Fork'n Awesome
Tried and Tasted
a-culinary-tapestry-sierras-gastro-pub-takes-on-karen
Thorn Mulli
Mike Maina
About Sierra Gastro Pub
Picture a couple on a romantic date in a cosy gastro pub, nestled within a charming village, in the heart of the tranquil English countryside. The pub's inviting garden, usually bathed in the sun's warmth, remains a serene backdrop tonight, as the couple has chosen the coziness of the indoor seating area. Inside, the gastro pub embraces its heritage with tight, natural stone walls and shamelessly exposed wooden beams, creating a sense of intimacy despite the airy atmosphere. A crackling fire, tucked into a corner, adds a warm, flickering glow that dances in harmony with the soft, melodic strains of live acoustic music—a symphony of sensory delight.
Seated across from each other at a wooden table adorned with an elegant flower arrangement, the couple's eyes lock in an unwavering gaze. Soft candlelight casts enchanting shadows that dance across the table, weaving an enchanting spell over their evening. Their outstretched hands rest gently on the rustic table, palms upturned, creating an unspoken bridge of connection, a silent language of love.
As they share this intimate moment, their senses are treated to a culinary masterpiece. Locally sourced steak, cooked to perfection, delights her palate, accompanied by a vintage wine whispering of distant vineyards. For him, a carefully crafted beer complements his meal flawlessly. In this enchanting gastro pub, amidst the embrace of natural elements and the symphony of flavors and scents, the couple finds perfection in each other's company, a night to be cherished in the rich tapestry of their memories........
ali barbour's cave restaurant aims for global stardom
Travelog
Courtesy
About Ali Barbour's Cave
There are three Kenyan restaurants that I insist you dine in simply for their inimitable ambience largely inspired by nature. First up is Trout Tree restaurant mounted on, you guessed it, a tree- a Mugumo (fig) tree to be specific- with the best serving of, you guessed it right again, trout. You will be lucky, however, to enjoy trout from the farm today because climate change and the farmers upstream are mopping the waters of River Burguret incessantly with five-inch pipes literally choking the life out of the oxygen-needy trout.
You will not find a better-tasting eggs benedict breakfast than that served at Giraffe Manor. I exaggerate for effect; you might, but where else can you enjoy this delicacy in the company of a tower of giraffes winking their gorgeous lashes as they tease for treats through the window?
The next bucket-list offering, which is the subject of interest today, is Ali Barbour's Cave restaurant; that famous Diani feature that most of you have been to, but yours truly has been fashionably late to the party. In fact, I almost missed a turn, yet again, on my umpteenth visit to the sandy tourist magnet. In my defence, I made time but my ‘eating’ partner Job took on a job that embarrassingly made me an accomplice in a time crime that required the transfer van to make a second fetch trip. FYI, in addition to the complimentary rides for diners located on the Diani stretch, the restaurant strictly operates on reservations for its two dinner sittings........
smoking success for karens new meat offering
Travelog
Courtesy
About Big Smoke
Every restaurant has a favourite seat. It is dusk as I try to get my bearing off the newly opened Big Smoke where I quickly make out that the majority of patrons are drawn to the outdoor chairs lining the terrace, the Karen evening chill and her not-so-posh mozzies (mosquitoes) notwithstanding. I guess the privacy the walls provide and the heat the jikos offer, as well as the chance to puff one away without irritating anyone, make up for the minor chill and bite inconvenience. The patio area has no takers on this night, couples on dates prefer the sunken lounge seats and families opt for the practical bench format. Since I am unaccompanied and here for the food, I take the high seat at the centre of what would be a saloon bar from a Western cowboy flick but with massive brass horn features hanging from the ceiling. I face a bar stacked even higher as a familiar-looking disk jockey attempts to work the crowd on my left. The poster from their social pages that roped me in had hinted at a saxophone performance but my attention is robbed by a furnace, one you can hardly miss when you walk in, burning bright to my right as it heartily licks wood with the promise of an exchange of a fresh meal........
