and airy surroundings limited to restaurants in old spacious private homes or hotels: River Café enjoys its forest surroundings, Brew Bistro in Westlands is pulling in the crowds with its rooftop beer garden, KIZA opens its vast rooftop, and even fastfood chains like Pizza Hut are embracing casual outdoor spaces.

CHEF-DRIVEN CONCEPTS Whether it’s fast-casual or fine-dining concepts, 2016 is going to see more interaction between chefs and diners.

For a very long time, executive chefs have only been defined and respected solely by their function; but those perceptions are changing thanks to their rising celebrity statuses and television appearances, new trendy cooking styles and ingredients, and showcasing unparalleled creativity in plating. Chef’s Tables have already been popping-up in Nairobi, the latest being at Sarova Stanley and Wet Lounge, and dining at a chef’s table is culinary exclusivity defined.

ETHNIC CONDIMENTS AND SPICES Miso and Wasabi, traditional Japanese condiments and seasoning, will continue to make more appearances on menus across Nairobi. From marinades to even mash potatoes, expect to see more Japanese influence in different cuisines. One of my favourite spice mixtures and a must-gift from friends who pass through Ethiopia, Berbere, will be a great spicy addition to any barbequed meat. Korean red pepper powder, also known as Gochugaru, which has smoky, fruity-sweet notes and quite a kick will have more of a mainstream presence this year in restaurants aside from the Japanese and Korean spots.

LOCAL AND ARTISANAL SOURCING Locally grown produce has been widely featured in restaurant menus in 2015, but this year diners can expect that to continue to gain in momentum. Whether its cuts of protein, legumes or cheese – people are serving proudly Kenyan.

However, adding to their meteoric rise, menus will see more artisanal interpretations such as Mursik Cheese, which is made from sour milk that’s blended with burnt herbs and charcoal powder from Kenya’s Kalenjin community. In addition to what higher-end hotels and some restaurants such as Seven Grill & Lounge and Talisman have already done, more and more restaurants will begin to incorporate their own artisanal butcheries, offering different cuts of meat and experimenting with curing.

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BAOBAB TALES Katy Fentress looks beyond the superfruit trend and discovers that baobab pulp is as good for you as they say it is.

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The mythology invariably features an exasperated or petty god, a disgusted animal or a vain tree. Something happens that reflects badly on the tree which results in it being planted upside down. The story then ends as an ode to the many health giving qualities of said tree, presumably to make up for the fact that it is forced to live a life looking ungainly and upside down.

There are so many African stories surrounding the birth of the baobab. From Senegal through Mali, Southern Africa, and up and down the Horn, baobab origin legends are creative, mystical and always told with a certain amount of awe. And quite rightly so: whoever has stepped over the massive roots of a baobab, in the shade of its huge gnarly trunk, cannot fail to be struck by how majestic and solemn it looks. Although there appears to be little literature on the matter, it would seem that ancient Swahili settlements were often built around baobabs. Testament to this can be found up and down the coast: from Manda Toto island in Lamu, to the Gede and Jumba la Mtwana ruins in Kilifi county, each of these villages contain a massive baobab that witnessed their

PRODUCER TO PLATE

TEXT & PHOTOS KATY FENTRESS

Pink Baobab Fizz (one serving) Ingredients: •

• • •

4 hibiscus Icecubes (prepare beforehand: make a strong batch of hibiscus tea, cool down, pour into ice trays, freeze) 1 tablespoon of Baobab powder 1 tablespoon of wild honey Sparkling water

Procedure: Mix the baobab and honey until a smooth paste is formed Slowly pour in the sparkling water (careful it will fizz up) folding in the paste as you go along Add the ice cubes Enjoy!

rise, fall and subsequent crumble. It is said that baobabs can live up to 2,000 years, grow to over 20 metres in height and 18 metres in diameter.

Baobabs today are rising to prominence not only across the continent but worldwide. Instead of a divine mythology though, they are now imbued with the beneficial antioxidant attributes commonly ascribed to the different varieties of super fruits that are popular today amongst people keen to maintain a healthy diet.

An extensive study made by Oxford Brookes university demonstrated that Baobab fruit is a vitamin and mineral powerhouse. Gram for gram, the chalky white pulp has up to five times the vitamin C content of an orange and concentrated amounts of calcium, magnesium and iron.

It has taken a while for Kenya to catch up with the baobab fruit game. Half a decade ago you would be pushed to find it for sale anywhere. Sure, you could get sugary mabuyu sweets on every street corner but nothing with that much sugar and food colouring can be considered healthy. Today this is no longer the case: different brands are

popping up in health shops and even on our supermarket shelves. Producers too are beginning to catch on and up and down the coast, from September to November, people have begun to harvest this natural bounty in earnest.

Founded in Kilifi in 2006 by one Rob Barnett and Anthony Maina, Wild Living is a company dedicated providing land use models to create tangible livelihoods for local communities. The company specialises in making eco briquettes, oil extraction, herbal medicines, sustainable hard wood supplies and baobab processing.

“We run a small scale harvesting operation” says Hassan Charoa Nyundo, the company’s marketing assistant. “Most of our baobabs are picked on one plantation by a couple of guys”. The process, as Nyundo explains, involves the harvesters breaking the baobab’s velvety pods on the spot and placing the flesh into sacks, from whence they are then transported to the processing facility where they are spread out to dry on polythene sheets. Once dry, the fibrous matter is removed, the seeds separated and the pulp gently pound to a powder in a large pestle and mortar.

One of the great things about baobab pulp is that it doesn’t need to be heated during processing. This means that when you use it as a supplement you are getting its full health benefits, without them having been altered in the process. Foodies and nutritionists alike, highly recommend adding it to smoothies and fruit salads to give them an extra boost.

“I have always loved sucking on baobab seeds” says Nyundo, adding that he makes sure there is always baobab lemonade available around the house for his children, “I even add it in my soups!” he smiles.

The possibilities for adding baobab to foods seem endless. Basically anything that could benefit from a bit of lemony tartness will work brilliantly with baobab powder. This means it is not only good for you but delicious too! As it looks poised to take over the super fruit market with a vengeance, baobab powder might end up becoming a new important Kenyan export. Let’s just hope they leave some for our domestic consumption.

The possibilities for adding baobab to foods seem endless.

Basically anything that could benefit from a bit of lemony tartness will work brilliantly

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YUMMY COFFEE

DORMANS KAHAWA DIARIES 1-MINUTE COFFEE CAKE TREAT Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 tbsp white flour or rice flour 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/16 tsp salt 1 tbsp white sugar 1 tbsp plus 2 tsp water 2 tsp oil or melted margarine 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1 and 1/4 tsp brown sugar 1/4 to 1/2 tsp oil or melted margarine Pinch of salt 2 walnut or pecan halves

HOW I TAKE MY COFFEE, WITH ENZO NUCCI

Enzo Nucci is the Director of the RAI (Italy’s public national broadcaster) Sub Saharan bureau in Nairobi. Born and raised in the southern city of Naples, coffee is an essential cornerstone of his morning rituals.

Method

What is your morning routine?

- For the batter, combine dry ingredients and mix well, then add the wet ingredients and continue mixing.

In a tiny bowl, combine all streusel ingredients.

- Fill a greased muffin tin (or a ramekin or mug if using the microwave) half way with the batter, add on two-thirds of the streusel, spoon the remaining batter on top and finally add the rest of the streusel.

- Cook for 12-13 minutes in the oven, or around 1 minute in the microwave.

(Microwave times may vary).

I wake up around 7:00am, put a four person moca on the stove, drink a freshly squeezed orange juice and eat a papaya or mango while I wait for the coffee to be ready. All the while I read the news and watch Al Jazeera. I then drink a caffe latte made up of three shots of coffee followed by a standalone espresso. After that I shower and head to the office, where I immediately have another espresso before getting down to work.

How many coffees do you have a day?

How is ordering coffee in Kenya different from in Italy?

Around six, though if I go out to dinner I will probably have another. Before quitting smoking a few years ago I could drink double that.

I still find it strange when people ask me if I want a single or double espresso. In Italy you only ever ask for a single except in really exceptional cases like you’ve been up all night and need to get to work. If anything I order two singles to be consumed in quick succession!

Favourite pastry?

I’m not really a pastry person.

Sometimes when I’m in Italy I will have a cornetto (Italian plain croissant) but otherwise I prefer simply adding a handful or two of muesli to my caffe latte.

Drop by your nearest Dormans Coffee Shop at Junction • Village Market • AirKenya Like us on Facebook @DormansCoffeeShops

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How do you feel about a cappuccino after lunch or dinner?

I feel it should be made illegal.

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NRW2016 WINE PICKS

NEDERBURG CUVEE BRUT Pairing: Fresh oysters, seasonal fruits, omelettes, eggs benedict or for special occasions.

Nose: Delicate fruit aromas.

Palate: Crisp and fresh with a lingering aftertaste.

WINEMASTER’S RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC Pairing: Seafood, salads, chicken, veal and light meals.

Nose: Melon and herbaceous nuances with fresh gooseberries and a hint of green figs.

Palate: Distinctive tropical fruit, gooseberry and herbaceous flavors support a balanced palate with a pleasant lingering finish.

WINEMASTER’S RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Pairing: Robust dishes like pates and steaks, beef stroganoff, winter stews and mature cheeses.

Nose: Blackcurrants and cherries with violets and nuances of vanilla oak spice in the background.

Palate: Rich and full bodied with ripe fruit, cherry and delicate oak spice flavours, firm tannins and a lingering aftertaste.

