ROYAL GRILL RETSURANT AT TUSKYS CHANIA THIKA…

Royal Grill; is; in my opinion (I stand corrected); one of the finest restaurants in Thika town. Located on your entrance to the enigmatic Tuskys Chania; the Royal Grill is ideal for a memorable experience.

The restaurant itself is a simple set-up. The restaurant is an open room stretching out like a house balcony and is furnished tastefully with appropriate potted flowers and plants on the sides.

From the moment you step in; you will enjoy what sets Royal Grill apart as a royalty. The added value service; from considerate and polite table services; to little touches of kindness and cheerfulness from the restaurant staff.

The menu sets standards for fine dining. Just the mere description of the menu items and chef’s special; sends shivers of anticipation down my spine. Here, one thing I am sure of is that Royal Grill delivers exactly what it outlines on the menu and even more!

-       Try out their different arrays of sandwiches. It’s a sure winner and you will remember the experience forever.

RETAURANT PICK FOR THE MONTH-DILLONS HOTEL NGOLIBA KENYA…

I have admitted on several occasions TO BE A “FOODIE” and one who enjoys travelling and siting new places. Last month I was at Ngoliba town; close to 30-minutes drive from Thika town and I got to sample a restaurant gem tucked in the town.

The attributes of Dillons’ that make it stand out reveal themselves from the moment you step in. the polite table service is just amazing. You will be shown to your table, menus presented with a smile and the chef’s recommendations will be conveyed to you.

And the good thing is; this form of service is retained throughout your dining experience. The menu difference at breakfast; lunchtime and dinner; plus the menu selection set standards for fine dining experience.

It demonstrates the commitment to service; great customer dining experience; different food preparation skills; and the skill of accomplished chefs.

The menu varies and the style of dish changes from time to time.

The restaurant itself is a simple hall but furnished tastefully with appropriate lighting; top quality furniture; open windows with a view of the Ngoliba area and fine complementing paint-work.

-try out their fried chicken sometime (pun not intended; it is a sure winner.)

LE PALANKA: FINE AFRICAN-CHIC DINING & CUISINE.

DISCLAIMAER: my friends; Bettina and Ms. Moradewun told me to put a disclaimer that this restaurant was suggested to us by graffiti artists; Swift-9 and Smokey from PAWA254; who also happened to have done the graffiti art there…

September is here! Back in august; I and a couple of my friends from USA did a great cuisine tour of the new and swanky Le Palanka restaurant in Lavington.

The two ladies; both professors back in the states were in town on a research mission about media integration with arts. Both of them are great diners; foodies and they love African cuisine.

Therefore; thanks to the graffiti artist and up magazine; Le Palanka was a great place since they are all about upgrading the African cuisine.

Talk about The Palanka tradition pot that has the goat stew (Kenya); jollof rice (Nigeria); yasso chicken (Senegal) and Okra beef (Ghana).

The menu is not just about ugali and sukuma wiki but also dishes from Cameroon and Senegal among other African countries.

The meals are presented in an haute cuisine version. From grill sessions; desserts; palanka tapas to the starters.

Rarely in my restaurant reviews do I direct to talk about interior designs but for this joint I will make an exception. The décor sets the right mood for you to experience the authentic dishes.

The manager filled us in as he took us through the different rooms of the premises. What a tour it was! Designed by 30- year old Sirg Ndoume; the Cameroon interior designer did this place a great justice by giving it a befitting setting to accompany its high end delicious African food.

The design, taste and style is classy and it clicks on every way- with minimalist interior; with fine art and costume design lighting in different coloured rooms.

The design in all rooms and colours represent Africa the mama-land continent; hence providing a space to enjoy private; fine dining.

The furniture is sourced locally. The lights have drawings and the metal concept in them just does wonders; plus it is one of a kind. The green room was blow for me- with green walls; green curtains and a white dining table set. Add the great lighting and art- wooola! The look is complete.

The garden setting outside with water points is urban and contemporary. The restaurant walls re-live the portraits of great African heroes and you know what; Sunday is family day out with kids, bouncing castles are available too. Make reservations1

Will I go back to Le Palanka? I am already planning to! Highly recommended.

