Blogger/Google Reader Issues

So it appears that not only has Sue the prostitute from Nairobi Nights co-opted my former blog title, but now Google Reader is importing her feed over my blog despite the difference in web addresses.  I have no idea how to fix this but I suggest that if you want to receive regular updates from African Nights that you follow the blog directly from the website instead.  If I manage to figure out a way to resolve the issue I will update this space. 

Misono Japanese Restaurant

Misono, a sushi and teppanyaki Japanese restaurant, makes its triumphant return to Nairobi nightlife with its reopening in the Greenhouse building on Ngong Road. It has been reopened for awhile now and last night was my third time back to the new location. While their old space was conveniently located on Lenana road within walking distance of my apartment and boasted a lovely garden, their new digs are updated, larger, and have better service.

I have always loved their food but their service wasn't just lacking before, it was terrible. Many people I know would avoid eating there at all costs because of their inability to serve an accurate order in any sort of timely manner. Happily, the new restaurant has ironed these wrinkles out and the service is immensely better. The waiters are engaging and charming and I have never had an incorrect order served even though my maiden return voyage included a group of eight with too many sushi rolls to count. They even kept the restaurant open to serve us after we called ahead to let them know we wanted to come but were going to arrive just before closing.

BarBQ Tonight

BarBQ Tonight is one hotspot in Westlands everyone should try out; they boast BBQ, Afghan, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines and can be found on the Mezzanine Floor of The Mall across from Haandi. Haandi is apparently already feeling the pain of having some good competition around; on a recent visit waiters stood outside of Haandi trying to entice the flow of BarBQ customers into their own restaurant to no avail. Armed with a reservation, a hankering for BBQ, and the smell of happiness wafting through the doors beckoning us, we kept moving. 

My fellow foodie, The Handsome Hamburglar, as he wishes to be known, dove in to BarBQ's well advertised 1200KSHS buffet while I ordered off the menu. The waitstaff looked at me like I was crazy for not indulging but I am not one for trying to eat my money's worth at a buffet (unless I've got my big girl pants on and am prepared to roll myself out of Fogo Gaucho). I think I chose well, while I was hoping for a pepper steak (the kitchen was out of beef that evening), the chicken steak smothered in cheese was delicious. And the few bites of the buffet I managed to sneak of my companion's plate were delightful. In his words; "the Malai Tikka was luxurious and supple." 

Franco's

So for all of you aid workers out there, as we well know, not all trips to the field are as exciting as the DRC/RoC or as happenin' as Kampala. But not to fear, Hungry Expat has scoped out the dining options at Kakuma Refugee Camp and has found an option both convenient and edible. Granted, it's not the most high class of joints, or even the best Ethiopian food, but it is a great place for a quick breakfast or working lunch at their satellite location on the IOM compound in Kakuma 2 or day drinking at the original in the Ethiopian section of Kakuma 1. 

O'Poeta

So while options were limited in our neck of Kinshasa I was able to venture out a few times to O'Poeta, an Italian restaurant down the street from the hotel. With a constant bead of perspiration over my brow, the cooling patio fans and chill vibe were a nice break from the overpriced VIP airs that our hotel deemed itself worthy. Whether you are going to kick back with a beer and a couple of friends or to have a quiet dinner, O Poeta has the perfect atmosphere for both. 

12-Step Guide to the Perfect Bloody Mary

The Cocktail Contessa strikes again...finally. While the origins of the cocktail might be unclear (the French seem to have taken a decent idea and spiced it up to the greatness it is today) the deliciousness factor is definitely not. Three cheers for the perfect Bloody Mary concoction!

As your Cocktail Contessa, I feel that the time has arrived for me to up my number contributions to the Nairobi Nightlife Guru’s blog from one to two.

Anyone who lives in Nairobi knows it’s nearly impossible to find a decent mixed cocktail beyond your basic gin and tonic – and even those can be questionable. I’m banned from most of my friend’s kitchens for safety reasons – but I’m always the go-to for Bloody Mary’s. DO YOU DOUBT ME? Don’t doubt me.

Without further adieu, I give you the 12-Step Expat Guide to Bloody Mary’s.

Kampala Eateries

Disclaimer: If you're looking for an authentic Ugandan food experience, the restaurants listed here are not it. However, if you're in Kampala for a business trip and looking for some good eats or a fun place to hang then, by all means, read on.

When I headed to Kampala a few months ago for work, I received several recommendations of restaurants to check out. Despite my hectic work schedule, I still managed to chow down at quite a few including: Khana Kazana, one time sister restaurant to the Kigali restaurant of the same name, Lotus Mexican Cantina, Boda Boda, and Mammammia. 

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Between traveling for work and visiting home for the holidays I have been absent from the Nairobi social scene and foodie adventures for a few months.  Now that I am back in town I am ready to eat! 

Did you know that Colonel Sanders did not find his true calling of selling hot, fried chicken to the masses until he was 70?

Desta Ethiopian

Guest blogger, Rachel B, provides Dallas readers with an authentic African dinner option. I guess this obsession with  Ethiopian food runs in the family. I'm loving how Dallas has managed to turn Ethiopian cuisine into something minimalist, modern, and of course, a bit hoity toity (see picture below). Read on for Rachel's take on Dallas' version of African fare. 

Grease Pit

Despite their name, the Grease Pit is one of the better places to eat and hang out when one is trapped in the NGO compound in Dadaab.  Located in CARE's compound many people migrate back and forth between here and the "new Pumzika" next door at UNHCR. 

There's always a good group of people to chat with around and currently the people watching is pretty entertaining as there has been a slew of random celebrities making their way through the "refugee safari." It's not Nairobi but between the sand between your toes and the random conglomeration of seating options, it's usually a fun night. Depending on the cds the bartender decides to bring there's usually some good music (trumping the usual strains of easy listening at the mess hall) and a slab of concrete to dance on.