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

When the Rubber Hits the Road

This is an idea that I have been harboring for way too long, and today I have finally made that leap of faith...*sigh*

I love trying out new things and new places. I'm usually very particular when it comes to my choice of food, as well as how it is presented to me, the ambiance and how long it takes for my order to be processed. I therefore have a knack for good service, regardless of how much I pay. I like to go somewhere where I will be given reasons to keep going back, and where I will feel the value for my money...

So when my friends noticed my overzealous attitude, most of them urged me to start my own restaurant (I am grateful nevertheless). However, there's one person who challenged me a step further: to come up with a blog where you can review and critique restaurants (If need be)...Thank you dear BFF for believing in me.

Here's to Nondescript Explorer guys: for all the ardent  pleasure seekers out there looking out for the best place to excite your taste buds...

Enjoy...