-for bookings to Le Palanka; email contact@lepalanka-nairobi.com or check www.lepalanka-nairobi.com

COOKING WITH CLASS AT BREW BISTRO…

Named the best Boutique Bar in Nairobi; Up Magazine’s Best Continental Award and Heineken Award for exceptional achievement to Nairobi nightlife at the just concluded Taste Awards 2013; Brew Bistro and Lounge opened its wide doors in 2009 and has since then established itself as the leading specialty Brewery in Nairobi.

The above awards and achievements have shown that the people of Nairobi have spoken and consider it more than just an excellent brewery; but also a quality kitchen and culinary delight; and a good night out in the town.

Providing a broad array of culinary treats that range from tapas and gourmet burgers; to Pan Asian tastes; ‘Brew’ indeed does cater to  broad  audience; providing a beer to go with every dish and every mood.

‘Brew’ is bringing a new scene in the foodie table. With beer and food pairing revolutionizing the world today; wine pairing is now being forced to take a back seat. No offence to the “winers!”

Brew Bistro is now opened for lunch; executive business lunches and take-out services. Some experience how to pair robust tenderloin with an Indian Pale Ale; more than a simple merlot. Your experience of the culinary delight of executive Chef Tim Freeman will delight you and leave you earning for more.

In the 2011 Taste Awards; Brew Bistro (Fine Dining) took home the award for the best steak. A good steak can be pretty hard to come by; but a divine one is truly rare. The Butcher’s Block at ‘Brew’; features Morendat Gold premium beef; aged for 21 days.

-for reservation and enquiries;

C: 0719 648 138/ 0731 006 068

E: info@thebigfivebreweries.com

W: www.thebigfivebreweries.com

L: Ngong Road.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.637180312966806.1073741844.609419172409587&type=3&uploaded=6

GUIDE TO THE GRUB: RESTAURANT PICKS FOR THE MONTH

I don’t know about you but I fancy myself as a food aficionado. Whether you do, or not; or you are just a culinary virtuoso-or are just hungry for the good life- the main motivation for dining out is generally to experience something new; something special; out of the ordinary; something memorable!

With that in mind; we have tried to cater to every kind of craving and probably a selection of great hidden gem.

RANALO FOODS

African restaurants in Nairobi may be a dime a dozen; but Ranalo or K’osewe (meaning belonging to Osewe in Luo) as it is fondly known amongst circles that frequent here; focuses on traditional African dishes and barbeques; especially from the Western region of Kenya.

One can enjoy a soothing Benga music on the background as you enjoy your meal. The restaurant is family oriented; lushed with round tables and papyrus furniture. The walls are designed to complement the furniture and the general ambience of the place.

Although located at the C.B.D along Kimathi Street; Ranalo offers a self-service credit at an affordable rate. Parking may be an issue but for all it is worth, it is a great dining experience.

-http://www.ranalofoods.com/

K-FRIES EMBAKASI

The ambience is very crisp and clean with large French windows overlooking the roadside. The seats are comfy too; set in a diner like setting and a lounge like setting too for a large number of patrons.

Accordingly; the restaurant menu offers a delectable range of fast foods at an affordable price. What’s more, the amazing art of fried chicken and grilled chicken with fries is definitely alive and well here. That is one thing I never miss to try while I am here.

For me; the fries with chicken have always been memorable. The rates are affordable too and this sleek restaurant focuses exactly on what its name suggests.

Located opposite Fedha Estate (Pipeline No.34) and 70 M into Nyayo Estate road; this hidden gem will surely not disappoint you.

VINCE BONUS…Over the Easter holidays; my foodie nature led me to what is now rocking Nairobi’s middle class- “smoky buggers”. Here the smoky vendors popular with their carts and always on the move; prepare a smoky with “kachumbari” (well sliced onions; dhania; tomatoes and chili); shoved in between two breads. It is more like the beef burgers concept if you get the idea and it goes for only KES 30. You need to try out this new cuisine once you are out!

RESTAURANT REVIEWS FOR KENYA KIDZ PRIDE INN HOTEL: A ROYAL ROMANTIC TOUCH

BY EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO

Last week; I was treated to a sumptuous dinner at the Pride Inn Hotel in Westland Nairobi. The continental buffet cuisine ranged from an n assortment of fresh salads; creamy soup; fresh fruit desserts and from their hot chaffers; a range of grilled beef and chicken steaks in a chasseur sauce.