NEDERBURG FOUNDATION ROSE Pairing: Excellent on its own or served with smoked salmon & summer salads Nose: Aromas of candy floss, cherries, strawberries and dried herbs.

Palate: Clean, fruity and refreshing flavours with a good acid structure.

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#NRW2016

Welcome to NRW2016 in partnership with South African Winemaker, Nederburg, during which food lovers will have the chance to sample special limited edition menus across over 60 of Nairobi’s top restaurants, with special offers on a selection of Nederburg wines.

During the 10-day run from 28th January to 7th February 2016, these restaurants will offer special, 3 course, prix-fixe dinner menus for between Ksh 1,500 and Ksh 2,500, with some even offering 2 course lunch menus for as little as Ksh 1,000.

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KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL YUMMY

CHEF’S TABLE With preparations for Nairobi Restaurant Week underway, Ray Cournede, Executive Chef at The Talisman gives us an insider’s perspective of what goes on in the kitchen.

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am by no means a wordsmith. I am a Chef. It is all I have ever known and all I will probably ever need to know.

When Yummy asked me to write this column, it was a bit like trying to draw blood from a stone. I was born in Tahiti and grew up in Asia between India and Thailand. At the age of twenty I moved to Denmark, where I am originally from, and enrolled in culinary school, already completely aware that this was going to be my chosen path.

In 2004 I opened my own Italian restaurant in Copenhagen, which I then sold in 2009 when I moved to Kenya.

My family runs Peponi Hotel in Lamu and after some subtle persuasion, they convinced me to come out and take over their kitchen by the ocean. This was an incredible learning experience as I got to experiment with some of the freshest seafood the Indian Ocean has to offer. After 2012, the Kenyan coast saw a bit of a tourist slump and so I took on the position of Executive Chef at Windsor Hotel & Country Club for 3 years before stepping into some very big boots here at The Talisman.

Deciding to be part of NRW was a no brainer. As someone who has worked in various restaurants and therefore understands the dining culture both in Kenya and abroad, I am drawn by the fact that this concept is not about monthly targets and profit margins. It is really more personal to me as a Chef.

NRW is about opening our doors to the ever-growing number of curious foodies in this city and letting them experience a little taste of our restaurants. It is an open invite for all, introducing the

notion that eating out doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. On the other hand, it is also an incredible opportunity for young chefs who are just getting started in the industry to learn. I am encouraging every Sous and Commis to go and experience what Nairobi has to offer, get new ideas and fresh inspiration for us to be able to innovate and grow.

Having lived in Thailand for instance, I find that there is such a different culture when it comes to eating out.

From street food kiosks to street side restaurants (which are literally everywhere), it is so easy to catch a bite as you go about your daily business.

Eating out is more commonplace than eating at home and it is all fresh and delicious. Nairobi is slowly getting to the point of celebrating the eating out culture, and NRW is steering things in that direction. Dear food lovers, be sure to explore the menus at the various participating restaurants- I’m sure you will discover a few favourites!

The NRW menu at Talisman showcases some of Chef Ray’s culinary experiences honed throughout his travels, with dishes that hail from his Asian upbringing (Crispy Chinese Pork Ribs, Bangkok -Style Fried Snapper) to some simple Italian dishes (you must try the Mushroom Carpaccio), all mixed with a little Scandinavian technique (House Cured Salmon). His dish of the moment is however the Seared Beef Tagliata which has been flying out of the kitchen. Be sure to try these out for yourself!

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Official travel partner, NRW2016

WIN A TRIP TO DUBAI To celebrate the 3rd edition of Nairobi Restaurant Week, EatOut & official travel partners Moyo Holidays are giving 2 lucky winners the chance to win a culinary journey of a lifetime!

Jet off to Dubai to visit Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen at the breathtaking Atlantis Hotel on Dubai's awe-inspiring island, The Palm, Jumeirah.

The prize includes 3 nights accommodation and return flights on Emirates Airlines.

For your chance to win, log on to www.nairobirestaurantweek.com

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TRAVEL

TEXT WENDY WATTA

YUMMY DUBAI From endless skyscrapers, souks, desert safaris for anyone curious to get a glimpse into the Bedouin existence, skydiving, regular concerts featuring high-caliber artists like Ed Sheeran and Drake to its glitz, glamour and extravagance, Dubai is a melting pot of experiences for even the most seasoned of travelers. In turn, some of the best restaurants in the world have since cropped up here. These then are recommendations of exciting spots to explore next time you head out to this city.

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ne of the highlights of Dubai is The Burj Khalifa. Standing at 828 metres with 163 floors, this mega skyscraper proudly boasts the title of the world’s tallest building. If you go up to the outdoor observation deck at the 148th floor, it is like are standing on the wing of an airplane. If you dare, you can even BASE jump to the ground. Otherwise, you can just settle for a meal at At.mosphere restaurant.

When you call to make your reservation, you get a sense of how expensive it will be as even credit card details are required. When you get to the building, you have to go up and down a number of escalators, stairs and lifts: you are heading to the highest restaurant in the world. There’s a minimum spend limit for you to reserve a window seat, and the view is spectacular.

Tuck into the house special- a juicy steak cooked in the Josper grill- and take it all in. This steakhouse has great quality cuts of meat and seafood, as well as an extensive premium drinks list.

NRW2016 is giving two lucky diners the chance to fly Emirates to Dubai to visit Atlantis The Palm, a majestic 5 star hotel frequented by celebrities such as the Beckhams. It is based on the concept of the mythical lost underwater city, and with a giant aquarium that hosts over 65,000 fish, it is as much a theme park as it is a hotel. Based here is Nobu Restaurant founded by globally renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Hollywood actor Robert De Niro. Spanning across 5 continents, this particular spot fuses cutting-edge

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Japanese style with Arabian influences, while retaining Nobu classics such as the seared black cod served with sweet miso sauce. Atlantis also hosts celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s (best known for Hell’s Kitchen and Masterchef) recently opened Bread Street Kitchen. The elegant indoor area features black and white chequered floors and hints of the early 20th-century in the decor. This is complimented by a bougainvillea-lined lawn, stations serving light British mixed drinks and a live barbecue station serving sizzling, juicy cuts of beef on large, pillowy Yorkshire puddings. From the appetiser section of the buffet, the ricotta pancakes with cinnamon sugar and caramelised bananas is a must try.

Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj al Arab is the only 7-star hotel in the world. It’s lavish Royal Suite is one of the most expensive rooms in the world with an average cost of about Ksh 2.4million a night. You unfortunately cannot just waltz in to check out the premises without a reservation at the bars or restaurants, and this is perhaps why it is Instagrammed so much from the beach next to it. One of its restaurants, Al Iwan showcases simple Arabic dishes with bold Moroccan influences. If you’re looking for a spot with a better view of the city, head up to Al Muntaha at the top floor, or swing by the glitzy Skyview Bar for a cocktail. The seafood restaurant Al Mahara is on the other hand testament of the vivid imagination behind the creation of the hotel. Contrary to popular belief, it is neither underwater nor do you

need to access it via submarine. It however has an underwater feel because of the floor to ceiling aquarium which surrounds and subtly lights it up.

While Dubai has no Michelin Guide yet, resturants have a penchant for having Michelin-starred chefs at the helm of their kitchens. One such spot is Grosvenor House Hotel’s Rhodes Mezzanine headed by Gary Rhodes. The chef is known for whipping up fantastic fusions of English and French cuisine, with an innovative menu that uses fresh ingredients imported from Europe and complemented by an extensive collection of new, old and vintage wines. On the other hand, set on a bedecked pier jutting out into the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic whose cuisine is European offers some of Dubai’s finest seafood. The pier is a romantic spot tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, and offers an unmarred view of the Gulf.

With a variety of fantastic restaurants to check out in the city, getting a weekend reservation at Sho-Cho at Dubai Marine Beach Resort can be quite the culinary challenge. It offers excellent, reasonably priced Japanese food that includes sushi, teriyaki and tempura.

The ambiance is elevated by fish tanks which are built into the walls. It is quite popular with the young and hip crowd who start streaming in for sake from about 10:00pm (It is only open from 7:00pm to 2:30am).

These and many more make Dubai quite the perfect culinary destination for foodies worldwide.

You unfortunately cannot just waltz in to check out the premises without a reservation at the bars or restaurants, and this is perhaps why it is Instagrammed so much from the beach next to it.

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YUMMY

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NRW2016 COCKTAIL SPECIALS

ON THE ROCKS This is a very quick, easy and classic way to drink Amarula. What’s more, it can be enjoyed at pretty much any time of the day.

Ingredients: 60ml Amarula, Ice cubes Method: Simply pour Amarula into a glass filled with ice (as desired) and voila! ***

AMARULA MARTINI Amarula Cream gives the martini a taste lift. Enjoy it in a tall martini glass garnished with a twist of lemon zest.

Ingredients: 30 ml Amarula, 15 ml Gordon’s London Dry Gin, 7½ ml bitters, Lemon zest, Ice cubes Method: Add the Amarula, gin and bitters to a cocktail shaker, blender or sealed container and add a few ice cubes. Mix well, pour into a martini glass and garnish with a twist of lemon zest. ***

MOCHARULA Amarula Cream shaken with ice and black coffee of your choice, this is the perfect cocktail to kickstart your nights out.

Ingredients: 25 ml Amarula, 50 ml coffee, Ice cubes Chocolate shavings or a coffee bean to garnish Method: In a shaker, combine Amarula cream and coffee over ice and shake. Pour the mix into a pre-chilled tumbler. Garnish with chocolate shavings or the coffee bean.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY | NOT FOR SALE FOR UNDER 18

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NRW2016

Adega

Lavington Curve Mall Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 This upmarket restaurant offers a warm ambiance allowing the diner to feast in true Portuguese style. Their NRW menu features favourites including chicken rissoles, mozzarella potato bites and vegetarian espetada. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a tantalising tickle of tropical extravagance with their creme caramel and brownie alamode.

