Yummy Vol 10 - Wine Special

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Vol 10 August 2015

WINE SPECIAL The ultimate guide to wine in Nairobi

WINE GUIDE Understanding grapes, how to buy and everything in-between

WOMEN IN WINE Introducing the ladies running Nairobi’s wine industry

TOP SPOTS We round up top places selling the finest 1. wine in the city

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EDITORIAL

WINE NOT? Given the abundance of sophisticated palates here in Nairobi, it was only a matter of time before Yummy pulled out all the stops on a dedicated wine issue.

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f you’re anything like us and find yourself beaming at the very thought of a perfectly chilled Chablis, or like to fantasise about the perfect red wine and steak pairing, then you’ll definitely want to read on.

This month we pulled together a team of incredibly passionate and informed wine experts to give you the low down on all things vino. Buying affordable yet socially acceptable wine is probably the biggest pain for most of us. With little guidance we often brave the supermarket aisles and stand there looking both overwhelmed and thirsty! We therefore called on one of Kenya’s most qualified sommeliers, Victoria Mulu-Munywoki’s, on page 41 to help break down exactly how we should approach these trips and fill our cart with ease; keeping both

personal tastes and wallet in mind.

We then take a look at the fabulous women dominating the Kenyan wine industry on page 4445. Between them, these women have taken the industry to new heights and introduce fantastic wines to the market every year.

If you’re curious as to whether we produce wine just as good from within our borders, flip through to the Leleshwa story on page . We took a tour of the breathtaking vineyard located in Naivasha, where we discovered what a real labour of love this wine has been. Every year is a step towards perfection with their 2015 Sauvignon Blanc set to compete in the world-renowned South African Michelangelo Wine Awards later this year.

With wine having become a lifestyle for many Kenyans, our

team also took a moment to explain all there is to know for a budding enthusiast and to break down the terminology, myths and etiquette that often leave many of us scratching our heads. Once equipped with this knowledge, our extended wine picks section made up of four glorious pages of affordable, mid range and splurge options will become the perfect guide for your next occasion. You’re going to look and sound like an absolute expert by the end of this.

I must finish off by highlighting our recipes section. Every month you tell us how much you love Amanda’s recipes so this month, the lovely folks at Nederburg went a step further and paired her wine infused recipes with a selection of their wines. So easy and simply delicious.

For those of you that have spent

the last few weeks at the mercy of a never healing flu (like most of us here at the office) I suggest you turn to this month’s hot cocktails recipe section. Yes, we are firm believers that steamy booze really is the only resort this cold season!

Cheers!

Michelle Slater, General Manager.

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AUGUST 2015

CONTENTS 10

NEW RESTAURANTS Wondering where to next make a reservation?

Give these new additions in town a try!

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

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MY LIFE AS A FOODIE There is only one kind of wine Charity Keita doesn’t like. The kind she is not allowed to drink.

24 WINE GUIDE

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SUSAN EATS When it comes to the service at Pango Brasserie, Susan Wong discovers that things get personal.

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KAHAWA DIARIES Michael Soi talks about being endorsed by Lupita Nyong’o and his all-time favourite latte.

The ultimate guide to everything you should know

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EXPERT ETIQUETTE Three experts give tips that will have you sipping wine like a pro.

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WINE CHICK As she plans for her upcoming wedding, Annabel ponders over the appropriate wine to be served

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RECIPES Chef Amanda Gicharu tells you how to cook with wine in your home kitchen.

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THE LELESHWA STORY After years of struggling to get it right, here’s the story of Kenya’s most prominent wine brand.

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BY THE GLASS We round up the places selling the finest wine in Nairobi.

44 WOMEN IN WINE

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WELLNESS Is drinking a glass of wine a day really healthy for you?

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MAN ABOUT TOWN With his days drinking wine well behind him, it’s whisky all the way for Jackson Biko.

Introducing the women running wine businesses in this city

YUMMY Vol. 09 · July 2015 · PUBLISHED BY EATOUT, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MANAGING DIRECTOR Mikul Shah GM Hiyabel Tewoldemedhin YUMMY TEAM Michelle Slater, Wendy Watta, Liz Maelane, Jean Wandimi, Fred Mwithiga, Anne Kisang IT Kelvin Jayanoris SALES & OPERATIONS Gilbert Chege, Daniel Muthiani, Devna Vadgama, Seina Naimasiah, Wahid Osman, Yoga David GRAPHIC DESIGN Karan Khalsa CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Katy Fentress CONTRIBUTORS Jackson Biko, Amanda Gicharu, Charity Keita, Annabel Onyango, Amy Selbach, Susan Wong SALES INQUIRIES Call Yummy, 0711 22 22 22 EMAIL info@yummy.co.ke

/eatoutkenya

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@EatOutKenya

@eatoutkenya

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FEEDBACK

DEAR YUMMY This month's winner is Jaini Shah who will enjoy a yummy sushi dinner for two at Tokyo Japanese Restaurant.

WIN DINNER FOR 2 AND A BOTTLE OF BISQUIT V.S! We shall be giving away two prizes this month! The first is a dinner for two worth Ksh 8,000, tucking into fresh seafood at Ole-Sereni Hotel.

The second is a 750ml bottle of classic Bisquit V.S Cognac worth Ksh 4,085, courtesy of Distell Group Limited. Simply drop us an email at editor@eatout.co.ke, let us know what you think of Yummy and you could be one of our lucky winners!

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Dear Yummy I am an avid reader of Yummy. I love Susan Wong's restaurant reviews, Charity Keita's tales from the kitchen and knowing the upcoming food-related events of the month. I'm undoubtedly always hungry after reading the magazine! Is it possible for you to publish a vegetarian issue? Being one myself, I find it difficult to eat at new establishments as I'm never sure if I'll be catered for.

Best, Jai.

Hi Jai, We're glad you're enjoying Yummy! We’ve had a lot of feedback from vegetarians and the team has been planning to work on a dedicated issue in the near future, possibly in time for Diwali. In the meantime check out the all-new Yummy website (yummy.co.ke). We’ve got tons of wonderful vegetarian recipes as well as all the latest news, offers and events.

Wendy Watta editor@eatout.co.ke

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NEW RESTAURANTS

Westgate is back, foodies unite! Risen from the ashes like a phoenix, the iconic mall has opened its doors. Here are three new spots worth checking out:

JAMBO, PIZZA HUT Pizza this, Pizza that, Welcome Pizza Hut! It’s finally here! After months of speculation, Pizza Hut is without doubt set to open on the second floor, promising Kenyans a unique pizza experience.

We got a whiff of their exciting new menu, and it’s about to be an extra cheesy affair in Nairobi. We also hope they bring their new hotdog stuffed crust!

BURGER TIME Urban Gourmet Burger returns!

Sitting on the second floor right next to the food court, Urban Gourmet Burger is returns to the city with even more beef for all the burger lovers out there. If you loved their signature urban burger, you’ll definitely fall

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in love with their surf n turf burger, which is loaded with beef, crispy bacon and prawns!

Even Spongebob’s krabby patties can’t compete with that.

BUENOS DIAS! Great Spanish wine and food at Tapas Should you find yourself in the mood for Spanish cuisine and a glass of wine, Tapas will be your best friend. Located on the ground floor next to the entrance, feel free to indulge in their exciting lunch or dinner menu in a modern yet relaxed ambiance. We can’t wait to try their Paella Classica and Churros!

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EVENTS

HAKUNA MATATA Go out and let loose at Hakuna Matata Festival!

Up for a road trip? The 6th edition of the Hakuna Matata festival heads back to the Machakos People’s Park on the 29th of August. Proven to be the ultimate party outside of Nairobi, come prepared for a night of great fun, fantastic music and absolutely no worries. Early bird tickets retail at Ksh 1, 200 for regular, Ksh 2,000 at the gate and Ksh 5,000 for VIP.

BOOTS & HAY Kenya’s first country music festival heads to Karura Forest Grab your boots and hats and get ready to saddle up for the first country themed music festival in Nairobi! Dubbed Boots and Hay, this event seeks to celebrate local and international country music talent all while providing a family friendly atmosphere. Plan to head out to Karura forest on August 29th for a fun-filled day.

Purchase your tickets on eatout.co.ke/events

ART & BEER FEST Celebrate the very best local talent over a pint at Art and Beer Fest Vol IV The Art and Beer Festival is back with the promise of being even better than ever. Happening on the 22nd and 23rd of August at the Ngong Racecourse, the festival promises a great weekend with lots of music, beer and even a tattoo booth if you want to get some body art. A ticket for both days goes for Ksh 2, 000 regular and Ksh 5, 000 VIP, while it is only Ksh 1, 500 for a one-day pass.

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MY LIFE AS A FOODIE

DOCTOR’S ORDERS Charity Keita is not a happy bunny during her romantic getaway to the coast

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here is one kind of wine I really hate. In fact, I despise it so much that I feel forced to dedicate an entire column to its horrid nature.

The wine I hate is not the predictable sweet chardonnay, sweet rose or sweet anything for that matter (although I do find them all pretty darn foul). The wine I despise is that which I am not allowed to drink when I am on a relaxing holiday by the beach.

I suppose I should explain myself.

At the time of writing, I am sitting on a Lamu day bed under a breezy fan.

The Malindi sun is shining brightly and Luan has just dived into the cute little kidney-shaped pool that comes with the cottage we have rented. A light lunch of deconstructed nicoise salad has recently been consumed.

“So what’s the problem?” I hear you ask. The problem, my dear readers, is that I had come this way to have a romantic and well deserved getaway.

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It was a spur of the moment decision: I woke up last monday morning and said, “to hell with it, we’re going to the coast!”. I then promptly headed to the JamboJet website, found that tickets to Malindi were cheapest, bought two returns and then found this delightful little third row cottage through a friend. We spent the week excitedly planning menus and the delicious wines that would go with them.

And then what happened? Well, at 4am on Saturday morning, just a few hours before we are to depart, I wake up with a tickle in my throat. I proceed to get on the flight anyway but by midday the tickle has developed into an ache and by nighttime the ache has become a full blown infected tonsil.

By Sunday I am in tears, unable to swallow anything. I eventually give in and head to the Maimoon medical centre, the only open place in town, where they put me on a drip for four

hours, tell me sternly that I should have come in earlier and set me on a course of intravenous antibiotics which leave me incapacitated and with a large needle permanently stuck in my arm.

