Beloved, close your laptops. It’s that magical time of the year—December! The season of joy, laughter, and feasting has officially begun, and what a year it has been. December couldn’t have arrived at a better time—a chance to reset, celebrate, and, let’s be honest, indulge just a little.
This past week, I had the pleasure of stepping into the holiday spirit at Holiday Inn Nairobi, Two Rivers Mall, for an intimate dinner event dubbed the Holiday Inn Christmas Menu Tasting. I couldn’t help but admire the timing of this event—perfectly set to get you into the Christmas mood and thinking ahead about where to celebrate the big day. Take it from me, planning early is key (don’t wait until the last minute to book your spot!).
As I walked to the poolside venue, I was immediately swept up in the festive atmosphere. Twinkling fairy lights cast a soft, magical glow, while the tables—adorned with Christmas ornaments—radiated elegance and warmth. The setup was intimate, cozy, and picture-perfect.
The guests, dressed in their festive best, added sparkle to the evening. Chatter and laughter mingled with soft holiday tunes playing in the background, creating an ambiance that was nothing short of enchanting.
The evening began at the bar, where the bartender was nothing short of an artist. “Make mine strong,” I said, and boy, did he deliver! The cocktail was bold, festive, and just the right way to kick off the night. As I sipped on my drink, conversations flowed freely. The warm glow of the twinkling lights and the lively hum of the crowd made everything feel so merry and bright. The anticipation for the meal ahead built with every passing moment.
When the appetizers arrived, I knew we were in for a treat:
- Artisan Bread with spreads of tapenade, herbed butter, and green pesto. Each bite was fresh and flavorful, setting the tone beautifully.
- A stunning Charcuterie Board, boasting Cheddar, Feta, and Mozzarella cheeses, paired with a tender and perfectly seasoned beef meatloaf. This was my absolute favorite—moist, flavorful, and impossible to resist.
Then came a warm, velvety bowl of Cream of Mushroom Soup. It was pure comfort in a bowl, rich with earthy flavors and perfect for a cool December evening.
When the mains arrived, Executive Chef Robert Aluda and his team left no doubt about their culinary prowess. The options were nothing short of spectacular:
- Grilled Tilapia Fillet with Meunière Sauce: My choice for the evening, and what a choice it was! The fish was tender, flaky, and perfectly paired with the buttery, lemon-infused Meunière sauce that brought everything together.
- Roast Lamb Cutlets with Mint Sauce: Juicy, aromatic, and a festive classic. The mint sauce added a refreshing twist, elevating the dish to perfection.
- Kuku wa Kupaka: A Kenyan favorite and the clear crowd-pleaser of the night. Creamy, smoky, and infused with coconut, this chicken dish was a hit, drawing rave reviews from everyone who chose it.
The accompaniments were equally delightful:
- Risibisi Rice, fragrant and light.
- Boulangère Potatoes, golden and buttery with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- A medley of vegetables—Sautéed Carrots with Peas and Creamed Spinach—adding color and freshness to every plate.
Each bite felt like a celebration, a perfectly balanced harmony of flavors that left me wishing for just a little more room in my stomach!
By the time dessert rolled out, I was already full to the brim. But the sight of the chef’s creations—a delicate Fruit Tart, a rich Christmas Pudding, and a gooey Chocolate Brownie—was enough to tempt even the fullest of bellies. While I reluctantly passed on dessert, I could see my fellow diners savoring each bite with delight, their faces lighting up with festive joy.
The evening ended with a delightful surprise—a personalized gingerbread house for each guest. Seeing my name etched on the icing was such a thoughtful touch, and it left me with the warmest feeling. It was the perfect souvenir from a magical night.
Holiday Inn Nairobi, Two Rivers Mall off Limuru Rd, has truly set the tone for the season, and if this event was anything to go by, their upcoming Christmas Brunch on December 25th promises to be an unforgettable experience- a day filled with delectable food, festive cheer, and family fun.
What to Look Forward To:
- Bottomless Festive Cocktails & Mocktails to set the mood.
- Live Band Entertainment to spread holiday vibes.
- A thrilling kid’s fun zone with a bouncing castle, magician, trampoline, face painting, cotton candy, and popcorn galore!
A special visit from Santa Claus with delightful goodies for the little ones.