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About Thyme

Eldama Ravine Road, Westlands Dinner menu @ Ksh 2,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1,800 This restaurant offers intimate dining in a secluded and leafy outdoor setting. The cuisine is continental and the menu eclectic and imaginative, with well informed, fast and friendly service.

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Artcaffe Grand

Westgate Mall All-day Menu @ Ksh 2,500 A warm and inviting space filled with fresh cut flowers, an overflowing bookcase, freshly baked breads and patisserie, the heartwarming aroma of fresh coffee and relaxing music, this spot is a haven from hectic city life. Artcaffe gives it’s customers a place to rest and relax over great food and drinks made by their passionate team of chefs, baristas and mixologists, to ensure each visit is a memorable experience. This is an inspirational space where business meetings and conversations come to life and friends gather to relax on their spacious outdoor balconies.

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Anghiti

Muthaiga Mini Market Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 Anghiti is a superb choice for Indian food with great ambiance and service, and is a favourite among locals. The menu usually features classic curries and tikka masalas, with the restaurant’s signature murg malai kebab which has soft nuggets of chicken roasted in a tandoor then blended with yoghurt and spices.

4 Argenti

Gem Suites, State House Crescent Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1,000 The cuisine at this newest oasis in the city is continental with Italian fusion. During NRW, you could start with leeks and potato soup and move on to Chinese pepper steak, red Thai vegetable curry or penne all’amatriciana, before crowning off with a banana split.

#NRW2016 www.nairobirestaurantweek.com

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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Asmara

General Mathenge Lane, Westlands Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Asmara offers authentic and stylish contemporary Eritrean cuisine. The restaurant’s menu usually features flavourful dishes like the shiro tegamino (chickpeas and split peas powder mixed with berbere) and tsahli tibsi (pan fried goat meat with ribs), which are often brought to your table by their very friendly wait staff.

6 Artisan

Sankara Nairobi Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Artisan’s global cuisine evokes artistry and craftsmanship. Each dish reveals the chef’s personal touch. The philosophy revolves around fresh, seasonal and organic produce served in an authentic yet contemporary way. It is designed to reflect a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere with distinctive spaces offering interaction as well as intimacy, right from the pleasant outdoor terrace to the private dining room.

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Bhandini

Intercontinental Hotel, CBD Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Bhandini transports you to Northern India in first-class style with fine cuisine in a sophisticated and chic setting.

The chef works his culinary magic in a glass-enclosed kitchen so you can see what goes into your dish. We particularly love the lamb rogan josh from their regular menu, as well as their friendly and efficient service.

Black Gold Cafe

Panari Hotel Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500

8 Bamboo

Zen Garden, Lower Kabete Rd. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1,800 This fine dining restaurant offers Pan Asian cuisine whereby patrons can enjoy a combination of Chinese, Thai and Japanese food, set in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

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The Black Gold Cafe is known for its well-roasted coffees, teas, light meals, smoothies and desserts. The location of the café overlooking Mombasa Road gives it the feel of a street café while at the same time retaining the comforting atmosphere of a game lodge as it faces the National Park.

Tune in to East FM (106.3) & X FM (105.5) daily for a chance to win dinner for 2 at your favourite restaurants

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NRW2016

Caramel

ABC Place, Waiyaki Way Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 This sophisticated and contemporary-American restaurant has been hailed as having one of the friendliest staff and the best service in the city. The waiters literally wait on you. Whether you’re out for a quick bite, business lunch or celebrating a special occasion, the chic and glamorous ambiance here will accommodate you.

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Brew Bistro

Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1,800 Fortis Tower, Westlands Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Brew Bistro offers culinary sophistication in an unparalleled atmosphere.

The quintessential Brew Bistro experience reaches new heights of luxury with an expansive lounge and an exquisite outdoor terrace, where guests can feast on delectable bites and sip specialty crafted premium brews and cocktails. At Piedmont Plaza, the dramatic and energetic interior of the fine dining section makes for the perfect spot to enjoy Pan-Global cuisine incorporating a fusion of French, European, Asian and classic Kenyan flavours.

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Carnivore

Carnivore Rd, Langata.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 Carnivore is considered ‘Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience’ with every type of meat imaginable, including a selection of meat roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. Delicious side dishes and an exceptional array of sauces complement this feast that also includes soup, a selection of desserts and Kenyan coffee. Set in attractive tropical gardens, the service and the décor are indeed outstanding.

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Eagle’s Steakhouse

Ole Sereni Hotel, Mombasa Rd Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 This spot has an exclusive lounge overlooking the Nairobi National Park, hence you can watch some game as you tuck into your food.

Located on the 4th floor, this 50-seat restaurant serves some of the best aged steaks in town that are hand-selected for their quality, the finest fresh seafood brought in from Kenya’s coast as well as mouth-watering vegetarian options.

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Creative Kitchen Wilson Airport, Langata.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500

Their menu is Continental in style with dishes ranging from fluffy American style pancakes to hearty English breakfasts, healthy tropical fruit salads and indulgent Eggs Benedict. This is the perfect spot for a lazy Sunday scenic lunch watching planes take off and land while enjoying the chef’s mouthwatering burgers.

#NRW2016 www.nairobirestaurantweek.com

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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Galaxy

Eka Hotel, Mombasa Rd. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 / Lunch menu @1,800 This Restaurant overlooks the swimming pool at Eka Hotel and is frequented by a diverse range of patrons.

The dining experience provides guests with a broad selection of international and African cuisine. It is also the ideal spot to enjoy well-selected breakfast buffets and all-day à la carte snack dining.

16 Flame Tree

Sarova Panafric, Valley Rd. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 This spot is named after the striking flame tree that sits in the middle of the restaurant which was once the watering hole for African freedom fighters. The contemporary fusion cuisine together with the ambience and personalized service will ensure your dining experience is pleasant and memorable.

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J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen Ngong Road, Karen Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500

For fresh British cuisine, pop over to J’s. Although the space is purposefully intimate, its long hardwood tables and benches are suited to large groups. J’s certainly has a rustic charm visible in the decor and the simple yet beautifully crafted menu.

Crispy fish and chips, moist beef burgers and juicy steaks are some of the items you should look out for.

Jiko at Tribe Hotel

Tribe Hotel, Gigiri Dinner @ Ksh 2,500

Jiko holds true to the glamorous yet sophisticated feel of the hotel whilst maintaining the warmth and personality of Kenya. Its contemporary international cuisine focuses on carefully grown fresh ingredients and specially sourced imports.

The extensive menu features grilled meats and vegetables as well as house made pastas, breads, pastries and gelatos.

18 Hadassah

Ralph Bunche Rd, Kilimani Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 / Lunch @ Ksh 1,000 Enjoy an array of mouthwatering local and continental delicacies in a relaxed ambiance when you head out to this hotel.

Their fabulous menu is complete with breakfasts, lunch and dinner options, complemented by an assortment of fine wines.

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Tune in to East FM (106.3) & X FM (105.5) daily for a chance to win dinner for 2 at your favourite restaurants

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NRW2016

Lord Delamere’s Terrace The Fairmont Norfolk, CBD. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500

This spot provides a fresh, modern environment with influences from the past, with a lively and vibrant ambiance, all week through to the weekend. Impeccable warm service and authentic Pan-African food as well as all time classics from all over the world are creatively presented, giving guests an experience to remember.

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Larder

Radisson Blu, Upper Hill.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 This is an all-day dining restaurant that serves local favorites as well as international dishes with an African twist. Cosy enclaves create a sense of intimacy, complemented by low lighting and warm candlelight. Sink your teeth into slow-roasted local meats, or delight in the rich medley of a traditional fish stew.

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Lord Erroll

89 Ruaka Rd, Gigiri Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Lord Erroll Gourmet Restaurant is surrounded by beautiful manicured gardens, creating the best atmosphere for lunches and dinners, weddings, corporate functions and garden parties. The menu offers a variety of options of the finest french cuisine.

25 Mama Ashanti

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Muthangari Gardens, Lavington Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1,000

Lucca & 88

This is the perfect spot to enjoy West African cuisine in this city. During NRW, you can start with goat pepper soup or chicken wings, with options like egusi goat, okra goat or jollof rice for the main course. This comes with a variety of accompaniments like eba or semolina, pounded yam and plantain, before you finish off with dessert.

With a relaxed atmosphere offering casual dining with a friendly dĂŠcor, Lucca boasts of authentic Italian cuisine. 88 on the other hand takes you on a culinary journey through Asia. Admire gastronomic artistry transpiring from within its theater kitchen as you watch the master chef prepare your favorite dishes.

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Villa Rosa Kempinski, Westlands.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500

#NRW2016 www.nairobirestaurantweek.com

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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Mediterraneo

United Nation Ave, Gigiri.

The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd 9 West Plaza, Westlands Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Mediterraneo is the epitome Italian cuisine with a twist. Baked eggplants and courgettes ‘’parmigiana’’ with tomato sauce, smoked scamorza and Fresh Basil makes for quite the delicious starter. For the main, you can choose the goat cheese and herbs saffron ravioli, tossed in garlic and parsley butter and topped with sweet and sour ratatouille. You can crown your dinner with the short pastry tartellete, filled with pistachio creme patisserie topped with fresh raspberry and served with vanilla and basil ice cream.