By Tuesday I have a meltdown and head back to the medical centre, demanding that they take the alien object out of my sensitive vein and find some other way to administer their antibiotics. The doctor decides he’s had enough of my whining, gives me some pills and sternly sends me off. Possibly the fact that I yelped and screamed every time they inserted a new batch of drugs (did I mention that I have an irrational needle phobia?) did not endear me too much to the medical staff, whose main interest appeared to lie in watching the clock, counting the seconds before they could break their Ramadan fast.

So, the good news is that because I am by no means fully recovered,

There are emoticons that appropriately encapsulate how I feel about this.

the doctor advises me postpone my flight. “Hurray!” I rejoice, thinking this will mean at least a day of beach. Turns out though that the doctor had misprescribed my medicines which means I eventually have to go elsewhere, only to be signed up to a whole new round of antibiotics which all come with the same warning: do not drink alcohol!

So here I am, one week later, still in Malindi and not a glass of wine, wine spritzer or aperol spritzer has passed my lips. There are emoticons that appropriately encapsulate how I feel about this.

In case you ever read this Luan, thanks so much for putting up with me as I reverted into a whimpering, whining and entirely unbearable sick child these last few days. I really am an awful patient and you really are a patient nurse.

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BLOGGERS SOCIAL SCENE DRINK OUT

Each month, we invite Nairobi’s most passionate food bloggers and influencers to join us for dinner and chat about all things yummy. This month, the team headed out to the cozy Salt Bar and Grill at The Junction Mall for a lively Spanish wine education and tasting affair. It was informative and we had such fun! Got FOMO (fear of missing out)? Drop us a line if you’d like to join in next time.

This month’s featured blogger: Jayson Mbogo jaytakeapic.com Being a creature of habit, I tend to pair my food with drinks that I’m used to. Imagine my shock when I learnt that different types of wine have a huge impact on how much you will enjoy a particular dish! I may never enjoy salmon without a glass of Chardonnay again and I think I can live with that. Salt Bar and Victoria Mulu-Munywoki of Wines of the World did a fantastic job taking us through various Spanish wines that were aptly paired with our food.

These dinners open us up to new experiences and I’m always looking forward to bonding with the EatOut team and content creators invited.

#BlogOut #EatOut #SaltBar&Grill

TOP Wendy Watta, Jayson Mbogo, Soni Adriance and Lyra Aoko BOTTOM RIGHT Sandy Thethy and Kaluhi Adagala

For more delicious Instashots, follow the action @eatoutkenya

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SOCIAL SCENE

RUBA-DUB The second edition of Rub-a-dub took place at The Bus earlier this month. There was great live reggae music, a lively crowd and our favourite part: the food court. Here, food was sold on a voucher system with delicious quinoa burgers, jerk chicken, corn, cupcakes, spicy ramen, perfectly thin and salty fries and much more.

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Often it’s it’s the Often thesimplest simplest recipes that can be recipes that can be difficult to cook yet difficult to cook become the most yet become the most memorable memorable

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

PERSONAL TOUCH Pango Brasserie, Fairview Hotel

Personal space is important to me. I value the space that surrounds me as a buffer zone but also as an intimate area that can almost be considered an extension of my body.

Often, in a queue, prompted by the smell and feeling of someone’s breath tickling the nape of my neck or the sudden touch of one’s protruding belly, I find myself turning back serving a deathly stare. It’s not that I’m a precious, neurotic, overindulged, or demanding person.

The idea that I might be touched by a stranger during precarious situations where I cannot escape, like in a bank queue when I’ve already invested an hour of my time or when a senior colleague pets my hair, sends me into a panic.

I have long hair, which often gets caught in the zipper when I put on a jacket and it takes a second for me to free my mane. At a recent dinner at Pango Gourmet Brasserie at The Fairview Hotel, I experienced an unexpected session of panic, which was surprisingly short-lived. As my companion and I were leaving their impressive underground wine cellar and I was helped into my jacket, our waiter freed my mane in one smooth and discerning swoop. Great service is about being obsessive about hospitality and anticipating guests’ needs. I left confused, knowing I should have felt disgusted, but somehow I found myself feeling more amused by his precision and expert anticipation than anything else.

Yet here I am again, and how could I

not? Pango is a culinary destination in Nairobi that was crowned Restaurant of the Year at the 2011 Taste Bar and Restaurant Awards and winner of a Prestige Award in 2013.

At Pango, when it comes to the food and service, it gets personal.

The hostess fumbles through the reservation book in search of my companion’s name. I glance over at the rustic contemporary dining room of beautifully set tables and a table for two by the crackling fireplace catches my eye. Managing my expectation, I secretly hope that it’s ours. Turns out, it is! Was this another incredible act of anticipation?

Did the staff notice my magnetism to it? After all, there were other tables available.

A high vaulted ceiling with exposed timber rafters and beams is the venue’s stand-out feature, complete with a room-anchoring fireplace and classic silver 5-point candelabras.

Formal dining rooms can sometimes come off as stiff and uncomfortable, but at Pango, a splash of yellow on the walls and the soft glow from candles are cheer-giving anecdotes.

The menu is filled with French influences mixed with a bit of Moroccan flair, a tribute to Executive Chef Mohsine Korich’s heritage, with an obsessive commitment to quality fresh produce and some of the finest ingredients that I have come

across in a while. At the beginning, there is a palate-refreshing and zesty amuse-bouche. Then there is the goose liver bavarois with apple jelly, which arrives slightly chilled and quickly warms to room temperature.

Its smooth texture and full taste gets better and richer with every morsel. I try the filet of smoked duck; naturally a great bird for smoking thanks to the duck’s bolder flavour and fattiness. Beautifully earthy, juicy and aromatic – the caramelized layer of skin is seared until crispy and helps keep the smoky flavour lingering in the meat, permeating every part of the duck. Less a French agenda and altogether more Moroccan, the Lamb rack wrapped with minced lamb meat resembling a Kefta Kebab,

seasoned with herbs and spices, keeps the rack of lamb juicy and succulent. To finish, there is a sphere of decadent caramelised apples and what looks like a box of edible chocolate dirt disguised as a garden with dramatic settling fog thanks to the theatrics of dry ice.

At the end of this dinner of hushed brilliance, I reflect on the classic, sophisticated and alluring menu. The food at Pango is comforting and most importantly, personal. It tastes of Chef Mohsine’s unique experiences and diverse interactions with balancing cultures, coupled with superb execution. With that, we slip from our table and once again I’m helped into my jacket, but this time I’ve pulled my hair up into a ponytail.

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COFFEE TEXT WENDY WATTA

VANILLA & STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE LOLLIES Grab the glorious vanilla milkshake at any Dormans branch near you and use it to make these fun ice lollies as a quick treat for the kids. Better yet, have them join you in the kitchen!

DORMANS KAHAWA DIARIES

You’ll need: 1 * Large Dormans vanilla milkshake (Ksh 350) 1* Small banana 6 large strawberries Instructions: Cut the banana into a blender, add the milkshake and strawberries and whizz together. Pour into moulds and freeze until completely solid.

Serve to kids immediately!

HOW I TAKE MY COFFEE WITH MICHAEL SOI

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ichael Soi, 42, is a painter known for his bold, satirical take on subjects often considered taboo in this society. He simply paints it like it is!

How do you take your morning coffee?

I like a good old latte.

What’s your favourite pastry?

A Croissant.

What, to you, is the best part about coffee?

The coffee cups! I have a whole stack in my studio as I never throw them away. They are very functional and I mostly use them to mix paints.

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What’s your morning routine?

I get up and get out of the house, pop into a coffee house for my morning fix then head to the studio.

You’ve been getting quite the buzz for your tote bags after Lupita Nyong’o recently posted a picture of herself with one on social media. How did you start making them?

Designing bags is just a little experiment I started out of boredom, but that has since taken a life of its own. I was tired of doing smaller pieces on canvas and decided to put my art on something a bit more functional. I’d already sold a few bags but when Lupita posted the picture, things just spiralled out of control.

What then is your shtick when it comes to painting?

I took an angle that a lot of artists feel uncomfortable approaching...working on issues like commercial sex work and interracial relationships. My art is particularly influenced by Nairobi at night. I can for instance go to Westlands for just an hour on a given night and will have enough inspiration to paint for three months. I also deal with issues relating to politics and bad governance. I did a whole (satirical) series of 40 pieces called ‘China Loves Africa’, and it was widely collected all over the world.

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

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WINE SPECIAL

With wine culture well on it’s way to becoming a lifestyle for more people in Kenya, our wine guide couldn’t have come at a better time. It is extensive enough for beginners to learn a lot from and enthusiasts to appreciate.

Kenyans undoubtedly love their beer and even whisky. But can the same be said for wine? While the local wine culture isn’t even close to peaking, social interest is certainly higher in 2015 than it has ever been, and soon, it is bound to become a lifestyle for many, and our wine guide is right in time to steer things in that direction.

Wine has been produced for thousands of years with the earliest winery being traced to Armenia. In Kenya, the first grape wines were experimentally made in 1985 and since then, wine has been produced in Naivasha, Rift Valley and the Yatta Plateau. International brands still dominate this market however, due to better brand awareness among the target consumers, better distribution networks and even better variety and storage period. It is also no secret that Kenyans have an affinity for sweet wines. This wine guide will open doors to so much more and once you walk through, we hope you never look back.

CONTENTS Glossary

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Grape types

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Expert Etiquette

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Wine chic

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Recipes

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Buying guide

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By the glass

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Buy the bottle

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Women in Wine

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Wine picks

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WINE FEATURE

GLOSSARY Planning on becoming a wine enthusiast?

Here are the basic enological terms you’ll need to get familiar with!

Aperitif Wine drunk before a meal to stimulate one’s appetite Appellation French term referring to where wine grapes are geographically grown.

Balanced Containing elements (flavours, alcohol, acidity) in harmonious proportions.

Breathing Process of swirling wine in a glass to let it open up due to exposure to the air.

Dessert wine In the UK, a sweet, low alcohol wine. In the US, any wine with over 15% alcohol.

Legs The rivulets of wine that race down the sides of a glass when swirled. The higher the alcohol content, the thinner the legs.

Sommelier A wine expert.

Varietal Wines made from a single grape variety.

Vintage date The year when a particular wine was made.

