NAIROBI RESTAURANT WEEK

It is finally upon us, the much anticipated annual event that runs through the week. NRW started on 27th Jan, and it ends on 4th February. Being an ardent food lover, I was going to try it out. Luckily, the choice of restaurant was picked by my book club members (yes I am in one & yes I can read your thoughts. You are probably thinking “I am not surprised” right? lol). We chose to go to Mercado Mexican Kitchen and Bar on Kenrail towers (just next to 9 west) in Westlands.

I had never been to the restaurant, let alone the building smh (I keep saying I will try the Sushi bar, so if you are out there and want to try the Sushi bar with me, hit me up *wink*). I loved the ambiance, especially in the balcony area. It gives you a view of Westlands, well not all of it but part of it. The seats are comfy, and the place is big enough to accommodate for a large group of people.

The service was also impeccable, a bit slow though but keeping in mind, it was lunch hour, so that was bound to happen. The waiters and waitresses were friendly; nothing beats a smile on your face when talking to someone. & they were patient enough to explain what was on the menu. So for lunch, they are serving a two-course meal where you have the option of having the starter and the main meal or the main meal and dessert for just ksh.1000. For dinner, they are serving a three-course meal for ksh.3000.

I chose to have the main meal and dessert (yes I love sweet things haha). I had the Salmon especial which is Salmon with lentils stew cooked with smoked bacon, tomatoes, and smoked artichokes. I honestly didn’t know what I was picking, I just picked it because it was fish, and the only other option was chicken or vegetarian (& those who know me know fish is always my first option and there is no way I will willingly eat veggies as a main meal). I must say, compared to the chicken enchiladas served with chipotle sauce and gratin with cheddar cheese & sour sauce (again, this is Greek lol) salmon is the recommended option. Most of my friends who ordered for the chicken did not like it. Couscous salad for a starter received equal amounts of love and hate, so that would depend on your taste buds.

I fell in love with their mojitos. I ordered the classic mojito which was good but I will I had ordered for the Jamaican mojito; it had a generous amount of alcohol in it. The drinks are very affordable with a price range of between Ksh.590-ksh.900, depending on what you order.

This is a restaurant to check out even after NRW is over considering their normal menu is affordable. What restaurant are you guys trying out for NRW?

Photo Credits: Collokun