Swahili Delicacies at Barka Restaurant

Lately I’ve been on the move due to work related commitments. Among the places I got to visit was Mombasa town, where I decided to take my exploratory taste buds with me.

Sometime in September last year, there was an article in the dailies that read:

" ‘Simple’ Uhuru wins Coastals’ hearts, minds..."

This amazed me a lot.

What is it about that restaurant that would make his Excellency go and dine with ordinary human beings?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, best believe when I say I found the answer once I set foot in Barka Restaurant.  Located along Makadara Rd within Mombasa CBD is a humble restaurant that goes by the named Barka restaurant. Barka is well known for its popular Swahili and Arab delicacies. Fresh food, generous portions, friendly service, and value for money best describe the place. We tried out their mouth-watering Chicken Biryiani, which is so out of this world. Having spent an entire week in Mombasa, I never got tired of the place at any one point; every day just turned out to be better.

Whenever you happen to be down at the Coast, pass by and have a taste of the Coastal delicacies at Barka restaurant. I’d highly recommend the Chicken Biryiani…..

Happy Eating!!

Ratings:

Service: 5/5     Ambience: 3.5/5     Value: 5/5

Yummy Card

So last month I finally received my Yummy card after several months of waiting. I’d actually given up on it, but the Eat Out team eventually came through even apologizing for the delay, and advising on collection.

For starters, Yummy card is a special kind of card that entitles you to special offers and discounts at specific eateries within the city. Discount ranges from 10%-50% depending on the day, and venue. All you need to do is present the Yummy card when requesting for your bill at any of the specified restaurants.

To all the foodies out there, grab your Yummy cards and let’s go explore…..

So here’s to a happy dining experience…

Sovereign Hotel, Kisumu-a Gem by the Lakeside

I'd never been to Kisumu before. So when opportunity presented itself, I quickly grasped it. I’m quite the fastidious type when it comes to matters of accommodation, so finding a hotel in a new town wasn’t a piece of cake. I got onto TripAdvisor, and based on the comments and reviews I saw, I settled for Sovereign Hotel, Kisumu. 

Located in the plush Milimani area is Sovereign hotel, a 32-room 5 star hotel. Rated the 2nd best hotel in Kisumu, Sovereign Hotel is one of Kisumu’s newest and finest. The facade is of a well finished compact hotel. An urbane atmosphere pervades the stylish hotel as one approaches from the entrance, with marble floors and bronze coated railings completing the front. 

Their customer service is impressive from the outset. We were ushered in by a friendly host who checked us in then handed us over to a porter who took us to our room. Noteworthy we were checking in a couple of hours earlier, yet the hotel was happy to accommodate us.

Their rooms are really spacious, fully air conditioned with a balcony or terrace that overlooks the lush gardens or the lake. Our room was situated on the 1st floor. Meant to offer a ‘lake view’, it was disappointingly too far from the lake for any close-up views. Front-facing windows afforded pleasant mid-morning light, while well-designed lamps and ceiling fixtures provided good illumination for reading. Furnishings included a contemporary wooden writing desk; a flat-screen TV with severely limited channels; and a comfortable king bed topped with fluffy white linens. The rooms also have inbuilt closets well stocked with hangers. 

Other than its shipshape guest rooms, the place has a variety of restaurants, all serving various culinary delights, poolside snack bar, and common ways furnished with oversize fabric sofas and excellent abstract artwork.

Having checked into our room, we headed straight for breakfast at the Maestro Restaurant. Sovereign’s breakfast buffet offered a variety of breakfast delicacies, from freshly baked pastries to sautéed potatoes, crunchy chicken to the delectable pancakes and freshly squeezed juices. Service was extremely sluggish nonetheless, and we ended up with cold coffee awaiting an order of Spanish omelette.