Nosing wine Aromatic The pleasant and distinctive smell of wine. It is generally applied to younger wines, with the term bouquet being reserved for more mature ones.

Tasting wine Acidity Sensations like crispness and liveliness felt along the insides of the mouth (with good wines). If it is lacking, wines become flat or flabby.

Body The impression of how light or heavy a wine feels in your mouth. Being full bodied therefore means the wine has a robust and very rich feel.

Clean Wine that is pleasant and agreeable, without any off-putting flavours or aromas.

Dry Wine with no sweetness in taste. The opposite is sweet, except in sparkling wines where dry means sweet.

Elegant Describes a wine that is generally medium bodied and well-balanced.

Finish The aftertaste left in your palate after swallowing the wine. A full bodied and well balanced wine will for instance have a long finish and vice versa.

Tannins This refers to the textural characteristic that makes wines taste dry. It is actually the chemical compounds in grapes that affects taste, colour and aging potential of wine.

Tart Sharp taste of acidity in wines.

Nose The smell or aroma of the wine, best sensed just after you swirl it in your glass.

Smoky An aroma/flavour in both red and white wines that develops from the aging in oak casks.

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MAIN FEATURE 

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MAIN FEATURE TEXT WENDY WATTA

EXPERT ETIQUETTE From choosing the right type of glass and how best you should hold it, to insight on how to taste what’s in your glass, three wine experts share tips that will have you sipping like a pro.

Heinrich Kulsen, Assistant winemaker, Nederburg

Brilliant Mathelumusa, Sommelier, Capital Club

Tom Magara, Wine Consultant

Different wines require different types of glasses. As a standard, a tulip-shaped 250ml glass with a stem is often used. A glass with a larger bowl generally works for red wine as it allows more surface area for oxygen to come into contact with the wine and hence allows it to breathe. Small glasses are great for white wines as it keeps them cooler for longer.

Learn to understand wine by looking at it’s appearance, nose and impression on the palate.

Taste what’s in the glass in front of you. It sounds rather basic, but we often get too caught up trying to taste from what we think about the grape variety, region and also what our peers think. We then end up saying things just to look smart. Forget all that and simply taste the wine that’s in your glass at that moment, even if you tried the exact same one the day before.

Always hold the wine by the stem.

Wine quickly adapts to changing temperatures and your palm is bound to warm it, making it taste unpleasant.

Never fill up a glass to more than two thirds its size. Rather refill or top up.

Putting ice in your wine is a personal preference. It is however not the best practice if you consider the physical attributes of the wine that will be watered down by the addition of ice blocks. You’d much rather cool the whole bottle and keep it on ice.

If you’re considering wine older than 3 years, open the bottle and let it stand for 30 minutes to an hour before serving to let it breathe. This opens it up more.

Appearance - Look at it’s clarity, brightness, colour, intensity, viscosity, etc. Just looking at the legs alone can for instance tell you if it is high in alcohol and sugar.

Nose - I am all for blind tasting.

90% of it is on the nose and 10% on the palate. Is it clean? What’s the intensity on the nose? Get the development- is it young or aged?

Look at the fruit character, complexity, minerality and find out if it is oaked or not. If it was french oaked then you will get a nosing of vanilla and if it was American then you’ll get caramel.

Palate - Consider the anatomy of your tongue’s taste buds. Sour on the sides, sweet in the middle, bitter in the back and sweet and salty at the front. Where does the wine fall? Is it dry or sweet? Consider white wines on their acidity and reds on their tannins. Identify if there are any fruits you didn’t pick up on the nose...the body, balance and finish. The longer the finish, the better the wine.

different wine from the one you last had. Embrace that variety and depth.

If you can, write down what you taste. You’d be surprised just how often your palate changes.

Getting a little nasally fatigued?

Is everything starting to smell the same? Don’t worry, smell the back of your hand to refresh your nose then smell the wine again. It works wonders.

As often as you can, taste blind; that is without knowing what wine is in your glass. This not only forces you to stick to point one, but it’s fun and the best way to train your mind to use deduction to understand varieties and country styles better.

There’s no place for close-mindedness. The fun thing about wine is that something as simple as a different vintage, production process or addition of a percentage of a different grape variety produces an infinitely

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WINE CHIC(K) TEXT ANNABEL ONYANGO

CHABLIS, I DO! As Annabel Onyango plans her perfect wedding, she ponders over the question that is grossly and universally underestimated by brides-to-be across the land: what wine will be served?

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alk to any unmarried girl over the age of 30 and she’ll have a pretty good idea what her wedding day will look like. Really, ask one. Single women of a particular age have had the benefit of time (at least a decade) to mull over a million bridal ideas, do creative calculations, work out financial algorithms and run at least a dozen Google searches on “bridal footwear”. At this point, they also have (after a decade of working for their own coins) enough maturity to have ‘realistic’ expectations. Plus they’ve sat through enough cheesy weddings to have a crystal clear idea of what they definitely don’t want.

What you may be surprised to

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know is that when it comes to the possibility of our own weddings, most of us unmarried spinsters aren’t yet jaded. Something in our XX DNA still makes us want all the bells and whistles of a big, traditional, white wedding. The fairytale lives strong in our imaginations. The dream stays alive. So when the right boy finally comes along and puts a ring on it, we’re ready!

In the case of my particular wedding-to-be, aesthetics are everything.

My special day will be full of only pretty things, pretty people in pretty clothes, and pretty things to eat and drink. A folder on my desktop creatively titled “Wedding Folder” is updated on a bi-hourly basis and is

the foundation on which my bridal blueprint lies. If my computer crashes, I’ll have to cancel everything.

Having never been a foodie my entire life, my reception dinner menu has now become the focus of all my waking hours. What hors d’oeuvres to serve with cocktails? How to dress the cater-waiters? What of the live cooking stations, how many will there be? But those are obvious. The question that is grossly and universally underestimated by brides-to-be across the land is: What wine will be served?

A couple’s taste in wine is tested on their wedding day. You want to give your guests something refined but universal, something that goes

well with meat, chicken or fish. There has to be something red AND white - not too sweet and not too dry. Plus you’ll be paying for all of it, so...

My groom and I will be drinking copious amounts of wine between now and our I do’s, in a finite quest to find those perfect bottles to serve our people. Not that that will be different from any other day, but at least now it’ll have a constructive purpose. You are invited to share a glass with us.

Annabel Onyango is an awardwinning Fashion Stylist in Africa.

She’s also a tv personality, social influencer, and taste-maker. Style is her do and end all.

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RECIPES

This month, Chef Amanda shows you how to cook with wine in your home kitchen!

We also advise on which wines to pair these delicious dishes with

This gorgeous salad combines fresh prawns, radishes and cherry tomatoes. The dressing is light and delicious with olive oil and Pinot Grigio. Fresh salad greens and garlic add a dash of flavour and crunchy texture.

PINOT GRIGIO PRAWNS WITH GREEN SALAD Serves 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup Pinot Grigio

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

200g assorted salad greens

1 teaspoon Paprika

1 cup radishes, thinly sliced

20 Shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons fresh coriander

1 cup cherry tomatoes

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 sliced red onion

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup pomegranate

Croutons as desired

Toss radishes with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let stand for about 10 minutes.

Drain any liquid and transfer radishes to a large bowl.

Warm olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic, remaining salt, pepper and paprika and sauté for 1 minute.

Slightly increase the heat and add the prawns. Sauté until the prawns turn pink.

Add the cherry tomatoes, onions, pomegranate and sauté for 1 minute. Add wine and stir over low heat for another minute.

In the bowl with radishes, toss prawns and croutons in assorted salad greens and sprinkle with dill to serve.

56 Hundred Chenin Blanc Delicate layers of ripe fruit and a pleasant finish that balances out perfectly with the salad

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RECIPES

This simple and delicious meal takes a basic tomato sauce to the next level with a splash of your favourite white wine. The texture and flavour of the dish is also enhanced with smoky bacon, savoury olives and earthy mushrooms.

BRAISED CHICKEN WITH WHITE WINE & TOMATO SAUCE Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1/2

1.35kg chicken legs

tablespoon dried parsley

6 rashers streaky bacon, diced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tablespoon

2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped

dried basil

70g fresh button mushrooms, sliced

1 teaspoon salt

12 black olives, pitted

1 teaspoon brown sugar

250ml white wine

Ground black pepper to taste

450g tomatoes, diced

1 chopped spring onion for garnish

1 medium yellow bell pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 170 °C. Heat oil in a large frying pan; brown chicken; remove.

Add bacon and sauté over medium heat for about 2 minutes.

Add onions and mushrooms and continue to sauté until onions are translucent.

Return chicken to frying pan; sprinkle with parsley, basil, brown sugar, salt and pepper.

Add wine, olives and tomatoes.

Transfer all contents of pan to an ovenproof casserole dish.

Cover dish with foil and place in top third of oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, turning chicken once during cooking.

Remove foil, sprinkle with yellow bell peppers and allow chicken to brown under direct oven heat for about 5 minutes.

Remove chicken from oven, garnish with spring onions and serve.

Winemaster’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc The melon, gooseberries and herbaceous nuances pair well with this tomato-based dish

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RECIPES

To bring out the sweet and bright flavour of these frozen treats, the strawberries are roasted in sugar and balsamic vinegar. Since the sweet red wine is a major component of the base of these popsicles, it is important to choose a wine that you already love and enjoy.

STRAWBERRY & RED WINE POPSICLES Yields 6-8 popsicles, depending on size

INGREDIENTS

450 grams strawberries, hulled and quartered 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional) 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 cup (240 ml) sweet red wine Preheat oven to 190 °C.

In a bowl, mix together the quartered strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar.

Spread evenly over a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the berry juices have thickened (but are not burning).

Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature.

Place half of the roasted strawberries and juices in a blender or food processor and process until smooth.

Stir in the red wine.

Spoon the remaining half of the roasted strawberries into the popsicle molds.

Evenly pour red wine mixture into molds until close to the top.

Freeze popsicles for at least 45 minutes before inserting popsicle sticks.

Before serving freeze for a remaining 4 to 6 hours, or until completely frozen.

Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest Balance out the sweetness of the popsicles with notes of vanilla spice and dried fruit

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GRAPE TO GLASS TEXT KATY FENTRESS

The cold Kenyan nights make for amazing grapes

THE LELESHWA STORY After years of struggling to get it just right, 2015 is the year in which Leleshwa wines stand up and get noticed.

