First times. Don't you just love them? Experiencing something for the first time is a mind-blowing thing for me. Because my first reaction to it is genuine. It's sincere. No bias. No influence from past experience. Nothing to compare it to. Raw and fresh. That's how I like my reviews of hidden treasures to be.
So, I'll tell you about my first time at Kijani Kafe. Simply because it's my most genuine experience first setting foot there.
Where's Kijani Kafe At?
Kijani Kafe is easier to find. It’s next to the Jubilee/Azimio Offices. If you’re taking a “nduthi,” once you branch into Menengai Drive, turn to your right. You know, the place that has a big ass roundabout. Then keep a look-out to your right for Kijani Kafe’s entry gate, a few meters in.
Activities
Walking in, there was a good amount of parking space. Proceed further, and you should slowly see the restaurant come into full view. On the left is a huge garden. A place with swings for kids. A volleyball court. Badminton. Your kid can bring their bike, too.
Ambiance
There were a few kids running around the place. Not too many to cause a nuisance. Plus, the garden is huge. And I mean big enough to accommodate all ages. Further down was a few tables you could dine from. Out in nature. Or, you can choose to sit inside the restaurant itself. I found the restaurant a bit too crowded. Where if you were to speak loudly, the folks at the table behind you might find it rude. So, we trekked down to the table farthest from humans. The one at the edge of the garden. There were trees hovering above us, providing a nice shade. I loved this spot.
What's Cooking?
We got the menu. Perused over it, and I won't even lie, I settled on the wine glass drink for KES 180. You can have either red or white wine, depending. I had sweet red wine. It was perfect. One of my friends had white, and she liked it, too.
I only had wine, so I can't speak to how the meals are. Or the other wine packages. But do feel free to check out the menu for yourself.
Indoor for Outdoor Games
They offer indoor for outdoor games, too. So we requested to play Jenga. You can play poker cards, too. Jenga was great. And the environment complemented the game and the mood of our chats, too.
Personal Commentaries
I was starving but hadn't planned on eating out. Or spending rather. My friend, though, ordered fries for KES 200. It took forever! And that's after she asked the waitress how long it would take, and she said 20 minutes max. I hate when waiters or waitresses do that. Telling you your meal will take a short while, only for two hours, to go down like cheesecake. It's like they won't return to find your starving ass, all bare bones, hanging off of the brink of death.
When the fries finally came, they were served in a cup. It sounds sophisticated, doesn't it? But, I swear. I might just head back to Kijani Kafe to order fries to take a photo for you so you'll know I'm not fabricating it. And, no. It wasn't the huge coffee mugs I've seen people have at home. It's the metallic cup you probably have seen while visiting your grandmother. The ones that come in different colors. I mean, how many fries can you possibly fit in there? And for KES 200?! Are you serious?
I felt for my friend. Seriously, starving. Yet having to endure eating what, eight fries? And then pay KES 200 for it. I'm not stingy. But I also want a world where people deliver value for money. If this were Serena, I would understand. Still, I doubt Serena, or any other restaurant, would serve fries in a cup.
They do have an alcoholic drinks option. As well as a bar with good music. The washroom is only one for both males and females. I'm not sure whether I would recommend this place. I feel foreigners would enjoy it more, and the fries in the "ushago" cup? I don't know.
If you've been to Kijani Kafe, please let me know what your experience was like. Meanwhile, feel free to check out our "Chilly, Fizzy, Long Island at Culture Mambo Lounge in Nakuru, Kenya" article, and let us know of any questions or concerns!