With the African jazz melodies and soulful sounds of Maia Von Lekow blossoming in the background, my plate of saucy and succulent Spicy Drum Wings arrive just in time to accompany my refreshing cold beer. The airy, bright and spacious daytime ambience of the newly revamped Tamambo Bar and Grill at Village Market has transformed into a warm and intimate lounge, thanks to a few flickering candles and dimmed house lights.
Formerly known as Tamambo Tapas, Tamambo Bar and Grill’s revamped look still preserves the establishment’s familiarity and cosiness that regulars have come to enjoy. The spacious terrace has a larger canopy and the new half-wall glass partitions protect the guests from the swirling winds, which use to be a chilly issue.
As one of the leading hospitality groups in Kenya and the country’s first pioneers in fine dining, anything less than good service at a Tamarind group restaurant is rare. The staff at Tamambo Bar and Grill were welcoming, had some of the largest smiles I’ve seen in Nairobi, and knew the new menu like the back of their hands.
With the closing of Tamambo at The Mall in Westlands earlier in the year, the Village Market location is picking up the slack with the new Tamambo Bar and Grill expanding upon their tapas menu.
For large groups and hardcore meat lovers, starting with the Chapa Kazi Choma Sampler will definitely get your palettes salivating. Served on a three-tiered rack, guests can sample some of the most fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, succulent lamb chops with tikka masala, Tamambo’s whistling wings and some tenderly grilled beef.
A Capital Lifestyle Magazine must-try would be the Roasted Beetroot, Caramelized Oranges and Camembert Salad. If you’re looking for a light lunch with a little bit of indulgence, then this salad is that perfect combination. Naturally sweet glazed beetroot, luscious and buttery Camembert cheese and a light vinaigrette, all on a bed of fresh and crisp greens. Delicious!
Capital Lifestyle ordered the Seared Tuna, which had a crunchy sesame seed crust and was served with a wasabi mash or rice with a soy dip. Depending on your preference, seared tuna is best served medium rare to ensure that the texture of the fish remains silky. Tuna is less fattier than other kinds of fish, so overcooking a tuna loin may result in it being dry or flaky. In this case, the Seared Tuna was more like medium-well, which was on the dry side and lacked in flavour.
Other dishes worth trying include the Madagascar Green Peppercorn Duckling flambéed with Brandy, and the flavourful Moroccan Chicken Tajine.
Despite the change of name and a revamped feel of the Village Market location, Tamambo Bar and Grill continues to be the ideal meeting place for casual get-togethers, and even a quiet intimate dinner. Regular live acts keep Tamambo’s kicking with good vibes during the evenings, and makes an easy excuse for you to go and enjoy an evening of good food and entertainment.
According to Eat Out, at Tamambo Bar and Grill, the average cost is about Sh 1,200 per person. With consistent service and large portions, Capital Lifestyle says its well worth it.
For location details, prices, and how you can book online – make sure you check out Eat Out Kenya! Check it out now! http://www.eatout.co.ke/Tapas-p/tapas.htm
FOODBlog
Moroccan Chicken Tajine
Madagascar Green Peppercorn Duckling
Seared Tuna