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FEATURE “This white wine is amazing. Nothing to improve, the bouquet of aromas is simply excellent”.

We are just completing a tour of the Leleshwa winery near Naivasha and the person behind this flattering comment is Stephane Alsac, the Export Director at Grands Vins de Gironde, one of the largest wine merchants in Bordeaux, France. Alsac is part of a French wine distributors delegation that have travelled to Kenya to promote their produce, but also to find out more about Kenya’s first homegrown fermented grape juice.

“The Leleshwa vineyards started about 20 years ago more as an experiment that anything else”, says Wikus Ventar, manager at Morendat farm, an expanse of land owned by the Kenyan Nut Company that sits just after Naivasha on the NairobiEldoret highway. Ventar, who has over two decades of wine farming experience back in South Africa, says that deciding to come and invest his talents in this nascent Kenyan industry is proving an excellent choice.

“When I first arrived here two years ago, there were 50 hectares set aside for vineyards but everything was dying,” Ventar tells the group as he surveys the rows of vineyards that lie before him. “I cut that down to 11 hectares and focussed on setting up an efficient irrigation scheme and correcting the soil. The first year the grapes were ok but not excellent.

Each season since then though, the harvest has really improved”. This year Ventar has expanded the size of the vineyards again and says he hopes one day to cover up to 250 hectares.

It is a sunny Kenyan winter day, the long expanses of vines - mostly bare due to the fact that the harvest was in February and the vines have just been pruned to prepare them for the 2016 crop - look as gnarly and sturdy as they would in any vineyard in Italy or France. It’s easy to imagine the plants burdened with grapes at harvest time and the wine pickers slowly but steadily making their way through them, as they clip each bunch by hand.

After the field visit is completed,

the delegation heads to the winery to get a glimpse of where the magic happens. In order to make wine, the first step after harvest is to feed the grapes through a large funnel into a machine which presses them and pumps the juice into a chamber where they must sit for about 48 hours. The next step involves adding yeast for fermentation; the juice is left to ferment for about two weeks at which point it is filtered into a new tank, where it is left for up to six months to stabilise before bottling.

“The cold Kenyan nights make for amazing grapes”, enthuses Ventar, who underlines how he can’t understand why Kenyan supermarkets insist on importing Grade B table grapes when our climate is perfect for growing delicious Grade A grapes.

“I shouldn’t be saying this” he adds, “but if we keep on at this pace, the Kenyan market could one day rival the South African one, at least in terms of quality”.

Back at the winery and the French delegation is being given a taste tour of the four current wines that Leleshwa has on the market. “Kenyans love their sweet wine” explains Emma Nderitu, head manager at the winery, after one of the delegation

comments that the rose’ tastes like, “candy”.

“Over the past few years we have made a few changes” says Nderitu, who came to work here directly after graduating in BioChemistry at JKUAT. “To begin with we only had a dry red but to satisfy the local palate we began to make a sweeter one. Our rosé has also become sweeter over time, although we are considering making two options to suit people’s different preferences”.

Nderitu saves the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc to last. This is without a doubt the wine that extolls the highest praise from the group of wine connoisseurs. Set to hit the shelves some time in August, the 2015 harvest is Ventar’s pride and joy; he instructs the delegation to give him as honest an appraisal as possible, because he plans to enter it into the world-renowned Michelangelo Wine awards which will be held in South Africa at the end of August this year.

“I wouldn’t worry too much” smiles Alsac, “this wine is excellent and it’s bound to be noticed by the judges”.

So there it is, watch out world, Kenyan wines are set to hit the stage with a bang!

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BUYING GUIDE As Nairobi’s wine drinkers expand their tastes for all things wine, good wine shops are slowly responding to the increasingly sophisticated customer demands. Supermarkets too are upping their game, offering clients something more in the way of choice when it comes to the wines they stock. But with so many different wines to choose from, how on earth does one pick the right bottle for the right occasion?

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MAIN FEATURE TEXT WENDY WATTA

Follow these easy and practical tips to pick the perfect wine at your local supermarket:

1. FEEL THE LABEL Run the back of your hand over the label. If the paper feels cheap, you can bet that the producers cut corners in other areas too and what you’re getting is probably a low-grade bottle of wine.

2. PICK A DEEP PUNT Look at the indent at the base of the bottle, otherwise known as the punt. Generally, the deeper the punt, the better the quality of the wine and the longer it can be stored. Most wines at a supermarket have a flatter base and should be enjoyed sooner rather than later.

3. HAVE A BUDGET Price doesn’t always equal quality, as you may know if you’ve ever done blind tastings. A bottle may just be expensive due to the startup cost for the winery. Wines from traditional regions are often also pricier than equally good ones from lesser known areas.

Have a budget in mind and stick to it!

4. BOXED WINE If you want to drink the good stuff, steer clear of anything that doesn’t come in a bottle.

Leave those for parties!

5. GO DIGITAL There are some great apps with online wine communities that can help you out should you ever need it. Vivino, for instance, allows you to scan the label of a bottle and ranks it based on user reviews.

6. AGE IS A NUMBER Try to get bottles that don’t look like they’ve been sitting around on the shelves for the last three years. As a rule of thumb best aim for a more recent vintage as this means it’s had less time go off in the bottle. Supermarkets will try to put the older ones in the front, so make sure you check if there’s a more recent vintage at the back.

With the staggering range of wines currently available in Kenya, Victoria Mulu-Munywoki suggests experimenting with different types and styles until you identify a favorite go-to wine.

Happy sipping!

Price: Determine how much money you are willing to spend before you go in. That will make your life so much easier and you’ll end up spending less time debating over a few bottles. It is also important to note that not only expensive wine is good.

Preference: Do you prefer still or sparkling? White, rose or red? Sweet or dry? Full or lightbodied? The tasting notes on the back label should help you make the right choice within these various styles.

Food pairing: Think about what you would like to eat.

Red meat generally goes well with red wine, and white meat with white wine.

Spicy food goes well with semi sweet styles of wine.

Occasion: Understand the occasion you are buying the wine for. Is it for cooking? A party? Romantic dinner for two? For cooking, boxed wine like Penasol can do the trick. If you are looking for a gift to impress someone, Victoria suggests a bottled wine with the grape varietal on the label. There are plenty of choices for parties, with crowd pleasers being Merlot, Shiraz and Malbec for reds, and Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc for whites. These make a great selection for weddings too.

If you are expecting a big crowd, a cask wine made in an easy-to-drink style makes sense as it can please a wide range of palates.

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MAIN FEATURE TEXT FRED MWITHIGA

BY THE GLASS

Whether you’re out catching up with some friends or spending quality time with your significant other, you’re going to need a great place with a relaxing ambiance and yes, an equally great glass of wine to create a lasting memory. Here are some places you should check out in Nairobi: The Balcony, Villa Rosa Kempinski 0703 049 000

La Dolce Vita, Muthaiga 0722 624 100

Que Pasa Bar & Bistro, Karen 0728 272 902

Seven Seafood & Grill, ABC Place 0737 776 677

Do you enjoy listening to live jazz over a glass of your favourite wine?

Then expect to find a haven at the Balcony at Villa Rosa Kempinski.

They have a swanky but relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for informal meetings after a busy day with friends or colleagues. Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

La Dolce Vita offers a unique Italian experience. With more than 100 Italian wines for you to pair your exquisite meal with, it is nothing short of an exciting culinary adventure.

Perfect for a romantic night out or a dinner with your friends, La Dolce Vita will be glad to host you and fill up your glass.

Centered in the heart of Karen, Que Pasa will serve you a great meal with an equally great wine to match. With an informal, relaxed ambiance, you can unwind with your friends over a glass of wine or catch up with your loved one as you enjoy many of their frequent wine pairing dinners.

If you’re looking to enjoy a glass of white wine with your meal, Celebrity chef Kiran Jethwa’s award-winning restaurant serves a choice fresh seafood menu, accompanied by a carefully selected wine list. Whether it’s a romantic evening or ladies’ night out, this one satisfies all the tastebuds.

Gallery, Sankara Nairobi 020-420 8000

Pango Brasserie, Fairview 020-288 1330

Salt Bar & Grill, Junction Mall 0704 595 818

The Wine Shop, Piedmont Plaza 0718 003 302

Winner of the Wine Spectator Award 2014, The Gallery at Sankara is well known for its impressive selection of wine. It hosts two spectacular wine walls and gourmet patisserie displays. With an intimate atmosphere whatever the time of day and the finest food, The Gallery promises an unforgettable experience.

Pango Brasserie offers a fine dining experience like none other. They offer an exclusive setting perfect for special occasions with an extra touch of class. A trip to their underground wine cellar completes a romantic night out. With an extensive wine selection, exemplary food presentation, Pango is in a league of its own.

Salt Bar and Grill is a vibrant social scene with a variety of wines to choose from. With over 80 wines available by the glass, indulge in their carefully prepared delicatessen that will compliment your selection.

The lounge also features a shop where you can purchase your favourite bottle should you be in a rush.

With a special discount for Yummy Card holders, The Wine Shop features a great selection of new and old wines from around the world.

With gourmet sandwiches, delicate tarts and truffles, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to pair your wine with.

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BUY THE BOTTLE

MAIN FEATURE TEXT EATOUT

Whatever bottle of wine you may be looking to buy from various regions around the world, you are likely to find it being stocked at one of these fine establishments around the city.

BERRIES & BARRELS, Yaya Center facebook.com/Berries-and-Barrels 0715 900 671

MAKKIN LTD, Lavington Green shopping center facebook.com/Makkin 0725 647 118

SLATER AND WHITTAKER, Westlands road facebook.com/slaterandwhittaker 0721 533 592

WINES OF THE WORLD, Mandera road, Kileleshwa facebook.com/wineseastafrica 0722 204 910

Launched earlier this year, this exclusive wine and liquor store promises you a taste of luxury right from their decor to their drinks. Their impressive collection of whiskey, top of the range tequila and vodka provided by their partner, EABL, as well as wines collected by the owner from all over the world are elegantly displayed on shelves which wrap around the store. They even have a selection of relevant books in their unique retail space for anyone who would like to know more, with an enthusiastic team at hand to help you make an informed decision before buying.

Whatever Australian wine you may be looking to buy, this can be your go-to store. Formerly distributing only Australian wines, Makkin has recently added other regions to their portfolio. The store promises you rich, full, fruity, robust, classic, quality and easy drinking wines. They currently distribute to 5 star hotels, leading restaurants and bars.