26 Mandhari

Serena Hotel, CBD. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Mandhari is renowned for the excellence of its seasonally inspired menu and extensive wine cellars. This NRW, you can start with the cappuccino of woodland mushrooms enhanced with truffle oil, with the crispy seared filled of red mullet which comes with nicoise vegetables, Kalamata olives, and Moroccan couscous being a great option for the main meal.

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Ocean Basket

The Oval, Westlands.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Across the 10 countries that the Ocean Basket franchise has found a home, you will find the same formula for success – simplicity, value for money, best seafood in the world, served piping hot in a pan. They make delicious seafood with an irresistible creamy lemon sauce, with very friendly service.

OhCha

Westgate Mall, Village Market.

All-day Menu @ Ksh 1,500 This boutique restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, with quick service right from taking orders to delivering food. The menu features classic dishes that you’d expect to find at a southeast Asian restaurant but also includes different takes on classic items and the ability to modify your meal to your liking. Options include Pad Thai, Japanese Miso Soup, Tom Yum Soup and Vietnamese Baguettes.

28 Monikos Kitchen Valley Arcade, Lavington.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500

Tagged as a healthy restaurant, Monikos offers the freshest sandwiches on baguettes, wraps and salads using ingredients sourced daily from local farmers. The menu also includes an array of pasta dishes and daily specials to ensure that the offerings are as seasonal as they are fresh. They also offer a specialty Kenyan Coffee Brand -Ransley’s Coffee - as well as a choice of freshly baked pastries and desserts.

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Tune in to East FM (106.3) & X FM (105.5) daily for a chance to win dinner for 2 at your favourite restaurants

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NRW2016

Que Pasa

Karen Shopping Centre, Karen Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500

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This is a busy, friendly, neighbourhood bar and restaurant offering locals and visitors alike an informal place to eat, drink, lounge and relax. Wood-fired pizzas are the cornerstone of the menu with hand-made dough being baked from early morning till late at night. The continental menu ranges from steak and fish dishes to gourmet pasta bowls all served up on candle lit wooden tables.

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Pablos

Best Western Premier, Hurlingham.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh2,500 Pablo’s is a contemporary styled dining area with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is designed to cater to all types of patrons. It encompasses a wide variety of local and international cuisines. Authentic Italian pastas and pizzas and Pablos legendary burgers will have you going back.

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Safari

Nairobi Safari Club, CBD Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 The Safari Restaurant is an upscale, full service Restaurant that serves hearty portions of international cuisine. For the starter, you can try the traditional cream of sun dried tomato and gin soup served in a brioche port. The main course section has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and for the former, try the sauteed mushroom and peas in a pancake envelope. The strawberry and peach flan will have you sending compliments to the chef.

35 Secret Garden

14 Riverside, Riverside Drive Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Lunch menu @ Ksh 1,800 Secret Garden’s Chef strives to keep the menu simple, fresh and natural. Their NRW menu has great healthy and delicious options like vegetable lasagna, Secret Garden vegetarian burger, risotto funghi porcini, with a choice of tiramisu or black or white forest gateaux and more for dessert.

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34 Saravanaa Bhavan

Victoria Plaza, Parklands Road.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 Saravanaa’s full vegetarian menu showcases the diversity and creativity of regional Indian cuisine. From the masala dosas, Gobi 69, spicy potato curries and chutneys to relishes, there is something off the menu for everyone.

#NRW2016 www.nairobirestaurantweek.com

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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Sierra Brasserie

Yaya Centre, Argwings Kodhek Rd. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Sierra is a modern interpretation of a classical French brasserie serving simple yet elegant continental cuisine made using the best ingredients available. They also offer signature beers brewed at the brasserie’s state-ofthe-art brewery on Mombasa Road.

36 Seven

ABC Place, Waiyaki Way Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1,800 A mouth-watering array of oysters, lobsters, prawns and ocean fish are delivered daily, freshly prepared and accompanied by Seven’s signature sauces. Meat lovers are well catered for, with exclusive, hand-selected cuts of Kenya’s finest beef that have been carefully aged and butchered in house. Indulge in one of Seven’s decadent desserts to complete Nairobi’s most unique dining experience

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Soi

DusitD2, Riverside Drive.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Meaning “street” in Thai, Soi brings Thai street food with a modern twist to Nairobi. The focus is on small plates, perfect for sharing and pairing. For vegetarians, try the vegetarian yellow curry with vegetables, tofu and crispy onions. The tapioca pudding with pandan leaves and fresh coconut milk or passion fruit panna cotta with papaya-mango marmalade and coconut sponge make for great desserts.

Soko

DusitD2, Riverside Drive.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Soko meaning “market” in Swahili focuses on using the finest organic ingredients and seasonally-inspired produce to offer an exciting interpretation of classics with a dash of progressive gastronomy. The daylight flooded restaurant with its cutting edge design, warm amber tones, a private dining roundel and a sublime terrace is the perfect venue for an upscale business lunch, a get together or a romantic dinner for two. This NRW, try the rustic white beans chowder with gammon ham, mushrooms and emmental cheese as a starter.

38 Sikia

Crowne Plaza, UpperHill.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Sikia teases a range of human senses to express the fusion of flavours, warmth, comfort, service and overall ambiance of this exquisite fine dining spot. The modern menu is top notch and the dining room itself is comfortably elegant. The hushed sophistication and impressive decor make it just right for an evening out.

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Tune in to East FM (106.3) & X FM (105.5) daily for a chance to win dinner for 2 at your favourite restaurants

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NRW2016

Talisman

320 Ngong Road, Karen.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 This is an elegant Gastro lounge with an eclectic twist. Described as “The best place in town” by New York Times Spirited Traveler and consistently the #1 restaurant in Kenya on Trip Advisor, it offers a myriad of experiences to patrons. The Talisman blends fine dining with unbridled eclecticism in a sumptuous setting, serving up a delightful fusion of European, Pan-Asian and African cuisines.

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Sugarcane

Garden City Mall, Thika Rd. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 Lunch @ Ksh 1,000 This new entrant into Nairobi’s dining scene offers Caribbean food in a casual and stylish atmosphere. Favorites like jerk chicken, curry and roti, tropical desserts and more can be selected from their menu.

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Tapas Ceviche

Westgate Mall, Westlands All-day Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Rustic with dark wood and patterned tiles lining the walls and warm earthen red floors, this bar is truly a glimpse into the Spanish soul. Their menu stays true to its name with the array of cazuelas, pinchos and cosas de picar delicacies including vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes to satisfy any appetite.

45 The Wine Shop

671 Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1,000 Ah...wine bars with their wine, food, socializing and more socializing. Nairobi’s very own wine shop not only features a fantastic selection of new and old world wines from around the globe but also regularly showcases a variety of croissants, delicate tarts and truffles, gourmet sandwiches and freshly baked breads.

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44 The Curragh

Ngong Racecourse, Ngong Rd Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 Lunch menu @ Ksh 1,000 At this Irish Pub and Bistro, live music, sports and banter will be the order of the day. They serve a wide range of local food and drinks, as well as some familiar Irish staples. The famous Curragh sticky pork chops with paprika wedges, and roasted butternut squash stuffed with sautéed seasonal vegetables and served with steamed basmati rice are not to be missed this NRW.

#NRW2016 www.nairobirestaurantweek.com

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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Tiger Trail

Royal Orchid, Westlands.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Here, you get to sample only the finest Indian Cuisine in a modern and colorful setting.

Between the regal, tiger themed space and the well prepared dishes, this place will definitely leave a lasting impression. Their prawn tikka is also unlike any other! Make sure to start or finish your meal with a lassi.

46 Thorn Tree

Sarova Stanely, CBD. Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 This is a legendary open-air, bistro style pavement cafe most famous for its message board located at the centre of the restaurant. From time immemorial, the cafe has been the perfect meeting place for friends with its remarkable dining experience.

It has a deli counter, wood-fired oven pizzas, fresh juices, beers, the widest range of coffees and a varied menu which includes popular continental and nouvelle dishes.

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Urban Eatery

Delta Towers, Westlands Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 Urban Eatery’s concept is that of a really fancy food court. It consists of four different kitchens, a frozen yogurt counter and a signature bar, with menus spanning from tasty morning bites to more substantial evening feasts. The high design and contemporary space brings together trendy dining which fits right into the urban city that is Nairobi. There’s a bit of something for everyone!

Traveller’s & Hilton Pool Hilton Hotel, CBD. Dinner Menu @ 1,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1000

For the starter, try the oven roasted tomato soup or dhal soup.

The main course section has great options like Swahili kuku wa kupaka in authentic coconut sauce, fluffy mashed potato & creamed spinach, or grilled lamb chops with mint gravy served with oriental rice and seasonal vegetables. Crown off with dark chocolate mousse with vanilla sauce.

Urban Gourmet Burger

Westgate Mall, Westlands Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500

Reminiscent of typical American diners with welcoming booth seating, rustic wood finishes, street signs and huge screens showing the latest matches, this is the perfect place to watch sports with the boys. The regular menu has expanded offerings including the Asian and Caribbean burgers made from 100% prime beef and topped with fresh veggies, spices, cheese and drizzled with homemade Urban sauces. They also serve tender smoked meats including pepper crusted beef fillet, snapper, jumbo prawns, lamb chops and chicken in BBQ sauce. End every meal with a delicious dessert including freshly baked pies, tempting cakes and soft serve ice cream for the kids.

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Tune in to East FM (106.3) & X FM (105.5) daily for a chance to win dinner for 2 at your favourite restaurants

41.

NRW2016

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Vista

Hotel Emerald, Westlands.

Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 There’s nothing quite like looking out onto the city through the large glass windows at this restaurant atop Hotel Emerald, as you drink your sweet or salty lassi. For starters, great options off the regular menu are usually the chili garlic prawns, tandoor fish and grilled pork with mashed potatoes and rice.

51 Ventana

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Bidwood Suites, Westlands Dinner Menu @ Ksh 1,500 The dĂŠcor here is an eclectic mix of jazz-fusion, African glass art and Moorish touches. Their NRW menu has options like mustard crusted pork chops, beef stroganoff, masala chicken and vegetable enchiladas. For dessert, try the chocolate brownie a la mode which is rich, decadent chocolate squares served with a scoop of ice cream and fresh whipped cream.

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Westwood

Eldama Ravine Rd, Westlands Dinner @ Ksh 1,500 Lunch Menu @ Ksh 1,000 For social functions such as dinners, luncheons, cocktail parties, weddings and launches, WestWood restaurant is guaranteed to meet your catering needs. Their menu is international and when you pop in for a meal, their chef will prepare mouthwatering meals that will leave you asking for more.

Wet Lounge

Royal Orchid Hotel, Westlands Dinner Menu @ Ksh 2,500 This is a chic yet classy lounge perfect for a night out with friends. It boasts of an eclectic ambiance that gives patrons an unforgettable experience. It has an impeccably designed VIP Room, where you can have your private parties complete with exceptional service. This is the place to go when looking to have an awesome time that you will live to remember.

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THE FOOD LIFE

LOVE & HATE It can be difficult to find a balance between loving and accepting ourselves for who we are and making the right choices in life, finds Charity Keita as she decides to go on her first ever health retreat in India.

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’ve signed up for an Ayurvedic retreat in India with my dad. By the time you read this my body will be mainly composed of Ayurvedic water and doing yoga contortions in its sleep. To be honest, I think it’s an excellent idea as I can’t think of a better way to spend time with my dad—who I don’t see nearly enough, get fit and untangle myself from the stresses of daily life. It’s the kind of thing I personally won’t be able to afford until I’m rich and famous, but my Grandmother died recently leaving my dad a bit of spare cash, so I can’t think of a better way to spend the money she worked so hard to make!

It’s never easy being a spectator to one’s parents interminable fights.

I’m lucky because after 45 years, they are still together, but it saddens me that communication is so bad that sometimes they seem to lack any form of empathy towards one another. My mother was born with great genes:

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she has long legs, a swift metabolism, loves sport and sees food as a form of sustenance. My dad and I on the other hand are quite the opposite: we have short appendages, like sport but not to excess, have a tendency to gain weight simply by looking at food and a consummate passion for cooking for the people we love. I love my parents and believe they complement each other magnificently; however their differing approaches to the art of nourishment has been a bone of contention for the better part of two decades and it seems to be getting worse not better.

Modern life offers us all the choice in the world: gone are the days in which we lived off one kind of starch, two kinds of vegetables and a meaty feast served only on special occasions. Today we can can gorge ourselves on different delicious meals three times a day every day of the year. But abundance has gone hand in hand with the rise of obesity and diseases which are

closely linked to these excesses. The easy availability of unhealthy choices is coupled with a saturation of images of toned and healthy people who serve to constantly remind us of our failings in the food and exercise department.

It can be hard, when bombarded by such conflicting messages, to find it in ourselves to love ourselves for who we are.

I look at my dad being depressed about his weight and it saddens me because I see this form of self loathing reflected in myself. I want to reach out to him and tell him it’s ok, it’s just his body’s natural course. But of course I understand where my mother is coming from when she chastises him for helping himself to seconds or that fifth glass of wine. I just wish she wouldn’t be so judgemental in her approach.

The general feeling is that we indulgent ones have a moral failing when compared to the ones who abstain. But surely there should be

a way to separate the superiority/ inferiority element from the process?

While she is undoubtedly right about the second helping, I feel the chastisement feeds into the cycle of self hate. It is my strong conviction that the more we hate ourselves, the harder it is to make the positive decisions that will lead us to shed the extra pounds (because we aren’t arguing they don’t need to be shed) and so the cycle continues. No one is arguing that obesity is good, but do chubby people really have to spend their lives hating on themselves?

There must be a balance somewhere... love yourself first and then find it in yourself to say no to that extra piece of pie and whipped cream! Moral of the story? Daddy and I are off to India to find ourselves. I can’t believe I just said that….

YUMMY

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YUMMY

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RECIPES

This month’s yummy recipes were developed by April Dodd, founder of The Open Table Cooking School which offers cooking classes in Nairobi for all skill levels—including courses specifically designed for housekeepers. Open Table also loves crafting cooking experiences for birthdays, team-building events and special occasions. If you'd like to learn more, get in touch via email at april@opentableke.com.

PEA AND QUINOA SALAD SERVES: 6

This delicious salad is hearty enough to fill you up at lunch or dinnertime. It is gluten-free,vegan and low in fat—all while being packed with protein and lots of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups cooked peas 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1 cup dry quinoa 2 cups water 1 teaspoon salt 4-6 zucchini 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced lengthwise.

4 spring onions, roughly chopped ½ cup cilantro dressing, plus more to taste

METHOD:

Marinate the peas: Combine the peas, lemon juice, oil and garlic in a large bowl. Let the chickpeas marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

Cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa well. Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the quinoa and cook for about 15 minutes, until all the water is absorbed. Take off the heat and let it cool.

Roast the zucchini: Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). Cut the zucchini into quarters lengthwise. Brush them with a little oil and place them, cut side down, on a baking tray. Roast for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through. Once they are golden brown on all sides, remove from oven and chop into large chunks.

Put it together: Combine the peas, quinoa, zucchini, cucumbers and spring onions in a large bowl. Add salt and toss everything with cilantro dressing. Enjoy!

47.

YUMMY

48.

RECIPES

LENTIL “MEATBALLS” SERVES: 4-6

These are a great vegetarian alternative to meatballs and are so tasty that even the most dedicated carnivore may not realize that they don’t actually contain meat.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups lentils 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more to grease the pan 1 large onion 2 carrots 2 celery stalks 1 garlic clove 1 tablespoon dry thyme 2 teaspoons salt 3 tablespoons tomato paste 250 grams mushrooms 3 eggs ½ cup grated parmesan or gouda ½ cup bread crumbs ½ cup fresh parsley,minced

METHOD

Cook the lentils: Combine the lentils and 2 litres water in a medium pot and boil for about 25 minutes. Drain and allow to cool.

Prepare the vegetables: While the lentils are cooking, mince the onions, celery, garlic and thyme. Grate the carrots. Heat the olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salt and sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes, until soft and beginning to brown. Add the tomato paste and cook for three more minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-7 more minutes,stirring occasionally.Take the pan off the heat and let the vegetables cool for about 5 minutes.

Mix: Add the lentils, eggs, cheese, bread crumbs and parsley to the cooled vegetables and stir to combine. Preheat the oven to 200C (395F) then lightly grease a large baking tray.

Bake: Use your hands to roll the mixture into meatball-sized rounds. Place them on the baking dish. Roast for about 20 minutes, turning them every five minutes so they brown evenly on all sides

Serve: These meatballs can be served over spaghetti with tomato sauce or pesto, can make a light meal with a salad and grilled bread, or serve over a bed of rice and lentils.

49.

YUMMY

50.

RECIPES

HONEY & LEMON CUPCAKES (WITH RHUBARB COMPOTE)

YIELD: 12 CUPCAKES

These delicious cupcakes contain no refined sugar—just the natural goodness of honey. Plus, instead of a heavy frosting, they can be completed with puréed rhubarb for a gently tangy touch.

INGREDIENTS 2 eggs

1 ¼ cups (160 grams) flour

1/2 cup (125 grams) yogurt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/3 cup (75 ml) oil

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup (170 ml) honey

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

METHOD

Pre-heat your oven to 180C (350F).

Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the yogurt, oil, honey, lemon zest and lemon juice and stir until they are combined.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir just until they are combined.

Bake: Put cupcake liners into 12 muffin tins. Carefully spoon batter into each cupcake liner. Cook for 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Cool: Let the cupcakes cool for at least 15 minutes. You can then top each one with a spoonful of rhubarb compote. Enjoy!

RHUBARB COMPOTE INGREDIENTS

4 cups fresh rhubarb (about 1 kilogram) 1 cup sugar (or honey), plus more to taste 1 tablespoon lemon juice ¼ cup water

METHOD

Chop the rhubarb stalks into small chunks, removing any dirty or limp sections as you go. Put the rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice and water into a medium saucepan.

Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until the rhubarb is very soft and begins to fall apart. Transfer the compote to a blender and blend until very smooth.

Use this compote to top your cupcakes. Enjoy!

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YUMMY

WINE CHIC(K)

BROKE, NOT BROKEN If you are a mere mortal like Annabel Onyango, you’re subject to the biggest clichés of the New Year: a)You will be fat b)You will be broke. But for wine enthusiasts, how can you still enjoy a glass on a post-Christmas budget?

J

anuary is a trying time for personal self-esteem. It’s the universe’s way of re-establishing balance (or doling out punishment) after the extended period of over-indulgence otherwise known as The Christmas Holidays. In January, the only way to spin the direness of this situation is by boasting about how broke and fat you now are is directly correlated with how epic your Christmas break was. Even the few skinny, rich people left pretend to be fat and broke, just to fit in.

52.

In the harsh light of January, the boom time of December is but a distant memory. This month, you will be forced to withdraw the little you have left in your checking account and exchange it for a gym membership. You will join the sad desperation of crowds at the jogging trail, jostling like everyone else for that limited brisk-walking space in your brand new running shoes (bought on your credit card). Or you could just wait it out and be fat until February 1st, when those very trails will be empty again.

