Chebet Korir @ChebetKorir

Just over an hour’s drive from Nairobi in Karen, along Muteero Ridge, I recently discovered a hidden gem.

Actually, it was upon a colleague’s request that I visit the establishment and it was the best decision I ever made. 

I tagged along my photographer, sister, and daughter so we could try out different meals and made our way to The Elegant Garden Hotel. 

On arrival, a quiet and serene environment, birds chirping, dominant earthy smell that gives you that relaxed and homely feeling met us. 

 The hotel bungalow used to be a residential house, we are told, which has now been converted into a luxurious hotel, a new emerging trend. 

On the left as you enter the restaurant, you are welcomed by stare cases that direct you to the rooms, which I will talk about later.

The overall feeling is upbeat, whilst still being comfortable and casual.  

We loved the beautiful outdoor setup of the restaurant, well-manicured lawns, and gazebo as we shaded ourselves from the intense sun out on the gorgeous terrace.

I couldn’t wait to dig into the main deal of the day, but not before I ordered a cosmopolitan (a cocktail made of vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice), which was quite ideal.  

Broad menu

My sister on the other hand went for the lemonade, which had all the bite and bitterness that she had hoped for.  

The chief chef Godwin Felix Oliech was kind enough to take us through the menu, which is broad, including a section for breakfast, lunch and dinner, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, Mexican cuisine, Asian and Coastal fusion, and main entrees that consist of beef, chicken, fish, and pork.

I was torn on what to choose, and  Godwin suggested the Mexican cuisine, Quesadilla, consisting of marinated chicken, grilled onions, and mozzarella cheese in two pair tortillas and served with sour cream, guacamole, and fries. 

The chicken was relatively spicy and the best part was the cheese that melted in my mouth.

The fries, on the other hand, were not my favourite, but they blended in well with the guacamole. 

My sister went for the pork spare ribs with fries on the side. You can never go wrong with pork ribs and I was impressed. It was tender, and well glazed.

Delving in, I regretted not ordering the chops, but I would recommend it anytime.  

John, our photographer had the macaroni with prawns. Well, I had a taste of it, and it had the most intense and rich taste, especially the perfectly cooked macaroni, which had a lot of cheese.

A real warming dish that I hope continues to grace the menu.

Pocket friendly

I already had enough, but if you still got room, we had a choice of finishing our meal with the Affogato, an an Italian coffee-based dessert.

It usually takes the form of a scoop of Fior di latte or vanilla gelato or ice cream topped or “drowned” with a shot of hot espresso. 

You also won’t have to dig deep in your pocket, as prices at the hotel are quite friendly. 

After the memorable meal, we had another chance for a chat with the directors of the establishment Beldine Kirito and Emanuel Okuna who are greatly defining the word ‘power couple’.

They are passionate about their work and outgoing. “We have a lovely team who have helped us get where we are today,” says an elated Beldina.

She then directed us to the rooms and the spa area. The executive room goes for Sh18,000 on full board, deluxe Sh15,500 on full board, and Sh12,500 for the standard room, including a free massage.

Indeed, this was a great experience and for those who are currently into staycations, this is the place to be and you will most definitely thank me later.