The dinner ambiance at the Pride Inn Centre was just magnificent. The black and red clothing covering the tables and seats; added with a magnificent touch of red rose petals made the night a romantic vista.

The large hall at the Pride Inn Centre make is even more convenient for corporate events; banqueting and conferencing. Located along Westlands Road; the Pride Centre also hosts and manages Cake City- the new one stop joint for cakes and other yummy tummy treats; and the Royal Kitchen- a multi cuisine restaurant that is famous for Chinese; Indian; continental and barbeque.

The company also does venture into outside catering; wedding and events. Pride Inn prides itself also with the fact that it is a 3-star hotel; with a 5-star service credit and it has a franchise of 7 hotels located in Nairobi; Kisumu and Mombasa.

If you are thinking of a wedding and maybe later the bigger picture of a perfect romantic get-away; then think Pride Inn. The hotels provide comprehensive wedding packages to help create your ideal dream wedding.

One thing you will love with Pride Inn Hotels is that they combine ceremony specifics; catering to a range of styles and budgets. They offer a fabulous choice of some international cuisines for your wedding menu such as continental; Chinese and Indian. They also make it open for you to do a mix -and –match. For example- you may choose a Chinese item for starter; a continental dish as main course and may be an Indian delicacy for dessert within the package selected.

The package in this case means that depending on your budget or size of pocket; you can pick bronze; silver; gold or platinum packages to fill in the blanks to a perfect wedding. To me it is more like a blank cheque and you fill in the amount.

Their continuous touch to ensure your wedding prospers and the fire remains ablaze; goes into their standard honeymoon packages and deluxe honeymoon packages at the coast.

With fruits and flowers in the room; a blend of non-alcoholic sparkling wine in the rooms; and deluxe cottages; with bridal breakfast served in the bed; your honeymoon promises nothing short of a romantic get-away; you will long live to remember!

photos courtesy of: http://www.facebook.com/PrideinnHotelsConferencing#!/PrideinnHotelsConferencing/photos_stream

CENTRAL RESERVATIONS, Westlands Business Park, 6^th floor, Chiromo Lane Westlands P.O BOX 66969-00200 Nairobi Kenya, TEL (+254) 20 8000415/6 HOTLINE +254 737 999 110/ 0729 866 956 EMAIL: sales@prideinn.co.ke. WWW.prideinn.co.ke

RESTAURANT REVIEWS FOR KENYA KIDZ CAKE CITY: YUMMY TUMMY TASTY TREATS

When I heard that cake city page on Face book had hit 6,000 likes in a short period of time. I thought maybe the advertising and a good word was put out there.

But I was wrong when the reality of the pudding was placed before me. Yes, the rife speculations are now true. Indeed yummy tummy treats just got tastier with Cake City.

Located at Westlands, next to Soin Arcade, opposite Shimmers Plaza, Nairobi; the shop’s different sections cum specialties: Pastry Avenue, Coffee Town, Bread Street and Cake Village make it not just a fun experience but also an easy way to place your order and enjoy a treat.

Cake City is definitely cutting a niche as a preferred destination for cakes; bread; pastries and coffee. They prepare all types of cakes including birthday, wedding, kids, cartoons, shapes, adult, graduation…You name it! Plus, they also do egg-less cakes.

On “Tasty Tuesday”, spending only KES 1,200 ends up getting you 0.5 kg of black or white forest cake for free.

I bet you are wondering, what if I can not make it to Westlands? Well, Cake City cater for that and has you sorted because custom made cakes are only a call, click or visit away. With free delivery and an M-Pesa payment option ( thank God for mobile banking!) ; you can have your cake in a day. I don’t think it gets any better that that!

What about my kid? Well, Cake City exists to ensure you are fully satisfied and prides itself with their “Kids Club”. Members enjoy 15 % discount on their birthday cake.

Cakes, per kg, cost between KES 2,000 and KES 2,800. Make a date and don’t be late for a tasty treat!

Order Hotline: 0732-444 111

Facebook.com/ Cake City.

Info@cakecity.co.ke

www.cakecity.co.ke.

kenya Kidz link-http://www.kenyakidz.com/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=806:nairobi-s-top-three-restaurants-in-the-eyes-of-a-foodie&catid=16:day-out&Itemid=232