Dinner was still served in the same restaurant, and it was just what the doctor ordered. Their food took forever to arrive, but it was well worth the wait. We started off with the starters, which happened to arrive the same time as the entrée. For my drink, I opted for a tropical mix smoothie, which was extremely well done (such a saviour following my Nairobi Java House Westside mall disaster earlier on). They had this genuinely friendly chef who came by just to confirm that we were enjoying our meal. After dinner, we ventured upstairs to sample Legends Bar and Lounge. A tasteful tavern with soothing jazz music playing in the background, this is as awesome place to relax, as you enjoy your cocktails. The bar had a few patrons, quietly enjoying their drinks amidst light chatter. For the sweet tooth, this is the place to be on Saturday night because on top of enjoying their impressive cocktails, there is a chocolate fondue fountain, complete with a serving of skewered chunks of pineapple, mango, watermelon and pineapple. 

This is one place where looks don’t betray the description. Their friendly service and ambience definitely provides a peaceful home to their guests and value for money.

By the time I was checking out on Sunday (late checkout applicable on Sunday), I promised myself that I’d visit Sovereign Hotel again. I look forward to that time.

Part  of the cocktails offered at Legends Bar and Lounge

Whole Tilapia fish, served with Ugali

Chocolate fondue fountain for all those with a sweet tooth 

Bonus Review: Dunga Hill Camp

If you are looking for a place to visit during the day, you can check out Dunga Hill Camp. Well known among the people in Kisumu, this is a nice place to relax and have your drink, as you enjoy watching the sun set by the Lake side.

Ratings:

Service: 4/5          Ambience: 4.5/5          Value: 4/5

Asmara Restaurant … A taste of Ethiopian

A Monday evening found me and my date in search for Ethiopian cuisine at Asmara restaurant. Almost an oddity, given Asmara is Eritrea’s capital, but evidently the two countries share more than a border. Located on General Mathenge Lane in Westlands area, the restaurant sits at a venue that resembles a converted house, with a large compound that also caters for outside sitting space. Friendly service greeted us from the very outset, with the butler dashing out to shelter us from the rain with an umbrella. We were then escorted into the restaurant by the aptly dressed steward.  

Asmara’s dining room is modest, with few cultural markers apart from the minority African artefacts and carvings hung on the walls. The floor and ceiling are excellently finished, with calming tones that evoke a family dining room. For a Monday night, the place was rather packed, mostly with couples and families, who dotted the tables adjacent to ours.

The staff promptly provided us with the drinks menu, with a less than exciting medley of drinks on the list. Being a smoothie lover, I opted for their Tropical mix smoothie while my date had a well done Martini cocktail.

With a variety of cuisines ranging from continental to Ethiopian to Eritrean, one is definitely spoilt for choice when they get here. Knowing what we wanted we skipped the starter, and moved on straight to the entrée, a guilty pleasure of mine. We ordered the Asmara Mixed plate, one of the specialties of Asmara restaurant. If you’ve been to the sister branch on Juja Road, you know what value you get when you order the mixed plate. This is usually an ensemble of meats and vegetables delivered in neighborly heaps served on a disk of injera- the round, sour flatbread-more than a foot in diameter, thin and limp, like an attenuated pancake. For starters, you might not like the injera, but it is usually an acquired taste. Also worth noting is that no folks and knives are required here. We dig in the old school way: tear the bread into small pieces and use it to scoop up the delicious mix of flavors into your mouth. So be sure to have washed your hands before you indulge in this harmonious meal.

Asmara Restaurant offers a unique dining experience. The food is stellar and the price is right. I highly recommend the place for a meal be it with family or friends.

Jade Coffee & Teahouse at Zen Garden

One thing that is bound to wow you as you enter Zen Garden is the beautiful landscaped garden. Located in such a serene environment in the plush Spring Valley area on Lower Kabete road, this place is ideal for a day out with family or friends.

Our restaurant of choice on this day was Jade Coffee House, a multi-cuisine restaurant with a unique menu and lovely ambiance.  One  of the reasons I keep coming back to Jade is because of their all fresh and natural smoothies. If you’ve been reading my blog, by now you already know that I am a smoothie lover.

We settled down at a table near the entrance overlooking the well-manicured gardens. Service was rather sluggish on this day, as it took several minutes before a waiter came by to take our orders. We had a quick perusal of the menu, and my friend was particularly interested in the Ferreo Rocher milkshake. Given the uniqueness of the name, we required an explanation from the waiter regarding the milkshake ingredients. It’s a shame that this particular waiter had no clue, and had to confirm with his colleague. After the much needed explanation, we eventually placed our orders. For sure the smoothies did not disappoint, and so did the food. We had the Creamy Fusilli Funghi pasta-a lovely combination of marinated chicken, asparagus mushroom and rosemary in a creamy sauce.