In January, the contents of your grocery cart look as lean as you wish your body would be. Where there were once tubs of imported ice-cream, good cheese and the full range of KWV bottles, there is now a packet of rice, beans and one lone Culemborg, Chenin Blanc (Ksh 690), which might have to last you the entire week. For a fleeting moment you even consider buying a second bottle and forgoing a couple of gourmet rice-and-beans meals (which would help the diet along anyway). And in the unfortunate chance that some-

one invites you to a post-holiday dinner party, you’ll have to pick up that cheerful Prosecco aka Poor Man’s Champagne (Ksh 1,200 ).

For wine die-hards like me for whom wine is more a daily ritual than a weekend indulgence, January is the home of the wholesale purchase. The Wine Shop offers cases of 6 bottles (from France, Chile, Australia, California) for Ksh 5,000, or 12 bottles for Ksh 10,000. And you can mix that case up with whites, reds, and rosés - the perfect accompaniment to tonight’s rice and beans.

YUMMY

53.

YUMMY MAN ABOUT TOWN

TEXT JACKSON BIKO ART MOVIN WERE

JANUARY BLUES 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.

A

s you are reading this, I hope I survived December with its excesses. I am probably tired and sunburnt. My forehead is likely peeling off and I’m most definitely darker in complexion yet my teeth, somehow, are whiter. December wears one out both physically and financially. I’m probably writing this half comatose, my eyes rolled over, feeling my liver pulse. I’m probably feeling lethargic and tragic.

December, in short, is evil.

January is the time to step back and take stock of our bodies. It’s the time we realise that we are human, and that we wear and tear. There are resolutions

54.

to ignore, yes, but mostly we need to get back on track; shed off some excess weight, hydrate our system and bring some colour back to our jaded eyes. We aren’t growing younger, are we?

I have added weight. That’s what my belt tells me. I am using a different hole now. I feel bloated from all the whisky and food bingeing that went on in December. Someone mentioned that a juice fast would help, which is this dreadful punishment where you “cleanse” your system with nothing but fresh vegetable juice. It tastes like dung, but I was told that it’s what my body needs to recover. I honestly thought the body had its own recovery

mechanism that is never asleep. That all the booze we put in is processed by an efficient system that, well, never sleeps. Apparently our bodies are lazy and need a juice-fast. Anyway, I’m here paying for my sins. It’s a painful journey because when you get a man who’s 87kgs, loves his chapatis and whisky, and you tell him not to eat anything but salads and vegetable smoothies, you are basically killing him.

Which means I am angsty and impatient and moody and I walk around kicking everything in my way and banging doors and snapping at PR people and feeling like my world is swimming in a churning sea of green

slime. But I’m feeling the results. In my head I imagine the whiskies being wrung from my body. I’m feeling like my old life of December is being expunged and replaced by a new life of January. But I’m still miserable as it is.

I miss chapatis. I wake up dreaming of a double Chivas with one rock. I can’t watch someone eat a wrap. Or egg rice.

I avoid people who eat rich food and secretly envy them, wishing I didn’t care about cleansing.

I can’t wait for February. I can’t wait to sit in a bar again and have one double.

Just one. Just to remind my body that life is for the living.

YUMMY

55.

YUMMY

56.

RESTAURANTS

LOWER KABETE, PARKLANDS, SPRING VALLEY, WESTLANDS YUMMY

360 Degrees

Bamboo

ABC Place Italian - American Fusion 0700360360 Upscale casual restaurant known for serving authentic neopolitan pizza in a warm and lively modern atmosphere.

The brunch here is the perfect way to spend any weekend.

Zen Garden, Lower Kabete Rd Pan Asian 0717542017 Bamboo is a fine dining restaurant offering fusion cuisine. You can enjoy a combination of Chinese, Thai & Japanese cuisine, set in an elegant sophisticated atmosphere.

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Big Square

Villa Rosa Kempinski Pan Asian 0703049000 Here, you are taken on a culinary journey through Asia. Admire gastronomic artistry transpiring from within the theatre kitchen as you watch their master chef prepare your favorite dishes.

The Oval Burger, Fast Food 0714781351 Visit Big Square’s new branch at The Oval, Westlands and enjoy juicy succulent burgers, creamy milkshakes as well as a fun kiddie corner. Let’s make a square mess!

About Thyme

Budhaa Bar

Eldama Ravine Road Continental 0721850026 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.

Delta Corner Complex Lounge and Cafe 0736604121 Head here to relax at their upstairs, rooftop “VIP” lounge and glowing circular bar with a welcoming lounge area that provides a 360 degree view of the Westlands area.

Asmara

Cafe VILLA ROSA

General Mathenge Lane, Westlands Eritrean 0721948020 A modern and friendly dining atmosphere with fresh, authentic Eritrean and Continental cuisine. They also have an extensive alcoholic beverage selection and children’s play area for families.

Villa Rosa Kempinski Cafe 0703049000 An ideal destination for an international dining experience. Whether it’s a taste of home or something rather different you are after, Cafe Villa Rosa is always the place to be.

Artcaffe

Cake City

Chicken Inn

Colosseum

The Oval Café 0717193895 Has a distinctly chic style with creative décor including the largest balcony space among the Artcaffe outlets. The ArtBakery serves freshly baked homemade breads, pastries and desserts.

Diamond Plaza Bakery & Juice Bar 0734265718 Using traditional recipes to make delicious treats that feel home baked, Cake City will always be there to deliver carefully created cakes and pastries made just like you like them.

Oil Libya Service Station Fast Food 0734265718 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.

West End Towers, Waiyaki Way Italian 0791496894 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.

Artisan

Caramel

Clay Oven

Furusato

Sankara Hotel, Woodvale Groove International 204208000 Their global cuisine evokes craftsmanship. From the outdoor terrace to the private dining room, Artisan is designed to reflect a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Dress code is smart casual.

ABC Place Contemporary American 0716663463 The warm, inviting ambiance and relaxing atmosphere here is perfect for a quick bite, business lunch or celebrating special occasions with friends. The service here is also really great!

Fuji Plaza, Ground Floor Indian/Coffee Bar 0708778877 Experience pure North Indian authentic cuisine prepared by their chefs brought in directly from the heart of India. The coffee bar here serves different types of coffee in a modern setting.

Ring Road Parklands Japanese 0722488706 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.

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LOWER KABETE, PARKLANDS, SPRING VALLEY, WESTLANDS YUMMY

RESTAURANTS

Fogo Gaucho

Lime Light

Sarabi

SOI

Viking House, Waiyaki Way Brazilian, Steak House 0729 243 202 Fogo Gaucho Churrascaria will serve you more than a dozen cuts of meat and 20 different salads prepared by Brazilian cuisine experts in an elegant South Brazilian ambience.

Hotel Royal Orchid Azure Multi-Cuisine 0736277170 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.

Sankara Hotel, Woodvale Grove International 0204208000 Enjoy sweeping views of the Nairobi skyline in an exclusive ambiance as you try expertly made cocktails. Dress code is smart casual and note that the age limit after 6pm is 25 years and above.

dusitD2 Hotel, 14 Riverside Drive Thai 0204233000 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.

Galitos

Lucca

Saravana Bhavan

SOKO

Oil Libya Service Station Fast Food 0733 485 855 They offer authentic flame grilled chicken with Lemon and Herb, Mild, Hot or Extra Hot as per the preference of the customer. Many of their patrons have termed it unmatched.

Villa Rosa Kempinski Italian 0703049000 A popular spot for family brunch on Sundays with a wide range of Italian and International cuisines, live entertainment and children’s play area and a fantastic mini- buffet.

2nd Flr, Victoria Plaza, Parklands Rd Indian Vegetarian 0704182222 The world’s largest vegetarian chain now has a branch in Nairobi, and with chefs directly from Chenhai! Swing by for tasty, organic, purely vegetarian South Indian cuisine!

dusitD2 Hotel, 14 Riverside Drive International 0204233000 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.

Golden Spur

Mediterraneo

Secret Garden

Tambourin

Southern Sun Hotel, Parklands Rd Steak House 0203740249 A South African chain that offers delicious specialty steaks, burgers and a wide range of exciting salads. This classic family restaurant also has an activity area for children.

9 West Plaza, Ring Road Italian 0725547800 A new modern drop back to the very best Italian fine dining from their mosaic pizza oven to enviable home made pastas. Traditional Mediterranean seafood dishes and Italian ice creams.

14 Riverside Drive Cafe 0708800847 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.

Villa Rosa Kempinski Levant Cuisine 0703049000 An intimate rooftop lounge, bar and restaurant with a striking decor, exceptional Shisha, authentic levantine cuisine and electrifying performances by belly dancers.

Graze

Ocean Basket

Seven

The Tandoori Patio

Sankara Hotel, Woodvale Grove Steakhouse 0204208000 Enjoy aged beef, succulent seafood, and classic steakhouse dishes exquisitely paired with an eclectic wine and whisky list featuring some of the finest producers in the world.

The Oval Seafood, Sushi 0786227538 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, friendly service and great value.

ABC Place, Waiyaki Way Seafood 0737776677 Offers a sumptuous selection of the finest Indian Ocean seafood. Indulge in one of Seven’s decadent desserts to complete Nairobi’s most unique and sought-after dining experience.

Junction of Lower Kabete & Peponi Indian Cuisine 0702018709 A hidden gem with an upscale patio style set up that is serene and pocket friendly serving hearty meals for healthy eaters. Best for hot naans, Curries and Tandoori bbqs.

