Last Saturday, Laura called and politely asked if I would love to join her for lunch. Of course I said yes. We settled on the newly opened restaurant on Nanyuki-Rumuruti Road next to Batuk.
DECOR
From the outside, it looks like a grilling and beer place. I haven’t seen a lot of cars parked outside, so I thought it was a members’ only restaurant. The boda boda guy who dropped me told me the place looks like a hall. That painted a picture of a social hall or those old restaurants: square house with roundtables and two to four seats per table, with one counter and a kitchen behind it. I was smitten.
You’re welcomed by paintings. They have made use of the pavement by hosting a mini gallery. The paintings are for sale. I found this interesting and inviting.
As prophesied by the boda guy, the place is a hall, but an open hall. You get a glimpse of the entire place regardless of your sitting position. To break the monotony, they used different textures and roofings.
The bar area has upside-down umbrellas. The bench area has plant-like balls, painted benches and grass carpet. The sofa area has a roof with plants on the side. The games area has a normal roof, seats on the sides and rough stone-like tiles.
GAMES
They have darts, pool and XYZ games. On the bar area, two huge screens are available. On this Saturday, one screen aired a football match and the other a rerun of a basketball game.
THE STAFF
The staff are welcoming, adequate and friendly. On this day, apart from Laura and I, only one other table was occupied. Some of the staffers were standing at different locations, waiting to serve you.
THE MENU
As the restaurant is close to the British Army, I expected ridiculous prices. The food is fairly priced and with Sh1,500 per person, I believe you’ll be well fed.
I ordered cheesy chips while Laura ordered the cheesy chilli burger and masala chips.
The masala chips were well seasoned and firm enough. I find most masala chips too soft or too soggy. The burger! Mmmh!
I love food and I eat a lot, but the cheesy chips portion was disappointing.
We asked if they could add meat or some form of protein to my food and they said no. I inquired if they would make the meat toppings for pizza but add them to my portion (we were paying) but they said no.
I found this disappointing as a little bit of protein would have elevated the food. If you order the cheesy chips, order some sausages, cut them up, add some ketchup and salt and have fun.
The bun was fresh and well cooked. I love that they toasted it, giving the sides a crunchiness. As the name promised, the cheese and chilli were bussing! The crunchy bun, cheese, chilli, lettuce, tomato and meat were a perfect match. A combo I’d love to try again.
DRINKS
Laura had a margarita and I a lemonade. The lemonade was flat. The ice cubes were a lot and quickly watered it down. I’d suggest they use cold lemon juice and cold sprite for a refreshing drink. Laura’s Margarita has a perfect balance of liquor and lemon juice.
If the lemonade had more lemon in it, it would have made for a perfect drink to go with the cheesy chips.
For heat lovers, the margarita is a perfect combination for the cheesy chilli burger. But for my low-heat girlies, maybe try a sweeter and cold drink.
We loved that the food was served in wooden trays and was aesthetically pleasing.
On less busy days, they let you select the music you wish to listen to.
VERDICT
The restaurant is a good place for a friend’s night out or brunch. The openness of it doesn’t give cosy or romantic vibe. You could also bring your colleagues to decompress.
With the floor arrangement, location, price per drinks and space, I would love for them to host a kizomba or salsa class.