They might have been slow on this day, but we surely left sated and delighted. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a casual meal with family or friends.

the delectable pasta 

our choice of  drinks 

Happy Eating!!

Ratings:

Drinks: 5/5    Service: 3.5/5     Venue: 4/5

Cocktail Happy Hour at Artcaffe

Artcaffe Coffee & Bakery is one of the chic café-restaurants in Nairobi.  They serve coffee, pastries, food, and alcohol to boot. With this comes the Cocktail Happy Hour, which takes place daily between 4pm-7pm. During happy hour, all cocktails retail at half their normal price, so you can drink (responsibly) as much as you like.

Last Saturday I had another privilege to partake in this happy hour at the Oval. Artcaffe at the Oval is such a beautiful place. The amazing décor, space and the lovely ambiance make it an ideal place to hang out with your friends and loved ones, be it for coffee, wine, cocktails, lunch or dinner. Sitting area is both indoor and outdoor, with the latter consisting of a large patio with a distinct color scheme, as well as the cocktail bar area with high chairs where you can sit as you watch the sunset and traffic flow in Westlands. 

We selected a high table by the patio, but we had to change our seats a couple of times because the rays of setting sun weren't well shielded by the outdoor canopy.  We eventually found a suitable high table for two.

A charming waiter soon came by to take our orders, while also taking sufficient time to explain to us the nature of our orders. But there was some slight confusion in the manner in which our orders were handled due to the shift changeover at 1600 hrs. We got this lady waitress, who seemed slightly bemused at the start, but she turned out all right in the end. 

1700 hrs marked the beginning of the cocktail hour for us, and our once-bemused waitress came by with the drinks menu. Artcaffe have a variety of cocktails, and one is definitely spoiled for choice upon looking at that menu. Being a lover of mojitos, I settled for the Pineapple Mojito, which is infused with Skyy Vodka (pineapple flavor), fresh pineapple, lemon cubes, mint leaves, and soda water, all balanced to perfection. My date opted for Ginger Dawa Cocktail: Skyy vodka (ginger infusion), honey and fresh lemon. For my next round I ordered the Passion Caiproska cocktail, but I was rather disappointed to hear that they did not have passion fruits on this day. I opted for the Pineapple Mojito all through. My date then tried out their Flirtini cocktail: Skyy Vodka (Pineapple flavor), pineapple juice and sparkling wine. Not a bad combination after all.
On the whole, cocktail Happy Hour at Artcaffe provides a perfect place to enjoy a sun downer. Service was rather slow on this day, but not far from their usual best. The décor is lovely, except for some parts with emanating rays of the setting sun.

Bonus review:

If you are a lover of smoothies, this is another place to try. They have a variety of delicious, nutritious smoothies to choose from. If you care about the amount of calories you consume on the daily, you can always try their all-natural mix consisting of Beetroot, Papaya & Avocado. Else, you can opt for the Healthy Choice Smoothies-a perfect mix containing yogurt and real fruits.

Started off with these smoothies

then the cocktails: Pineapple Mojito

part  of the cocktails: Flirtini

“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” 

― F. Scott Fitzgerald

Remember… Drink Responsibly; Don’t Drink and Drive! 

Ratings:

Drinks: 4/5     Service: 3.5/5     Ambience: 4/5     Value: 4/5

Crispy Chicken Quesadillas at Nairobi Java House

Java House is an ideal spot for brunch on Sunday. Other than serving breakfast the whole day, their menu is quite diverse, and many a time, you will find that you are spoilt for choice. Of late there's one meal that keeps me going back to Java: the crispy Chicken Quesadilla. Originating in Mexico, this meal consists of two flour Tortillas (flat pieces of bread) that are folded around a filling of meat, cheddar cheese, or other ingredients and usually grilled. Java then enhances it by serving it with Guacamole and Salsa.  You could substitute your filling with either Cheese or beef, but my favorite is the Chicken Quesadilla.