One of Kenya’s oldest wines and spirits merchants, this company has a vast network distributing over 5 000 different brands of alcohol to both local and international outlets. They have now opened their doors to the public with an impressive collection of wines and spirits, and even offer fantastic discounts regularly. They also do tastings for special events ranging from birthdays to weddings.

With a cozy, eclectic and rustic space, this store simplifies things by having their wines displayed according to regions...and you can bet you will find bottles from all over the world. It boasts one of the most extensive collections of wine in Nairobi, with bottles going for as little as Ksh 500 to Ksh 150 000. There really is something here for every budget and personal preference. They have seasonal sales with discounts going for as much as 50%, their biggest one being in December. They also host regular tastings in restaurants around Nairobi so be on the look out for those.

GABUSHI WINES AND SPIRITS, Highway mall, CBD facebook.com/gabushiwines 0721 951 949 One of the latest entrants into the industry, this store is run by Mr Stephen and his two children. He actually coined the store’s name from his children’s first names. Having noticed that most of the walk-in customers prefer to stick to wines they are conversant with, Stephen has talked to distributors to host tastings and in turn boost the sales of their products. The store is actually hosting a free tasting, their second since opening, in August. Oh, and if you’re looking for wine accessories and cocktail shakers, you might want to pop into their store as well.

OUT OF SICILY, Muthaiga Shopping center facebook.com/outofitaly 0723 650 909 This shop which only stocks Italian wines is run by husband and wife duo Emanuele and Nebiat Corino.

Given that Italy is one of the best wine growing regions in the world with over a thousand grape varieties, they set up shop in kenya with an aim to introduce this market to Italian wines. Displayed in the store are neatly stacked bottles with exotic names and glossy labels boasting grape varieties you may never even have heard of. With bottles going for between Ksh 1 000 and Ksh 22 000, this place really is a treasure.

THE WINE GALLERY, General Mathenge Road, Westlands facebook.com/thenairobiwinegallery 0706 561 565 This is a family run business started

by Mr. Paul Chemng’orem who has been in the wine business for almost 40 years. The store prides itself on their unique selection of premium wines in the portfolio of the Primum Familiae Vini, which is a membership by invitation to an association of the most prestigious family owned wine businesses in the world, i.e the Leading Wine Families. You will also find both old and new world wines from around the world being sold for betwen Ksh 650 and Ksh 55 000. Champagne, sherry, cognac, calvados, port...whatever drink you’re looking for, you can find. They also have branches in Nanyuki and Naivasha.

63 WINES, New Muthaiga Mall facebook.com/sixtythreewines 0700 636 363 This is a great go-to spot for wine enthusiasts. It has very fast service and a staff very knowledgeable about the products on offer. You can find some fantstic premium bottles of wine from around the world, whatever your preferences. If you’re looking for beer such as Leffe and Budweiser Budvar, you might want to pop in as well, any time from 10:00am to 8:00pm daily.

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MAIN FEATURE TEXT MARYANNE NJOROGE

THE REAL WINE CHICKS OF NAIROBI The association between women and wine tends to conjure up images reminiscent of the fun and fabulous scenes in Sex And The City.

Although that may sometimes be spot on, in the unforgiving world of wine sales and distribution in Kenya glamour often takes a back seat. Meet the ladies who— through rain and shine—are largely to thank for the blossoming wine culture in the country.

Kalika Ruparelia MIA Wines Kalika landed up in wine after completing her studies in Chartered Accountancy. She decided to try her hand in the wine industry instead of going into Accounting full time and has never looked back since.

Dry or sweet?

Depends on the food…….drier wines with more savoury dishes, and sweet wines either on their own or with well made desserts Stemmed glass or wine tumbler?

Wine tumbler, I find the warmth from my hands warms up the wine slightly allowing me to enjoy the different aromas of the wine.

Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc?

Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa, Chardonnay from France.

Young or old?

Every day drinking young wine. For special occasions- older wine.

What makes MIA unique?

MIA Wines is unique in that apart from being the home of a some major wine brands like Mara Wines and Robertson winery , we have a variety of 170 different wines and champagnes. As I personally meet the wine makers and the farmers before importing the wines, I am proud to say that each wine has a story.

What is the story of Mara wine?

Mara Wines was conceived in 2006.

After much deliberation with French viticulturalists, we decided that South Africa would be the ideal location to grow wine grapes successfully. We are produced exclusively by 2 farms in South Africa allowing us to control the quality of the fruit we use.

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Nyawira Sixty Three Wine Shop Nyawira—who still works part-time as a Civil Engineer—was first introduced to wine 10 years ago when she worked with Emirates Airlines.

Nowadays, she’s the proud owner of her very own wine shop.

Julie Smith Le Decanter Having grown up in a family of restaurateurs, Julie remembers the times she would accompany her father to buy wine for his restaurants.

Prior to living in Nairobi her and her husband ran hotels in Zanzibar.

Soraiya Meghji The Wine Shop Soraiya worked as an Environmental Economist for 10 years at the United Nations. However, she had always been exposed to the wine distribution world as her family have been in the industry in Uganda for 20 years.

Meera Karia Viva Productline Meera is a true stalwart at Viva Productline. Having worked at the beverage company for 10 years, from when they distributed water and energy drinks to the point where they introduced wine and spirits.

Dry or sweet?

Dry dry dry!

Dry or sweet?

Depends on the occasion and the mood…I can easily have a late harvest wine as aperitif and a red wine, if it’s a Syrah, with my dessert! I am not at all conventional in my choices.

Dry or sweet?

Dry.

Dry or sweet?

I guess both, i’m not too fussed.

Stemmed glass or wine tumbler?

Stemmed.

Stemmed glass or wine tumbler?

Proper stemmed glass. The glass has to be perfect.

Stemmed glass or wine tumbler?

Stemmed glass - I’m old school...

Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc?

Shiraz. But, if I had to choose, it would be a woody Chardonnay.

Stemmed glass or wine tumbler?

Stemmed with no hesitation!

Young or old?

An aged red wine every time.

Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc?

Chardonnay (Burgundy grapes!)

What lead you to open Sixty Three?

I was captivated by the depth and breadth of wine; the different grapes, blends, tastes and notes; the passion and skill in making each bottle, which propelled me to try as many wines as I could find; and started the evolution and development of my own palate. I was hooked. I started being more deliberate about visiting vineyards to learn about the wine making process. By sampling different wines, traveling to different vineyards and learning the art of wine making; Sixty Three was born.

Young or old?

Older definitely (like men, more mature is better!)

What is unique about the store?

We are very deliberate about finding the best wines in each price bracket and offering a rounded selection for the new and discerning wine drinker.

What is your favourite wine gadget?

Of course a Decanter! Decanters are very elegant, old fashioned and they do have an influence on wines. You have to be careful on how to use them though, there are good to bring oxygen to young wines but for older wines they should be used very carefully only to separate sediments. The time you leave wine in a decanter varies as well depending on the age of the wine. So not just a pretty accessory….

Where do you see the Kenyan wine scene going?

The Kenyan wine scene progressing at an impressive rate. It is particularly thrilling to see people willing to try new wines; a practice I cannot foster enough. I am thrilled to be apart of this journey.

Why did you feel the need to introduce French wines to the market?

Because French wines were either not available or were very expensive, and I was really missing them, so I thought “you better just do it yourself!” I knew as well that the clientele was ready for some better quality wines and was tired of a mostly new world wines controlled market.

Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc?

Chardonnay.

Young or old?

Tough one. I like my whites young and my reds old.

What is your favourite red wine to enjoy at the end of a busy week?

I’m starting to appreciate the bold, earthy tannins and acidity of the Bordeaux wines. I have to have them with food because I still have a tough time taking it alone. Otherwise, the easy drinking Chilean wines.

What are some challenges you’ve found in the industry and what advice would you give ?

We live in a country where things are heavily taxed. Just getting it in and selling it is a mission. The economy affects sales. You have to really budget and forecast and plan. People think you just drink wine all day and do events but it’s actually extremely daunting when you look at the financials. It’s not for the faint hearted so take off the rose-tinted glasses and be ready for the uphill climb.

Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc?

Definitely a Sauvignon Blanc. It’s well known in Chile.

Young or Old? Older, especially reds.

If you could travel to any wine region, which one would it be?

Santiago, Chile. Because we’ve been with Concho Y Toro for a very long time. We have a wonderful relationship and it would be very interesting to finally see them that side - if I ever get time to leave this office!

What are some positive lessons you’ve learnt about the business?

The door is opening for new, good wines to come on board. There are many restaurants, hotels and bars and clubs opening.

Where do you see the wine scene in Kenya going in the next few years?

Well the next 6 months are very very crucial. Right now it’s low season and sales are slow but when the season picks up again we’ll see how it goes. We really need tourism to be up again and even for more locals to continue enjoying wine. But it’s definitely looking up. Our country is looking very promising, especially when it comes to wine.

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WINE PICKS

AFFORDABLE Forget all the fuss: do you enjoy drinking it and will it make your supper sing?

Well then, buy it. Here are some affordable gems that we bet will pleasantly surprise you

COCHA Y TORO FRONTERA MERLOT Chile Ksh 655

FOUR COUSINS NATURAL SWEET RED South Africa Ksh 675

KWV CHENIN BLANC CLASSIC COLLECTION South Africa Ksh 835

QUERUE CARMENERE Chile Ksh 850

ANGOVE CHALK HILL BLUE SEMILLON Australia Ksh 849

ANGOVE CHALK HILL BLUE SHIRAZ Australia Ksh 849

Available from Viva Global

Available from Slater & Whittaker

Available from Slater & Whittaker

Available from The Wine Shop

Available from Wines of the World

Available from Wines of the World

Nose: Hints of cherry, ripe pepper and soft cacao.

Nose: Notes of soft rose petal.

Nose: Freshly cut grass, canned peas, ripe paw paw with hints of guava and asparagus.

Nose: Blackberry and black pepper aromas.

Nose: Pineapple and grapefruit with hints of peach

Nose: Red berry and plum aromas with hints of wood.

Palate: Fresh crisp acidity followed by a soft rich creamy texture

Palate: Mouth filling cherry and plum fruit, a touch of wood and a soft full finish.

Palate: Elegant and rounded with good body and persistence.