Haandi

Pizza Inn

Shangrila

Tiger Trail

The Mall, Westlands Indian 0774157034 Haandi - the ultimate name in quality North Indian Cuisine. They offer a bespoke menu and a large selection of wines & beverages that will satisfy any discerning patron

Oil Libya, Waiyaki Way Fast Food 0723971417 Pizza Inn continues to deliver some of the best pizza made using the freshest ingredients. Enjoy their contemporary interior design as you indudlge in a hot and yummy pizza of your choice.

Diamond Plaza New Wing Chinese, Indian 0773868497 Experience delicious Indian & Chinese Cuisine prepared by highly experienced chefs in their tastefully decorated interior. Home deliveries and catering for your special events also available.

Hotel Royal Orchid Azure Indian 0716079305 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.

Jade Tea House

Rendezvous

Snack Attack

Ventana

Zen Garden, Lower Kabete Rd Multi Cuisine 0724288791 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.

La Maison Royale, 9 Mogotio Road Continental 0729769253 Rendezvous offers an exhuberant environment that incoporates french cuisine in its very essence. Their wide array of delectable dishes will satisfy your food cravings and keep you going back.

Sarit Centre Fast Food 0700377777 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.

Junction of Karuna Rd & Lower Kabete International 0737555999 Upscale gastro-pub with an eclectic mix of jazz fusion African glass art and moorish touches decor. From simple heartwarming comfort food to slightly more unusual dishes.

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YUMMY

60.

GIGIRI, MUTHAIGA, UN AVENUE, VILLAGE MARKET

JUNCTION, HURLINGHAM, KILELESHWA, LAVINGTON

YUMMY

Vista

Dormans

Albaik

Cheka

Hotel Emerald Multi-Cuisine 0729418241 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 special and unforgettable.

The Village Market, Gigiri Cafe 0205006662 Aside from your favourite cup of coffee, this latest branch of Dormans boasts a new menu including a wide selection of salads, delicious sandwiches, pastries, cakes and cookies.

Remax Shopping Village, Argwings Kodhek Fast Food 0775444444 This is a Halal fast food franchise, serving the best broast chicken meals, beef, chicken burgers and sandwiches. They offer delivery within Nairobi for orders over Ksh 1,000.

101 Manyani East Road - Off James Gichuru, Japanese 0717700666 This is the only Japanese restaurant actually owned by Japanese in kenya.

Try authentic Japanese meals including sushi, noodles, a variety of seafood specials and imported sake from Japan.

Vineyard

Habesha

Raphta Rd Continental 0772322270 Has a great atmosphere during the day and an exciting nightlife experience that can only be described as the best “pre-game and after party spot”. Coupled with fantastic meals and cocktails.

United Nations Crescent, Gigiri Ethiopian 0725869955 Reknowned for its authenticity in Ethiopian cuisine, Habesha offers a wide array of traditional, hearty Ethiopian cuisine served in a rustic and homely atmosphere.

Arbor

Fogo Gaucho

House 904, James Gichuru Rd Café 0729400291 An eco-friendly garden cafe with an eclectic selection of food and also a marketplace in a tranquil garden setting in the heart of Nairobi.

Kilimani, Galana Rd Brazilian, Steak House 0715414141 Brazilian Steakhouse with a set price for all you can eat, magnificent buffet professional baristas and specially selected wine list. Beautiful unique ambience with outside ter-race seating.

Wet Lounge

Jiko

Artcaffe

Hotel Royal Orchid, Westlands International 0733 816 007 This is a chic yet classy lounge perfect for a night out with friends. It boasts of an eclectic ambiance with an impeccably designed VIP room where you can have private parties.

Tribe Hotel, Gigiri International,Formal Dining 0207200000 Jiko is glamourous yet sophisticated whilst maintaining the warmth and personality of Kenya. Its contemporary international cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients and international imports.

The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd Café 0202327799 Bright, light- filled café famous for its roasted coffees,hearty dishes and mouth watering deserts. It is the ideal spot for postshopping coffee and cake, breakfasts and leisurely lunches.

Mediterraneo

Big Square

United Nation Ave, Gigiri Italian 0705269841 Evocative of an Italian villa capturing Italian love for dining from our traditional specialties of seafood, pasta, meat and wood oven baked pizzas with exclusive selection of wines

The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd Burger, Fast food 0714781351 Located at the Junction Mall, here you are guaranteed to enjoy the am- biance as you eat your favorite fries, the famous square burger, crunchy onion rings and juicy ribs marinated in Big Square’s secret sauce.

Artcaffé Brasserie The Village Market, Gigiri Cafe 0717193895 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 through- out the day.

Cake City Warwick Centre Bakery & Juice Bar 0732444111 This spot uses traditional recipes to make delicious treats that feel home baked. Cake City will always be there to deliver carefully created cakes and pastries exactly as desired.

Big Square UN Avenue, Gigiri Burger, Fast Food 0714782380 This branch is located at the corner of UN avenue and Limuru Road. This is the perfect spot to eat, work and chill with either friends or family.

Suite 101

Ginza Galana Plaza, Galana Rd Japanese 0708333999 Ginza serves hearty and authentic Japanese meals from fresh sushi, delicious desserts, salads, stir fried and Teppanyaki dishes and more, all prepared by their able chefs.

Habesha Argwings Khodek Rd, Hurlingham Ethiopian 0733730469 Renown for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine complimented by great hospitality, Habesha has continued to win hearts around Nairobi and is set in a warm homely atmosphere.

Brew Bistro

Jiweke Tavern

Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd Bistro 0771152359 The fine dining section is complimented by a centralised open kitchen which serves Pan-Global cuisine, incorpo- rating a fusion of French, European, Asian and classic Kenyan flavours.

Ngong Rd African Cuisine 0728333985 Offers an exceptional Kenyan dining experience. The charming old fashioned interior with a luscious garden and outside sports bar. Ideal for family lunches and fun nights out.

Tamambo

Cake City

Larder

The Village Market, Gigiri Continental 0207124005 This has a casual trendy atmosphere ideal for coffees, lunch and dinner. Their exciting menu offers a delicious selection of light salads and gourmet dishes.

Crossroad Junction Bakery & Juice Bar 0732444111 This spot uses traditional recipes to make delicious treats that feel home baked. They deliver carefully created cakes and pasteries made as desired.

Radisson Blu Multi Cuisine 0704810000 Serves local favorites and international dishes with an African twist. Cosy enclaves create a sense of intimacy.

Tribe Hotel, Gigiri Bakery & Patisserie, Ice Cream & Desserts 0207200000 Get all your custom cakes, novelty cakes, freshly baked pastries, gourmet chocolates, authentic Italian homemade gelatos and much more, all at Suite 101 at Tribe.

61.

KAREN, NGONG ROAD, LANGATA

RESTAURANTS

La Salumeria

Monikos Kitchen

The Wine Shop

Creative Kitchen

Valley Arcade, Off Gitanga Rd Italian 0203875226 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.

Lavington, Valley Arcade Continental 0737032064 Inspired by the abundance of fresh and organic produce in Nairobi and across the country. It offers guests a delightful menu and tranquility under the sun at the heart of the shopping center.

671 Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd International 0718003302 YThe 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 for your selected wines.

Wilson Airport (Off Langata Road) Continental 0722959552 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.

Le Palanka

Pampa

Tokyo

J’s

909 James Gichuru Road, Lavington African, Fusion 0737444440 Inspired by the fabulous Angolan antelope, Palanka Negra, this venue is just as unique, graceful and rare as the animal itself. It is popular for its fine African cuisine.

Thompson Estate, Kingara Rd Brazilian, Steak House 0727785302 Pampa Churrascaria is a haven for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The restaurant encompasses an authentic Brazilian rotisserie steak house and fantastic buffet salad bar.

Kolloh Road, Lavington Japanese, Korean 0722485556 A Japanese/ Korean restaurant that has over 10 years of experience serving top class food in Nairobi with a fine selection of sake, sushi and other typical Japanese dishes.

Across St. Christopher’s Secondary School, Ngong Rd Gastropub 0718607197 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.

Mama Ashanti

PABLO’S

Waffle & Yoggi

Muthangari Gardens West African 0736222324 Mama Ashanti prides itself in providing authentic West African meals- including favourites like jollof rice and goat pepper soup- in a calm serene environment. Definitely worth a try.

BEST WESTERN PREMIER NAIROBI International 0202927000 The menu here encompasses a wide variety of international cuisine, from authentic Asian dishes to Italian pastas and pizzas. Sit either indoors or outside and be sure to be spoilt for choice!

Lavington Green Mall, Ground floor Café 0719595988 This spot specializes in making fresh liege waffles with various toppings, savoury waffles, frozen yoghurt, smoothies, frappes, cakes, muffins and doughnuts.

Mambo Italia

Pizza Mojo

Artcaffe

Lavington Curve Mall, Lavington Italian 0719468885 Mambo Italia is a casual Italian restaurant and café specializing in gourmet pizzas, pasta, salads and more. Enjoy thin-crust pizzas, home-made gelato or coffee on their fabulous terrace.

Adlife Plaza, Kilimani Pizza 0729918435 This spot has a perfect classic pizzas menu and more available on a ‘Two for One price’ being served in a stylish ambience perfect for creating memories and capturing moments.

Karen Crossroads Shopping Centre Café, Continental 0717193895 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

Mediterraneo

Sierra Brasserie

Big Square

Simba Saloon

The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd Italian 0734845077 A unique Italian experience in Nairobi set in its family like atmosphere with a variety of traditional Mediterranean specialty of seafood, grilled meat, home made pastas and Sicilian ice cream.