This is a delectable meal, with a decent amount of cheese and a hearty amount of chicken in every bite. If you're the kind that finds yourself perusing that menu severally thinking of what to order, why not try their Chicken Quesadilla? For KES 600, you are assured of value for your money, as it is very well filling. You also have an option of ordering for two Quesadillas.

Chicken Quesadilla served with Guacamole and Salsa

Happy Eating!!…

Ratings:

Food: 4/5     Service: 4/5     Value: 4/5

Spice up your lazy weekends with Debonairs Pizza

Sunday always happens to be a chilled out day for me; one of those days when eating home food is not as appealing as it usually is on other days. So most of the time, I always end up eating out. However, this past weekend ,with the sudden drop in temperatures, staying indoors was the only viable option for me. I decided to order the Chicken Triple-Decker pizza from Debonairs. Debonairs Pizza actually has a call center ... I was rather impressed by their promptness in picking up my call. The lady, Charity assured me that my order would take 1 hour-1:15 hours at most. True to their word, I received my order within the prescribed time frame.

Chicken Triple-Decker pizza, consists of THREE layers, each with cheese(cream, cheddar & mozzarella), chicken, mushroom, onion, sweet bell pepper, tomato & herb pizza sauce, topped with Sweet Chili sauce, with a sprinkle of parsley. With all these ingredients on each layer, one is assured of being fully sated. Personally, I couldn't eat any more after my 2^nd Triple-Decker slice. To say the least, for only 1200 for the large size, this pizza is heavenly, a great value for money and a must try for everyone out there, especially when you having one of those lazy Sunday afternoons. You don’t have to worry about having cash on you, as you can always “Lipa na M-pesa”. 

We all do make healthy choices most of the time, but once in a while it’s allowed to loosen the reigns with some calorific indulgence. Why not try the Chicken Triple-Decker pizza? You can still make your orders by calling their contact them on: 0708 PIZZAS (749927)

Happy Eating!!…

Ratings:

Food: 4/5          Service: 3.5/5          Value: 4/5

To The Bona Fide Health Nut

1. You’re all about eating clean
2. You regularly hit the gym
3. You stick to the recommended 'eight hours of sleep' regime
4. You restrict yourself to 'one glass of wine' per week
5. You shop in the ‘natural’ section
6. You drink at least two liters of water a day
7. The word “juice” is always a verb in your vocabulary.

If you can relate to two or more of the activities below, then you are a bona fide health nut.

Categories (1), (2), (4) and (6) best define yours truly. There are those who  think I am “complicated”, while there are those who understand why I do it. So my friend who falls in the latter category mentioned this place that she thought I’d really enjoy because of the “healthy” options on their menu….  
Located on Argwings Kodhek Grove off Argwings Kodhek road in Kilimani area is Purple Earth Foods, a place that is all about healthy eating. You'd be forgiven to think that this is someone's house, as the place was as silent as the dead. We passed by the main reception and proceeded to the outdoor sitting area.
Soon after, we were presented with a menu that I found to be rather interesting: against all meals indicated on the menu are the ingredients and exact calorie count. At the back of their menu is a page enlisting the benefits of various kinds of fruits to the human body. Wow!! So if you are watching your weight, this is the place to be. They even have an option whereby one can subscribe to their fixed diet plan for an eight week period. As a complementary to this meal plan, participants go through a full medical checkup, as well as unlimited consultation and guidance throughout the diet period.

All customers here are offered a free beverage with their meals: tea/coffee/fresh juice. This offer, you will notice displayed on a banner as you approach the place. To warm us up in that rainy weather, we asked for coffee, which came in a French press. How amazing ... Meanwhile, I ordered for the Strawberry-banana smoothie and Grilled Chicken Sandwich (chicken breast, sunflower oil, basil, salt and pepper) while my friend ordered the Fish Sandwich (red snapper sunflower oil, salt and pepper). All their sandwiches are served with cucumber carrot salad and a relish on the side. Their relish mainly consists of plain yogurt, chili paste, celery, honey/sugar, strawberries. Good thing is that all of the ingredients in the relish can be adjusted to suite your palate.