Palate: Ripe plums, strawberries and exotic spices followed by a soft lingering finish

Food pairing: Grilled beef, beef stew, minestrone.

Food pairing: Spicy food, desserts, fruit salad.

Palate: Vibrant and fresh with linear acidity and an enduring finish Food pairing: Salads, sushi, seafood, white meat.

Palate: Smooth, wellrounded tannins.

Food pairing: Red meat, corn-based dishes, Indian curry.

Food pairing: Grilled chicken, spicy ribs and caesar salads.

Food pairing: Spaghetti Bolognese, bean casserole or roast beef.

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WINE PICKS

MID-RANGE If you have a little more change to spare and are looking to experiment with various wines so as to find a few favourites, give these a go. Happiness lies in one of these bottles.

TORRES SAN VALENTIN PARELLADA Spain Ksh 1 190

WINEMASTER’S RESERVE RIESLING South Africa Ksh 1 200

56 HUNDRED CHENIN BLANC South Africa Ksh 1 350

Available from The Wine Gallery

Available from Nederburg

Available from Nederburg

Nose: Fresh grapes and ripe bananas with hints of roses.

Nose: Floral and fruity with pineapple and spicy notes.

Nose: White peach, guava and apricots.

Palate: Voluptuous and semi-sweet.

Palate: Off-dry, crisp and fresh with hints of pineapple and lime flavours with a lively finish.

Food pairing: Lightly flavoured seafood, fish in sweet sauces, desserts.

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Food pairing: Seafood, spicy dishes, dishes with cream based sauces, or as an aperitif.

Palate: Well-balanced with delicate layers of ripe fruit and a pleasant finish.

Food pairing: Pork, chinese food, mild curries, liver and baked puddings.

DARLING CELLARS BLACK GRANITE SHIRAZ South Africa Ksh 1 500 Available from MIA Wines Nose: Spice, dark plums and bramble berries.

Palate: Fine tannin profile and integrated oaking giving it great length.

Food pairing: Barbeques and hard cheeses.

THE GRINDER SHIRAZ South Africa Ksh 1 625

MANDRAROSSA PINOT GRIGIO Italy Ksh 1 700

Available from MIA Wines

Available from Out of Sicily

Nose: Strong hints of cinnamon, violets and cherry.

Nose: Intense citrus fruits and delicate notes of green apples.

Palate: Tannic and smooth with a long, lingering aftertaste.

Palate: Crisp, dry and fresh with a long finish.

Food pairing: Filet mignon, beef or duck stews.

Food pairing: Seafood salads, grilled green vegetables or as an aperitif.

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MID-RANGE

THREE GIRLS CHARDONNAY California Ksh 1 800 Available from Salt Bar & Grill Nose: Intense pear notes Palate: Succulent and crisp with a light medium finish.

Food pairing: Tilapia, chicken, shrimp.

MAD FISH SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON Australia Ksh 1 800 Available from Makkin Ltd Nose: Passion fruit and herbs with hints of citrus Palate: Attractive lemon rind characters, refreshing acidity with a very clean and dry finish Food pairing: Rich fish like salmon and tuna, chicken, duck, desserts.

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MAD FISH PINOT NOIR Australia Ksh 1 800 Available from Makkin Ltd Nose: Cherries, strawberries, earth and spice characters.

Palate: Succulent cherry with underlying mushroom and earth nuances.

Food pairing: White meat, lentil curry, mushrooms, seafood.

MID-RANGE

LABORIE CABERNET SAUVIGNON South Africa Ksh 1 895 Available from Slater and Whittaker Nose: Dark fruit, wild berries and black olives with hints of tobacco leaf, spice and almonds.

Palate: Elegant and juicy texture with a tantalising tannin structure and seamless finish.

Food pairing: Grilled meat, game and spicy red meat dishes.

LA SEGRETA ROSSO Italy Ksh 1 900 Available from Out of Sicily

TERRAZAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON Argentina Ksh 2 000 Available from 63 Wines

Nose: Cocoa, tobacco and fresh fruit with hints of mulberry and plum.

Nose: Soft vanilla, tobacco and toasted oak.

Palate: Well ripened tannins, good balance and cool alcoholic structure.

Palate: Cherry and strawberry jam with delicate flavours of fresh lavender and bay leaf.

Food pairing: Flavoursome pasta and meat dishes.

Food pairing: Lamb, rabbit, pork, beef.

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WINE PICKS

SPLURGE The most expensive bottles of wine in the world might have some of us declare bankruptcy.

Fear not, however, because these are great for special occasions or for whenever you may be looking to impress but still come at a pretty decent cost.

ERARD SALMON CHAMPAGNE CUVEE PRESTIGE France Ksh 4 900 Available from Le Decanter

KEVIN ARNOLD SHIRAZ South Africa Ksh 4 410 Available from Wines of the World

Nose: Light and fruity.

Nose: Mulberry, spices and red currants.

Palate: Medium bubbles, citrusy, creamy with hints of caramel.

Palate: Seamless and medium-full bodied with classic dry tannins.

Food pairing: Great bubbly for special occasions and celebrations.

Food pairing: Lamb burgers, steak, githeri.

MOUTON CADET RESERVE SAINT -ÉMILION France Ksh 3 640 Available from The Wine Gallery Nose: Blackberry, wood and fruit with a hint of tobacco.

Palate: Spice, leather and blackcurrant flavours with fleshy tannins that lead to a long lingering finish.

Food pairing: Grilled beef or pork, beef stews.

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MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA CHARDONNAY Chile Ksh 2, 495

OAK RIDGE CHARDONNAY California Ksh 2 200

GARUMA SAUVIGNON BLANC Chile Ksh 2 050

Available from Viva Global

Available from Salt Bar & Grill

Available from Wines of the World

Nose: Fig, pear and toasty hazelnut

Nose: Fresh apple, melon and pear notes, with a hint of honeysuckle blossom.

Nose: Herbs, grapefruit and lime.

Palate: Creamy with crisp acidity and a long vibrant finish.

Food pairing: White meat, shellfish, fresh cheeses

Palate: A soft mouthfeel of creamy vanilla and toasty oak.

Food pairing: seafood, tilapia, roasted chicken.

Palate: Creamy texture, herbal notes, crisp acidity, nice minerality and a lingering juicy ending.

Food pairing: Creamy salads, fish and chips, steamed shellfish.

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WELLNESS TEXT AMY SELBACH

WHINE OR WINE?

Amy Selbach is the owner of Taut Body Studio in Village Market. She is a holistic health coach, personal trainer and Pilates instructor and creator of the Taut Body program that has helped hundreds of her clients lose weight and change their health completely. She also leads life-design and business incubator workshops for entrepreneurs.

Details at www.tautbody.com or email amy@tautbody.com

Is drinking a glass of wine a day as healthy as we’ve been made to believe?

I’d like to talk about a little underemphasized word in the health world called ‘moderation’. Every topic related to health seems to be linked to an extreme magic bullet that can fix any ailment overnight. While we would all love to believe the hype that dark chocolate and red wine are antioxidant super-food heroes, the reality may be quite different. This leads to another under-discussed topic in health and wellness media called ‘scientific fact’. Spoiler alert; this article may be a bit of a buzzkill for people who have pantries full of wine and chocolate, eat copious amounts, and consider it part of their health regime.

The reason red wine has become a media darling in the health world

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is largely because it contains a polyphenol called reservatrol that has antioxidant properties. In animal studies, it has “been linked” to heart health and is said to have antiinflammatory properties. However, human studies are limited and pretty inconclusive. You can find studies that loosely support both sides of the argument. Additionally, wines have a lot of variance when it comes to the quantity of reservatrol they contain, many with insignificant doses to impact health.

The inCHIANTI study (a 16-yearlong look at the blood, urine and dietary questionnaires of hundreds of people living in the Italian winemaking region of Chianti) recently found that resveratrol wasn’t as-

sociated with disease or lifespan, to the horror and devastation of wine lovers everywhere. But that doesn’t mean red wine is unhealthy—just that the famed ingredient resveratrol may not deserve all the credit.

Many studies have shown that light alcohol consumption in general has been associated with lower heart disease and lower mortality rates.

Alcohol itself in light doses raises good cholesterol and helps with anticlotting. Since red wine does have antioxidants and certain known health benefits, why not make it the drink of choice.

So what does this mean for white wine drinkers? Not much if reservatrol is not the connection but a lot if

it is, as the skins of white grapes contain far les; white wine is typically made only from pulp, but some studies say it has its own benefits. White wine has two strong antioxidants of its own, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, also found in olive oil but not in red wine, and are also linked to heart health and low blood pressure.

What is well documented are the deleterious effects of the consumption of excessive alcohol and what is doesn’t delete is your waistline!

Wine and any alcohol in excess can lead to cancer, liver damage, digestive problems, bone loss, heart problems, and the list continues.

This leads us right to the old adage “everything in moderation.”

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MAN ABOUT TOWN TEXT JACKSON BIKO ART MOVIN WERE

STICKING TO WHISKY 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.

O

nce upon a time I used to drink wine. Red wine, to be precise. I drank it after I had tried beer with little success to show for it but a bad after-taste. Plus beer tastes like teenage curfew. Wine offered that reconciliatory half-way; it had alcohol and yet it tasted not so bad, especially if you had a dry red. My only problem was the glass.

It’s well and good when you are on a dinner table, nursing your glass of red but when you are out in the club, amongst folk drinking whisky and cognacs and champagne, you don’t want to be the bloke holding the thin stem. It certainly doesn’t make the girls want to pinch your biceps flirtatiously. You aren’t any different from the guys who drink liqueurs.

Folk will judge you. They suspect that you are a rookie drinker, who is too shy to sit with his tonic water and so decides to get a glass of wine to fit in. It makes you slightly effeminate.

But I didn’t care. In fact, I cared about the hangovers more, but

more on that later. When you go against the grain and your friends make fun of you, calling you Jacky (from Jackson), and they ask you if you want a packet of tampons with your shiraz and everybody around the table guffaws and slaps your back, you sort of know that you have distinguished yourself. Especially when you ignore the bullying and go ahead and ask the waiter if they have a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Drinking wine just wasn’t a drink for me, it made me stand apart, alone on this path less trodden by men. I realised that at some point I was drinking to prove that I would not bow to peer pressure. In the meantime I was always trying out new drinks to find my “taste.” What broke the camel’s back eventually was the wine-induced hangovers.

