For over 1,700 years, Christmas has been celebrated with heartfelt traditions and joy. The earliest recorded observance of Christmas as a Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ dates back to 336 AD in Rome, during the reign of Emperor Constantine, weaving a rich tapestry of history and celebration that continues to this day.

On Christmas Eve, 24th December 2024, I celebrated the season in the most extraordinary way at EZO, one of Nairobi’s leading fine dining destinations. Their festive offering, “Taste the World with EZO,” is not just a meal—it’s an invitation to experience flavors from across the globe, beautifully crafted into an exclusive eight-course set by the talented Chef Evgeny Vikentev. Yap, 8 course meal.

To prepare this culinary masterpiece, Chef Vikentev embarked on a journey around the world, sourcing only the finest ingredients. He began in Russia, selecting three exquisite types of caviar, then traveled to Japan for premium wagyu, delicate tuna flakes, and the vibrant essence of yuzu. In France, he indulged in a glass of Pinot Noir and picked up velvety foie gras before heading to Sri Lanka to catch wild tuna. His journey concluded in the vineyards of South Africa, where he sourced exceptional wine to complement the dishes. With his treasures in tow, Chef Vikentev arrived in Nairobi, ready to present this globally inspired feast at EZO. Isn’t that just Mind blowing?

The thought of such a lavish culinary journey already had me buzzing with excitement. I couldn’t wait to see, taste, and experience it all for myself. So, on Christmas Eve, I slid into my favorite floral suit—its bright, vibrant colors matching the sunny, festive day—and set off to EZO for a solo date with indulgence.

The soft hum of holiday tunes, paired with the warm glow of fairy lights, set a magical ambiance. Daniel, my gracious server, welcomed me with the drink’s menu. I chose a bottle of Simonsig from South Africa—a white wine to begin my journey. With the first pour shimmering in my glass, I was ready to embark on this culinary odyssey.

Each dish was a chapter in an extraordinary story, explained with care by Chef Evgeny himself.

The journey began with Gunkan, a delicate pairing of prawns and shimeji mushrooms. Served in an ivory box with bamboo accents, its presentation was stunning. Light and brimming with umami, it was a perfect opening act.

Next was a vibrant tuna dish dressed in koji sauce, yuzu cucumber, and dashi-washed red caviar. The silky tuna, paired with the citrusy brightness of yuzu and the salty pop of caviar, was an unforgettable delight—fresh, flavorful, and exquisite.

The third course brought pure decadence: grilled wagyu beef with miso sauce, shiitake mushrooms, and foie gras terrine. Each bite was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, a highlight of the meal. The miso sauce and mushrooms elevated the dish, making it my personal favorite—though I secretly wished for larger portions!

The Chawanmushi followed—silky custard topped with black sturgeon caviar. While not my favorite (I’m not a fan of eggy textures), it showcased simplicity and sophistication.

Then, I was treated to smoked perch and foie gras dumplings in a white mushroom broth, garnished with sour cream. A hearty yet refined dish, it wrapped me in warmth and flavor. An absolute favorite meal.

The sixth course featured salmon glazed with seasonal mango sauce, paired with velvety parsnip purée infused with yuzu. As Kenya celebrates its mango season, this tropical touch was perfect, complementing the richness of the fish.

As the meal neared its end, young lamb in Kenyan coffee sauce arrived, accompanied by celery root and Japanese mushrooms. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms and the subtle bitterness of the coffee sauce celebrated Kenyan ingredients in an intriguing way. Chef Evgeny, a fan of Kenyan lamb, highlighted its quality with pride.

Finally, dessert: a warm apple pie served with spiced red wine sauce and salted caramel ice cream. The buttery crust, festive spices, and velvety ice cream brought the meal to a sweet and satisfying close.

Daniel’s impeccable service ensured every course was seamlessly presented, with fresh cutlery and attentive care. Chef Evgeny’s time, passion and knowledge shone through, as he personally explained each dish, enriching the experience.

This eight-course feast wasn’t just food—it was a celebration of Christmas, creativity, and connection. Every dish told a story, and every bite was a journey across the globe. Chef Evgeny’s artistry and passion, paired with EZO’s warm, festive ambiance, made this an unforgettable holiday experience.

For those looking to share this joy with loved ones, EZO has also introduced a thoughtful gift package this season. Featuring a Japanese culinary set complete with authentic flavors and carefully curated items, it’s the perfect way to give the gift of gourmet indulgence.

Whether you’re dining in or gifting, Taste the World with EZO is a celebration of the season like no other. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your holidays truly exceptional.

Travel the World with EZO! (https://ezorest.ke )
Price (8 course meal): 15,000 Ksh
Reservation: +254 11 3333 777 / DM EZO on Instagram