The sitting area was OK, but nothing to write home about.  Service was also wanting, considering how long it took for us to obtain toothpicks, serviettes and our bill. There was only one waitress in the vicinity. Water also seems to be problematic in this area, as their taps had run dry. Closing time happened to be at 3:30pm on this day, which for me was rather early. But considering the lack of clientele at the place, this didn't come as a surprise

The sandwiches were very well filling, made from freshly baked brown bread. However, the salad slices were quite large so we had to roll them to savor the relish. What I particularly liked about the place is the transparency that comes with their meals. You get to know the ingredients of your meal. They also offer delivery services within their environs. The place has a variety of options to choose from for all natural foods, be it for breakfast or lunch at a pocket friendly rate. 
Nevertheless, this is still an ideal place to engage your healthy side...

Happy Eating!!…

Ratings:

Food: 4/5                                Ambiance: 2/5

                                              

Service : 2/5                           Pocket-friendly: 4/5

                   

There's More to Japanese Food than Sushi!!!

The first thing that has always come to mind whenever I hear of Japanese restaurants is "sushi", then "sashmi", all those words that get me cringing with disgust. I mean, my palates just can't accommodate raw food. Corner house on Mama Ngina Street is where you find Teriyaki Japan: a Japanese restaurant with a totally different concept: GRILLED CHICKEN. So this goes out to all ye chicken lovers out there. Chicken Teriyaki, as it is popularly known, is basically boneless chicken thighs grilled on an iron griddle (Teppanyaki-style) then glazed with Teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar). The sugar and mirin in the sauce create that gloss making it tastier.

 Last Saturday, we passed by this place for a late lunch. We joined a long queue at the entrance so we took our time to have a look at the menu, and select what to eat. The place looked rather packed that we kept asking ourselves whether we’d get somewhere to sit, but one of the waiters assured us that by the time we get our food, there will be free seats. All their meals are served with steamed rice/noodles/chips/salad and fresh vegetables.
We selected their signature Chicken Teriyaki . Forget the many technological marvels and electrical appliances. The Japanese’ greatest invention of the 20th century happens to be noodles. We opted to have our chicken with noodles, but, we were rather disappointed to hear that they did not have noodles on this day. So we settled for chips (never mind the calories gained :-) ). This is one place where you will always be assured of eating fresh food, as everything is done while you watch from the queue. So if you come here on an empty stomach, I advise you to be sipping on your drink as you wait. All their food comes with vegetables on the side so you are assured of eating healthy and to your satisfaction.  It is then packed in Bento boxes onto your tray together with plastic cutlery set. 

Chicken teriyaki slices being prepared as you watch

 The place is not as spacious, but they've made good use of the little space they have. The interior is rather unique, as it is all made of natural wood elements on the walls and ceiling, giving it warmth and a natural feel. I was made to understand that this style of building is more popular with the Japanese culture.

The service is quite friendly. All through our eating there was someone on standby to ensure our needs have been met. At some point we even spotted a Japanese man (am assuming he’s one of the owners) walking around just to ensure that everything’s in order. For your information, you can also have breakfast here. Their menu also has different kinds of doughnuts, cookies, coffee, and tea.

All in all, our experience was lovely, and I'd go back there again any time. 

Find some time, when you in town and pass by Teriyaki Japan. You will be assured of value for your money.

Chicken Teriyaki served with vegetables and chips in Bento boxes

 

part of the natural wood elements that make up the ceiling 

Happy Eating!!…

Ratings:

Food: 4/5                             Ambiance: 3/5

Service: 3/5                         Value: 4/5

BBQ Wednesday at Big Square Café

Of late, there’s been an endless hullabaloo about the entry of international fast food chains into the Kenyan market. One restaurant that has particularly captured my attention is Big Square Café. Big Square brings with it a whole different perspective to the fast food industry in Kenya with an intricate ‘square’ theme on its diverse menu.  Their square burgers are one of a kind, the juiciest you can ever get in town.