There is that myth out there that only bad wine induces a hangover.

It’s a sham. All bloody wine induce a hangover. At some point I graduated to the expensive wines, the ones that go for Sh. 1000 a glass and my

head would fill like a native tribe had lit a bonfire on it and was doing a dance around. I would not function. I would be immobilised the next day.

My mouth would stick together. One day I decided it wasn’t worth it. I was done.

At around the same time I discovered whisky and it was love at first sight. A perfect fit. And best of all, no hangovers, plus the females would pinch my biceps playfully and say, “My, I love the smell of your cologne and whisky.

Very manly.” And who doesn’t want to be manly? I’m glad I left before I became what all wine connoisseurs eventually become; these folk who are laughed at behind their backs because of their mannerism. These chaps who say things like, “wow, this is an excellent bottle, I can taste the terroir…”

But the best of all, nobody calls me Jacky anymore. At least not to my face.

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SOCIAL SCENE

BERRY GOOD Berries & Barrels recently hosted an intimate crowd to a private wine and food pairing dinner at their wine and liquor store in Yaya Center, with food being served tapas style by the adjacent Sierra Brasserie. With a promise to take the diner’s palates on a grape adventure, there was everything from Silk Oak Sauvignon Blanc to Cederburg Shiraz.

Oh, and good news, the store will now be open to hosting public wine tastings!

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MAGNUM MUGS Here are some yummy hot cocktails with a slight kick to instantly warm you up this cold season.

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RESTAURANTS

Artisan LOWER KABETE PARKLANDS SPRING VALLEY WESTLANDS

360 Degrees ABC Place Italian - American Fusion $$ Upscale casual restaurant serving authentic neopolitan pizza in a warm and lively modern atmosphere.

About Thyme Eldama Ravine Road Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays About Thyme offers a well-prepared menu and beautifully presented dishes from around the world. Enjoy an intimate dining experience in a leafy, secluded area of Westlands.

Asmara General Mathenge Lane, Westlands Eritrean $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Asmara provides 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 available for families.

Artcaffe The Oval Café $$$ Artcaffe Oval showcases a distinctly chic style through their creative décor elements, including the largest balcony space among the Artcaffe outlets. The ArtBakery serves freshly baked homemade breads, pastries, cakes and desserts.

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

Bamboo Zen Garden, Lower Kabete Rd Pan Asian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount 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.

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

Cake City Crossroad Junction Bakery & Juice Bar $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Using traditional recipes to make delicious treats that feel home baked, Cake City will be there to deliver carefully created cakes and pasteries.

Cake Ville Amani Plaza, High Ridge Bakery & Patisserie $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount They offer freshly baked cakes, pies and pastries using the finest ingredients. They are conveniently located in Westlands, where they serve up inspired new creations every week.

Caramel Fogo Gaucho Restaurant & Lounge Viking House, Waiyaki Way ABC Place Contemporary American $$$$ Caramel’s warm inviting ambiance and relaxing atmosphere is perfect for a quick bite, business lunch or celebrating special occasions with friends.

Chicken Inn Oil Libya Service Station Fast Food $$ The design and layout of Chicken Inn is inviting and colorful, appealing to the whole family. Their menu has something for everyone from roasted rotisserie chicken to children’s meals.

Clay Oven Fuji Plaza, Ground Floor Indian/Coffee Bar $$ Experience pure North Indian authentic cuisine prepared by their chefs from the heart of India. The coffee bar will serve different types of coffee in a modern setting.

Colosseum West End Towers, Waiyaki Way Italian $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Their stylish contemporary designed restaurant makes for a perfect meeting point with friends or family.

Colosseum’s authentic Italian cuisine is prepared with the freshest ingredients. Enjoy their extensive alcoholic beverage selection.

Furusato Ring Road Parklands Japanese $$$ Furusato specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine and friendly service that will make your dining experience unforgettable. Now with 6 Teppanyaki tables and a Sushi Bar.

Get your restaurant listed for only Ksh 4,000. Email: sales@eatout.co.ke

Brazilian, Steak House $$$ Yummy Card: 5% Discount Fogo Gaucho Churrascaria will serve you more than a dozen cuts of meat & 20 different salads prepared by Brazilian cuisine experts in an elegant South Brazilian ambience.

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

Golden Spur Southern Sun Hotel, Parklands Rd Cuisine: Steak House Price Range: $$$ 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.

Graze Sankara Hotel, Woodvale Grove Steakhouse $$$ Indulge your inner gourmand at the Graze. Enjoy aged beef, succulent seafood, and classic steakhouse dishes exquisitely paired with an eclectic wine and whisky list from the finest producers in the world.

Jade Tea House Zen Garden, Lower Kabete Rd Multi Cuisine $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Overlooking the beautiful Zen Garden, Jade is a beautiful venue, situated in the heart of Spring Valley.

The food quality and high level of service, attracts customers to this area.

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RESTAURANTS

Lime Light

Pizza Inn

Seven

Hotel Royal Orchid Azure Multi-Cuisine $$$ This is the main restaurant that offers buffet set-up and seats both inside and outside set on the large veranda overlooking the swimming pool giving a relaxed atmosphere.

Oil Libya, Waiyaki Way Fast Food $$ Pizza Inn continues to deliver some of the best pizza made using the freshest ingredients. Enjoy their contemporary design as you indudlge in your pizza.

ABC Place, Waiyaki Way Seafood $$$ Seven Seafood & Grill offers a sumptuous selection of the finest Indian Ocean seafood. Indulge in one of Seven’s decadent desserts to complete Nairobi’s most unique dining experience.

Mama’s Patisserie ABC Place, Waiyaki Way Café, Bakery & Patisserie $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Mama’s Patisserie offers some of the best cakes and pastries, as well as a lovely menu you can enjoy in a relaxed environment at the ABC Place.

Their recipes from France will have you coming back for more.

Mediterraneo 9 West Plaza, Ring Road Italian $$$$ 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 genuine Italian ice creams.

Munch N Madurai Ngara Rd, Parklands South Indian $$$ Munch N Madurai offer the best South Indian cuisine in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. Their extensive menu will cover both vegetarians and non vegetarians at affordable prices.

Ocean Basket The Oval Seafood, Sushi $$$ At Ocean Basket you’ll find people who share a love for delicious seafood served hot. You can expect quality seafood, a cool relaxed atmosphere and great value.

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Rendezvous La Maison Royale, 9 Mogotio Road Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount They offer an exhuberant environment that incoporates french aroma in its essence. Their wide array of delectable dishes will satisfy your food cravings

Sarabi Sankara Hotel, Woodvale Grove International $$$ Enjoy sweeping views over the Nairobi skyline in an exclusive ambiance. Dress code is smart casual and note, the age limit after 6pm is 25 years and above.

Saravana Bhavan 2nd Flr, Victoria Plaza, Parklands Rd Indian Vegetarian $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount The world’s largest vegetarian chain now has a branch in Nairobi! Swing by for tasty, organic, purely vegetarian South Indian cuisine!

Secret Garden 14 Riverside Drive Cafe $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Conveniently located in the new office blocks at 14 Riverside Drive, they strive to keep their food simple, fresh and natural. Secret Garden is one of Nairobi’s must-try healthy restaurants.

Shangrila Diamond Plaza New Wing Chinese, Indian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Experience delicious Indian & Chinese Cuisine prepared by Shangrila’s highly experienced chefs. Their tastefully decorated interior offers a warm atmosphere for any meal.

Home deliveries and catering for your special events also available.

Snack Attack Sarit Centre Fast Food $$ Snack Attack Kenya at Sarit Centre is a quick serve restaurant franchise from the UAE and the first restaurant in Nairobi to bring you “Loaded Chips”, made using Snack Attack’s own unique recipe.

get together or a romantic dinner completed with an international and eclectic menu.

Taste of China VIP Plaza, Westlands Road Chinese $$ This modern bar and restaurant serving indo Chinese food. The dining room has a tranquil color scheme with ambient light- ing. They have an extensive alcohol menu.

Tiger Trail Hotel Royal Orchid Azure Indian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount This is a fine dining restaurant that serves Fine Indian Cuisine from a delicate balance of succulent food, authentic ambiance & personalized service from our experienced staff.

Vista Hotel Emerald Multi-Cuisine $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Enjoy Indian, Chinese and Italian specialties in a serene setting with a great view of Nairobi from the 6th floor of the Hotel Emerald making any evening out unforgettable.

SOI dusitD2 Hotel, 14 Riverside Drive Thai $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount SOI brings world-renowned Thai street food with a modern twist to your plate. SOI also features a communal table and an enclosed space with its own terrace for more privacy.

SOKO dusitD2 Hotel, 14 Riverside Drive International $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Soko offers a private dining roun- del and a sublime terrace perfect for an upscale business lunch, a

GIGIRI MUTHAIGA UN AVENUE VILLAGE MARKET

Café Brasserie The Village Market, Gigiri Cafe $$ An elegant and simple style gives Artcaffe’s Café Brassiere at the Village Market a distinct class. It is the main bakery for all their cafes and serves an extensive menu throughout the day.

Book online at www.eatout.co.ke or call our reservations hotline on 0711 222 222

Big Square

Mediterraneo

UN Avenue, Gigiri Burger, Fast Food $$ The Big Square Gigiri branch is located at the Kenol petrol station on the corner of UN avenue and Limuru Road. This is the perfect spot to eat, work and chill.

United Nation Ave, Gigiri Italian $$$$ 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

Dormans

Prime Cuts

The Village Market, Gigiri Cafe $$ Dormans Coffee Shops has unveiled a new-look branch at the Village Market’s 1st Floor, New Wing. Aside from their favourite cup of coffee, the new venue boasts a new menu including a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, pastries, cakes and cookies.

Village Market, Limuru Rd, Gigiri International $$$ The Prime Cuts Bistro offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, including their Famous Philly, toasties, burgers & sandwiches. They also offer delicious steaks, seafood, meat platters.

Habesha

Tribe Hotel, Gigiri Bakery & Patisserie, Ice Cream & Desserts $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Get all your custom cakes, novelty cakes, freshly baked pastries, gourmet chocolates and Italian homemade gelatos, all at Suite 101.

United Nations Crescent, Gigiri Ethiopian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Reknowned for its authenticity in Ethiopian cuisine, Habesha offers a wide array of traditional, hearty Ethiopian cuisine served in a rustic and homely atmosphere.