Botanica’s burst of flavours
Travelog
Abu Mburu
About Botanica
I enjoy culinary experiences and had always rued the missed opportunity that was Honey and Dough, which recently shut its doors. Touted by many as the most ‘Instagrammable’ restaurant in the capital, I was bummed that I never set sail on that ship before it forever left the dock. Word soon went round that, in its place, a new restaurant dubbed Botanica Kitchen and Gin Bar would be putting shop and this time I vowed to never miss out.
While she retains the cosy charm of her predecessor, this fresh offering promised an improvement on some elements. While aesthetics make for welcoming ambience, a restaurant basically has to impress with its food. For a winning formula, a rounded experience then builds to an impressive culinary journey.
After braving the rush-hour mayhem around the newly reopened Westlands' roundabout and with my destination-One Africa Building-in my sights, my memory bungled perfect timing by nudging me onto Raphta Road that essentially took me to the no-entry exit gate. Do not make that mistake during rush hour for were it not for some kind-hearted guard who pointed a ‘panya’ route that I cannot disclose on this column, I’d have lost a cool hour having to go round back through Chiromo Road........
The Social House Experience
Jeannette Musembi
Courtesy
About Social House
Located in the upmarket suburbs of Lavington, this establishment’s popularity has risen over the months, with 83 elegantly designed bedrooms, 7 highly equipped event and meeting spaces, a beautiful outdoor pool, a back garden and a gym being just a few of the amenities that have kept happy customers coming back........
A small piece of Thailand in Nairobi
Thorn Mulli
Courtesy
About Thai Chi Restaurant
A prophet is not welcome in his hometown best describes my encounter with Thai Chi Restaurant hosted in the first floor of the Sarova Stanley. Who would have thought that what has been touted the most authentic Thai Restaurant in East Africa-complete with a head chef of Thai extraction-actually sits at the heart of Nairobi’s CBD. In my case, it, embarrassingly so, took a foreigner to bring it to my attention. Even after making it to the first floor, it took some guidance to access the space located adjacent to the bar........
Designed to cater to your hunger pangs
Asmara
A casual and friendly dining atmosphere offering a unique dining experience.The modern indoor and outdoor setting perfectly complements the afro-contemporary Eritrean and Continental cuisine offered here.Winner of Best African Cuisine by UP Magazine reader’s poll and Best Eritrean/Ethiopian Cuisine at the Chef’s Delight Awards.
Social House
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Located in the upmarket suburbs of Lavington, this establishment’s popularity has risen over the months, with 83 elegantly designed bedrooms, 7 highly equipped event and meeting spaces, a beautiful outdoor pool, a back garden and a gym being just a few of the amenities that have kept happy customers coming back.
Mediterraneo
Centrally located in the hustle and bustle of The Junction, this location offers a welcome,
calmer change of pace while maintaining an exciting, vibrant atmosphere. Featuring exclusive deals unavailable at our other branches,
this is an excellent venue for weekly plans and special occasions alike,
a fun spot to see and be seen as you enjoy their impressive wine selection or signature cocktails.
Nyama Mama
Mama has gone back to her childhood roots preparing Kenyan home-style dishes with a modern eclectic twist. Locally inspired,
some of our skilfully concocted dishes include Chapati wraps to Mama’s stews and flavourful sides. Indulge in some nostalgia with our sharing platters
and signature cocktails served in iconic metal Vikombe.
Carnelly's
Lazybones is a fabulous eco-bar and restaurant decorated with lots of plants, and big colourful cushions.
There is also a great selection of music and an ideal place to lie down, relax and read.
Lazy Bones bar is a great place to relax The restaurant is known to produce some of the best food around the lake.
All meals offer extremely healthy portions at very affordable prices.
Kijani Rooftop
Fresh locally sourced produce is lovingly put together to create all of our delicious dishes,
culminating in a mouth-watering epicurean adventure.
Terrific seafood, internationally-inspired dishes and traditional Swahili dishes are all available on our seasonal menu.