This year, they have revamped their gourmet experience with the introduction of BBQ Wednesday. Every Wednesday, for KES 650, you get a single rack of ribs and chips with a choice of either 300ml Square Bru, a glass of wine, 500ml soda or water. Having heard a lot about this offer, we headed out to Big Square Café at the Oval in Westlands last week to try out this offer.

Tucked in one corner of the Oval is Big Square Café, where upon arrival, we were received by some cheery waitress, who took our order immediately. The place was not as packed. We then proceeded to some low-sitting couches by the patio overlooking Empress Plaza on Jalaram road. I noticed the place also has a fully equipped kiddie corner complete with iPads to ensure that the young ones also get to enjoy the Big Square experience.

Five minutes later, our orders arrived: Four succulent ribs glazed with their secret barbecue sauce, and served with chips together with a glass of wine. When I first looked at the ribs, I thought I would soon be placing a 2nd order because "4" ribs....really!? By the time I finished my meal I was UNBELIEVABLY sated. One word: mouthwatering!  These succulent ribs are definitely bound to tingle your taste buds. 

Wednesdays are now worth looking forward to, thanks to this amazing offer from Big Square. 

Make sure you head out to Big Square to catch this amazing offer.

Happy Eating!!…

Ratings:

Food

Service

Ambiance

Pocket-friendly

Caramel Restaurant & Lounge – Nairobi

Sometime last year, the swanky Caramel Restaurant & Lounge opened its doors to the affluent Nairobi pleasure seekers. Located at ABC place, off Waiyaki Way in Nairobi, this is the third of a series of restaurants by the Caramel Group based in UAE, Dubai. What actually aroused my curiosity about the place was the fact that a shot of Louis XIII de Rémy Martin Cognac was retailing for as high as $450.I wanted to go find out what this place is all about. It became even more popular during the recently completed Nairobi Restaurant Week 2015, but I never had the chance to visit. 

Every day they have a happy hour dubbed "The Caramel Therapy", whereby you get to enjoy selected drinks at half price between 4pm-8pm. Wednesday night is more special, as it is Ladies Night so happy hour lasts throughout the night. My friend's birthday happened to be last week,so we decided to check out the place. Sleek elevators open into a corridor where you meet men in black suits readily welcoming you. Patrons' security is guaranteed, as everyone entering the place has to go through security screening at the entrance.

Two things worth mentioning about the place: Ambiance and Customer Service. Their staff is very friendly and well-trained. As you enter, you will spot a long sofa set, which makes up the waiting lounge. We were made to understand that the place gets really packed at times… Then on one side is the dining area, then the main bar, and a private lounge with high-backed leather chairs. 

Waiting Area

Main Bar

A lovely waitress came by to show us where to sit… we sat near the bar by some long illuminated table. Behind us was a shelf full of various kinds of wine, and the reservation-only “cabanas” surrounded by flickering propane lamps, an environment best suited for love-birds. Wednesday night being ladies' night, we were welcomed with a glass of sparkling white wine, as we took our time to peruse through their cocktails menu... I settled for the Watermelon Cocktail, having heard so many reviews about it. For sure, this cocktail is just unique and worth trying out. My friend opted for the Pineapple Mojito, which also did not disappoint. What makes their cocktails so expensive is the fact that they use 60 ml of vodka, unlike other bars which use 30 ml.

Pineapple Mojito

Our 2nd drink, the Pineapple Dawa cocktail, came as a complementary from the barman.

Pineapple Dawa cocktail

Wine Selection

Before we knew it, it was already 0030 Hrs, just 30 mins before their closure time. Our pleasant waitress came by to ask whether we'd like to place another order, as the bar was about to close. We instead asked for the bill, which was delivered promptly. After paying, we were asked to fill in our address details on some card for future communication. I cannot help but mention that after this process, we were given a 'Caramel' branded pen as a souvenir.

On our way out, we decided to take a quick look around the place. Their washrooms must be the best I have seen in a while-very clean and modern. 

All in all, Caramel Restaurant & Lounge is Heavenly... Not pocket-friendly, but worth every dime...Caramel’s professional staff ensures that an impression is left on you.

Ratings:

Drinks

Service

Ambiance

Pocket-friendly