Jiko Tribe Hotel, Gigiri International,Formal Dining $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Jiko is glamourous yet sophisticated whilst maintaining the warmth and personality of Kenya. Its contemporary international cuisine focuses on carefully grown fresh ingredients and specially sourced international imports.

La Dolce Vita Muthaiga Shopping Ctr, Limuru Rd Italian $$$ Nairobi’s La Dolce Vita Restaurant has a bright interior filled with artwork, creating a stylish but unpretentious space for lunch or dinner.

Suite 101

Tamambo The Village Market, Gigiri Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Tamambo Bar and Grill has a casual trendy atmosphere ideal for coffees, lunch and dinner. Their exciting menu offers a delicious selection of light salads as well as appetizing gourmet dishes.

Artcaffe

Big Square

The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd Café $$ The ArtCaffe is a bright, lightfilled café famous for its roasted coffees,hearty dishes and mouth watering deserts. The café has a unique character, and is the ideal spot for postshopping coffee and cake, breakfasts and leisurely lunches

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

The Arbor JUNCTION HURLINGHAM KILELESHWA LAVINGTON

House 904, James Gichuru Rd Café $$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount The Arbor is 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.

Enjoy discounts & offers with Yummy Card. Log on to www.yummy.cards

Brew Bistro Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd Bistro $$$ Yummy Card: 5% Discount, free beer sample & tour The Brew Bistro offers an unparalleled dining adventure. The fine dining section is complimented by a centralised open kitchen which

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RESTAURANTS vice and hearty meals will certainly create a memorable experience.

authentic Brazilian rotisserie steak house and buffet salad bar.

Le Palanka

PABLO’S

909 James Gichuru Road, Lavington African, Fusion $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Inspired by the fabulous Angolan antelope, Palanka Negra, this venue is just as unique and rare as the animal serving fine African cuisine.

BEST WESTERN PREMIER NAIROBI International $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Pablo’s is a contemporary styled dining area, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu encompasses a wide variety of international cuisine, from authentic Asian dishes to Italian pastas and pizzas. You’re sure to be spoilt for choice!

Mambo Italia Lavington Curve Mall, Lavington Italian $$$ Mambo Italia is a casual Italian restaurant and café specializing in gourmet pizzas, pasta, salads and more

Mediterraneo

serves Pan-Global cuisine, incorporating a fusion of French, European, Asian and classic Kenyan flavours.

Cheka 101 Manyani East Road - Off James Gichuru, Japanese $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Cheka Japanese Izakaya provides authentic Japanese meals including sushi, noodles, a variety of seafood specials and imported sake from Japan

Churasco Gaucho Galana Rd Brazilian, Steak House $$$ Yummy Card: 5% Discount Newest Brazilian Steakhouse with a set price for all you can eat, magnifi-

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cent buffet professional baristas and specially selected wine list. Beautiful unique ambience with outside terrace seating.

Habesha Argwings Khodek Rd, Hurlingham Ethiopian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Renown for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine, Habesha has continued to win hearts around Nairobi and is set in a warm homely atmosphere.

La Salumeria Valley Arcade, Off Gitanga Rd Italian $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount La Salumeria offers only the finest Italian cuisine in a tranquil and peaceful ambiance. Their warm ser-

The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd Italian $$$$ 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.

MEZZE on the deck BEST WESTERN PREMIER Middle East & Mediterranean $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount For traditional Arabic hospitality, and a breathtaking view of the Ngong Hills, Mezze on the deck is ‘the’ place to dine in Nairobi. Located on the rooftop, the restaurant serves a wide variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes as well as an exotic array of sheesha flavors.

Pampa Churrascaria Thompson Estate, Kingara Rd Brazilian, Steak House $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Pampa is a haven for meat lovers and vegetarians alike; it encompasses an

Phoenician The Junction Mall, Ngong Rd, Japanese, Lebanese $$$$ The Phoenician is a fabulous restaurant which serves sushi, Lebanese and Teppanyaki courses, in an al fresco atmosphere at the Junction.

The Phoenician has a delightful ambience and good service.

Sierra Brasserie Hurlingham, Yaya Centre Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Sierra Brasserie is a modern interpretation of a classical French brasserie serving simple yet elegant food using the best ingredients available.

The Wine Shop 671 Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Rd International $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays on selected bottles The Wine Shop encourages you to explore your palate and experiment either by the glass or bottle. They also offer up a selection of delicious complimentary dishes.

Book online at www.eatout.co.ke or call our reservations hotline on 0711 222 222

Tokyo Kolloh Road, Lavington Japanese, Korean $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Tokyo Restaurant is a Japanese/ Korean restaurant that has over 10 years of experience serving top class food in Nairobi with a fine selection of Sushi and other typical Japanese dishes.

KAREN NGONG ROAD LANGATA

Artcaffe Karen Crossroads Shopping Centre Café, Continental $$$ Offers a tranquil setting for work and play, boasting a two-level restaurant space including the famous Art Bakery, a coffee bar, cocktail bar and outdoor seating

Big Square Karen Square, Ngong Rd Burger, Fast Food $$ Big Square Karen offers some of the best burgers and ribs that your teeth can sink in to. Features play area for children that has iPads and latest gaming consoles.

Carnivore Carnivore Rd, Langata African, Barbeque, Kenyan $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Considered as ‘Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience’ Canivore will serve exotic meats roasted over charcoal and carved at your table all in an attractive tropical garden

Creative Kitchen Wilson Airport (Off Langata Road) Continental $$

Creative Kitchen offers an a la carte lunch menu that caters to all palates.

Family friendly with a playground for the children, they feature a live band that plays once monthly.

J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen Across St. Christopher’s Secondary School, Ngong Rd Gastropub $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount One of the newest restaurants in the area, J’s freshly prepared delights are uniquely served on wooden boards.

The environment is just right to enjoy a few drinks and great music with friends.

Que Pasa Karen Shopping Centre,Karen Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount, 50% Discount on Yummy Tuesdays Built to create a stylish yet simple space, Que Pasa provides the perfect location to enjoy a meal, drink or to lounge and relax. Enjoy fresh woodfired pizzas.

Simba Saloon Carnivore Rd, Langata African, Barbeque $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount A vibrant informal restaurant which fuses a childrens playground and a lively nightclub. You are welcome to for their fine cuisine or a themed night out with your friends.

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

Talisman 320 Ngong Road African, Pan-Asian, European

$$$$ 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.

Tamambo Blixen 336 Karen Road Continental $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Relax in the cozy and redecorated indoor restaurant with adjacent outdoor garden, remodeled with a variety of functions areas set in one the largest and oldest formal gardens in Kenya.

Tamarind Nairobi Karen Blixen, Karen Seafood $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Tamarind Nairobi offers some of the

Enjoy discounts & offers with Yummy Card. Log on to www.yummy.cards

city’s leading seafood in an ambience of elegance. Enjoy a drink in their bar or a well-prepared meal as a live band entertains you.

CBD INDUSTRIAL AREA MOMBASA ROAD

Baraka Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kenya Rd, UpperHill Continental $$$$ Baraka is an All-day restaurant situated on a terrace overlooking the hotel’s main pool. They serve full English buffet breakfasts, contemporary buffet lunches, and an Al a Carte or set Menu Dinner.

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RESTAURANTS

Bhandini

Makuti Bar & Grill

InterContinental Hotel,CBD Indian $$$$ Bhandini transports you to Northern India in first-class style with fine cuisine and a sophisticated setting.

The Chef works his culinary magic in a glass-enclosed kitchen so you can see what goes into the dishes.

InterContinental Hotel,CBD International $$$ The restaurant is popular among businessmen and other prominent personalities who frequent it for lunch and meetings. Situated by the pool, this is also ideal for families on the weekend.

Big Five

Mandhari

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

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

Cafe Maghreb Nairobi Serena Hotel, Kenyatta Ave, CBD Seafood, Cafe $$$$ An internationally-themed buffet breakfast and lunch are served in the Moroccan-styled Café Maghreb, which also features a table d’hôte dinner menu and 24-hour brasserie service. Café Maghreb also offers a specialty coffee area.

Flame Tree Sarova Panafric, Valley Rd International $$$ Come dine at an award winning restaurant that overlooks well manicured gardens and prepare your senses for an unmatched culinary journey. Their personalized service will ensure a great experience.

Mukutan Garden Fairview Hotel, Bishop’s Rd,UpperHill Cafe $$$ The Mukutan Garden Café overlooks the most beautiful water feature in East Africa and is known for its, coffees and light meals such as gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and quesadillas.

Pampa Churrascaria 1st Floor, Panari Sky Centre, Mombasa Rd Brazilian, Steak House $$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount Pampa is a haven for meat lovers and vegetarians alike; it encompasses an authentic Brazilian rotisserie steak house and buffet salad bar.

Pango Brasserie Fairview Hotel, Bishop’s Rd,

Upper- Hill Formal Dining $$$$ With its underground wine cellar, romantic ambience, quality service, classy food presentation and excellent taste, Pango is in a class of its own.

Black Gold Cafe The Panari Hotel, Mombasa Rd Cafe Price Range: $$$ 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 has the atmosphere of a game lodge as it faces the National Park.

Steers Muindi Mbingu St, CBD Fast food $$ 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 also give the best value for money, offering the consumer more quality.

Sikia Fine Dining Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kenya Rd,UpperHill Formal Dining $$$$ Yummy Card: 10% Discount The Sikia Fine Dining room is perfect for lunchtime catch-ups or mid-week dinners with friends and family. The modern menu is delightful and the dining room is comfortably elegant.

Tatu Fairmont Norfolk, Harry Thuku Rd Formal Dining

$$$$ Tatu is an award winning signature steak house offering delectable; flame grilled aged cuts of high quality meat prepared by the chef to a supple texture. The exclusive fine dining experience comprises of an a la carte menu made from fresh local ingredients and an international range of wine selection coupled with warm and engaging service

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

The Lord Delamere’s Terrace Fairmont Norfolk, Harry Thuku Rd Formal Dining $$$$ The Lord Delamere’s Terrace is a classic, charming and modern all day dining restaurant ideal for business executives, families and groups of friends. Renowned for the best breakfast buffet in town and also features a robust international and authentic Kenyan cuisine for lunch and dinner a la carte options.

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

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