Hurlingham, Yaya Centre Continental 0208068594 Sierra Brasserie is a modern interpretation of a classical French brasserie serving simple yet elegant food using the best ingredients available and with fast and friendly service.

Karen Square, Ngong Rd Burger, Fast Food 0714781351 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 Rd, Langata African, Barbeque 0722204647 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.

MEZZE on the deck

Sushi Soo

Carnivore

Snack Attack

BEST WESTERN PREMIER Middle East & Mediterranean 0202927000 For traditional Arabic hospitality, food, an exotic array of sheesha flavours and a breathtaking view of the Ngong Hills, Mezze on the deck is ‘the’ place to dine in Nairobi.

Kingara Rd Japanese & Korean 0202320000 The ideal place to satisfy your craving for Japanese and Korean cuisine. With an ambient setting, enjoy an array of Sushi Platter, Vegetarian platter, Korean dishes and BBQ.

Carnivore Rd, Langata African, Barbeque, Kenyan 0722204647 Considered as ‘Africa’s Greatest Eat- ing Experience’ Canivore will serve exotic meats roasted over charcoal and carved at your table all in an at- tractive tropical garden

Adams Arcade Fast Food 0700377777 Snack Attack Kenya is your go to source for delicious “Loaded Chips”. Head there and indulge in their tasty menu which offers extensive and rich meals at an affordable price

62.

Matbronze Café Hse.2 Kifaru Lane, Langata South Rd. Cafe 0719204834 Classy cafe nestled in the serene location of Karen boasting of beautiful gardens and an inspiring bronze art gallery.

Enjoy their tasty sandwiches, light grills and wholesome salads.

Que Pasa Karen Shopping Centre,Karen Continental 0728272902 Built to create a stylish yet simple space, Que Pasa provides the perfect location to enjoy a meal, drink or lounge and relax.

YUMMY

63.

YUMMY

RESTAURANTS

CBD, INDUSTRIAL AREA, MOMBASA ROAD YUMMY

Talisman

Baraka

Mandhari

Sikia Fine Dining

320 Ngong Road African, Pan-Asian, European 0733761449 Talisman serves up a delightful fusion of European, Pan-Asian and African Creations by their creative chefs. Live music and art exhibitions are available at the Veranda.

Crowne Plaza Hotel, UpperHill Continental 0202746000 An All-day restaurant situ- ated on a terrace overlooking the hotel’s main pool.

They serve full English buffet breakfasts, contempo- rary buffet lunches, and an Al a Carte or set Menu Dinner.

Nairobi Serena Hotel, Kenyatta Ave,CBD Formal Dining 0202822000 Mandhari Restaurant, overlooks the pool and offers an exclusive fine- dining experience. Renowned for the excellence of its seasonally inspired menu and extensive wine cellars.

Crowne Plaza Hotel, ,UpperHill Formal Dining 0202746000 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.

Tamambo Blixen

Bhandini

Mukutan Garden

Tatu

336 Karen Road Continental 0733603065 Relax in the cozy indoor restaurant with adjacent outdoor garden, remodeled with a variety of functions areas set in one the largest and oldest formal gardens in Kenya.

InterContinental Hotel,CBD Indian 0203200322 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.

Fairview Hotel, Upper Hill Cafe 0202881000 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.

Fairmont Norfolk, Harry Thuku Rd Formal Dining 0202265000 Tatu offers delectable, flame grilled, aged cuts of high quality meat. The fine dining experience comprises of an a la carte menu (fresh local ingredients) and an international range of wines.

Tamarind Nairobi

Big Five

Pampa

Thai Chi

Karen Blixen, Karen Seafood 0733603065 Tamarind Nairobi offers some of the city’s leading seafood in an ambi- ence of elegance. Enjoy a drink in their bar or a well-prepared meal as a live band entertains you.

Ole Sereni Hotel, Mombasa Rd Multi Cuisine 0203901000 Prepared to savor and relish over the finest of five cuisines of the world as you watch their award winning chefs prepare each order before you with a bonus view of Nairobi National Park

Panari Sky Centre, Mombasa Rd Brazilian, Steak House 0722131047 Pampa Churrascaria is a haven for meat lovers and vegetarians alike; it encompasses an authentic Brazilian rotisserie steak house as well as a fantastic buffet salad bar.

The Sarova Stanley, Kimathi St,CBD Thai 0202757000 One of the city’s most elegant dining establishments, The Thai Chi boasts the finest in authentic Thai cuisine. The Thai Chi is a small piece of Thailand in Nairobi.

The Curragh

Cafe Maghreb

Pango Brasserie

Lord Delameres

Ngong Race Course Pub Food 0706317753 Nairobi’s first authentic Irish Pub found at Ngong Race course, showing all sports on large screen with ample free parking and great authentic Irish cuisine.

Nairobi Serena Hotel, CBD Seafood, Cafe 0202822000 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.

Fairview Hotel, Upper- Hill Formal Dining 0202881330 With its famous underground wine cellar, romantic ambience, quality service, classy food presentation and excellent taste, this restaurant is indeed a class of its own.

Fairmont Norfolk, Harry Thuku Rd Formal Dining 0202265000 A classic, charming and modern all day dining restaurant ideal for business executives, families and groups of friends.

The menu features robust international and authentic Kenyan cuisine.

Afghan House

Flame Tree

Black Gold Cafe

Thorn Tree Cafe

Kisauni Rd Nairobi West Afghan Cuisine 0717781815 Afghan House provides freshly prepared Afghan Food which is made on order and delivered all around Nairobi.

They also specialize in Turkish baklava, a popular dessert.

Sarova Panafric, Valley Rd International 0709111000 Dine at an award winning restaurant overlooking manicured gardens and prepare your senses for an unmatched culinary journey. Their personalized service will ensure a great experience.

The Panari Hotel, Mombasa Rd Cafe 0711091000 It is known for its well roasted coffees, teas, light meals, smoothies and desserts. Its location overlooking Mombasa rd gives it the atmosphere of a game lodge as it faces the National Park.

The Sarova Stanley, Kimathi St,CBD Continental 0202757000 This a legendary open-air, bistro style pavement cafe most famous for its message board located at the centre of the restaurant. The cafe is the perfect meeting place for friends.

Argenti

Makuti Bar & Grill

Steers

Artcaffe Garden City

Gem Suites, State House Crescent Continental with Italian Fusion 0202635556 ‘Argenti”, meaning “silver” in Italian, communicates the fine dining and elegance of the restaurant while retaining an air of exclusivity and privacy. They also have very efficient service.

InterContinental Hotel,CBD International 0203200324 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.

Muindi Mbingu St, CBD Fast food 0708749927 Being the flame grilled burger specialists, Steers remains the market leader by offering the widest range of burgers using a unique flame grilled process.

They indeed give great value for money.

Garden City Mall Cafe 0709202020 Artcaffe gives customers a place to rest and relax over great food and drinks made by their passionate team of chefs, baristas and mixologists, to ensure each visit is a memorable experience.

List your restaurant for only Ksh 5000 per month. Email sales@eatout.co.ke 65.

THIKA ROAD, TRM MALL, GARDEN CITY

RESTAURANTS

Artcaffe TRM

Chicken Inn TRM

Galito’s TRM

Pizza Mojo

TRM Mall Cafe 0709202020 Their quietly elegant décor and amazing art provides the perfect setting for the intermingled aromas of freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes and specially roasted coffee.

TRM Mall - 2nd flr Fast Food 0734265718 This popular fast food chain is famous for its fried chicken and slow roasted rotisserie chicken – We all “Luv dat Chicken”. Look out for various tempting offers throughour the year.

TRM Mall- Grnd Flr Fast Food 0733485855 Galito’s offers delicious and authentic flame grilled chicken and french fries, and that’s what first comes to mind when you think of this popular fast food chain in Nairobi.

Garden City - 1st Flr Pizza 0729918435 With a perfect classic pizzas menu and all available on a ‘Two for One price’ being served in a stylish ambience perfect for creating memories and capturing moments.

Cake City

Creamy Inn

Pizza Inn

TRM Mall Cafe 0734265718 Using traditional recipes to make delicious treats that feel home baked, Cake City will always be there to deliver carefully created cakes and pastries made just as you like them.

Garden City - 1st flr Fast Food 0702323323 Creamy Inn promises to tempt you with that special sweet something that makes life worth living. Their ice creams are really popular and upon trying some, you will realize why.

Garden City - 1st flr Fast Food 0702323323 “It must be the Pizza!” This popular pizza outlet makes some great tasting pizza, all made using only the freshest ingredients, hence their popularity with patrons around the city.

Chicken Inn

Galito’s

Pizza Inn TRM

Garden City - 1st flr Fast Food 0734265718 This popular fast food chain is famous for its fried chicken and slow roasted rotisserie chicken – We all “Luv dat Chicken”. Look out for various tempting offers throughour the year.

Garden City- Grnd Flr Fast Food 0702323323 Galito’s offers delicious and authentic flame grilled chicken and french fries, and that’s what first comes to mind when you think of this popular fast food chain in Nairobi.

TRM Mall - Grnd flr Fast Food 0734265718 “It must be the Pizza!” This popular pizza outlet makes some great tasting pizza, all made using only the freshest ingredients, hence their popularity with patrons around the city.

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Sugarcane Garden City Mall - 1st Flr Caribbean 0722598850 The recently opened Sugarcane offers Caribbean food in a casual, stylish atmosphere. Favorites like Jerk Chicken, Curry and Roti, tropical desserts and yummy drinks!

YUMMY

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YUMMY

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