A Presidential Visit

His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi, (left) escorted by Sen. Kembi Gitura (centre) is received by the hotel’s Head of Operation Eric Musumba (right) upon his arrival at the hotel. 

He was scheduled for a two day stay. This is the third time he has stayed at the hotel. 

We are grateful to the Embassy of Burundi here in Kenya for the opportunity to host him.

Easter at the Club

Our Easter basket is full of goodies that are 

bound to brighten up your Easter celebrations.

Accommodation Offer
Single Ksh 11,400 
Double: Ksh 14,000

Discounted Massage offers

50% discount on all our massage treatments. Book your session by calling: +254 20 2821000 or 0734251333

Sunday brunch at Ksh 2250 pp and Ksh 1100 for children below 12 Inclusive of swimming, face painting and a bouncing  castle at the poolside. 

                                     The President’s Butler

Loice Wambui  and Albert Gichuki 

waiting for the  arrival of the president of Burundi.

A butler in a hotel is charged with the responsibility of offering specialized elegant service to a guest  considered to be VVIP. 

Albert Gichuki (right) was the butler to 

His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza during this stay. We sat down with to find out more about his role.

1. How long have you been in the hospitality industry?

9 years in the food and beverage  department in particular restaurant service. 

2. What skills do you think are essential in becoming a president’s butler?

One must be confident and well spoken. A lot of the guests you will serve are high profile. You  must be able to attend to communicate well.

Product knowledge as is essential. Know what products and services are offered at the hotel and their availability at a moment’s notice.

One must be dependable, well groomed, handle the unexpected, be committed and be prepared to work long  hours if need be. 

At this point you and only you are the hotel’s liaison as far as the president’s security is          concerned. Do your best to represent the hotel and cater to the president.

3. Any last words?

Yes. Always remember to think as a customer first. It is by anticipating their needs, that way you will be able to provide excellent customer service.

Chef James' Easter Pear and Avocado Salad

Chef James

Since pears and avocados are in season right now. How about a salad recipe using both?

Ingredients

• 2 big pears or 3 small pears diced
• 2 large ripe avocados diced gently
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced onions
• 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• Salt and Paper to taste

Process

• Gently put the diced avocados in a large bowl. Add the 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• Add the diced pears, tomatoes,and onions
• Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste
• Add the honey
• Mix ingredients well in a gentle fashion
• Once done cover with cling film and place in the refrigerator to chill
• The vinegar / lemon juice will ensure the salad retains its colour and freshness.

Tip

• Feel free to experiment with other ingredients such as oranges and red /yellow peppers for more colour.

What other recipes incorporate both ingredients?

5 Tips for Choosing a Hotel Room

1. The View

A great view allows you to experince the character and vibe of the city you are visiting in a way most people including the local population do not get to. If your hotel is not a high raise building like Nairobi Safari Club, you can request the Front Desk Reception to allocate you a room facing their gardens or pool.   

2. Room Service

Even though twenty four hour room service is the norm rather than the exception, not all all hotels adhere to this policy. It is advisable in call ahead to inquire the hours of operation, and whether there is an additional cover charge for the provision of this service.

 

3.Lighting

This is largely depended on the purpose of your travel. Soft lighting is acceptable for vacations while bright lighting is best suited for people who intend to work for long hours in their respective rooms.

 

4. Space

The space of the hotel room can be accurately gauged by the number of stars the hotel has. Ideally the more the stars the bigger the rooms. The advantage of booking larger rooms is that there is usually space to set up an extra bed. This comes in handy if you are travelling with children below the age of 12.

5. Non- Complimentary Items

Image Flickr: Iaj2001

Just because a room comes with complimentary bathroom and /or tea making facilities, it does not mean that other amenities available are complimentary as well. The mini fridge/bar for instance is usually stocked with drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) as well as assorted snacks that are not complimentary. The same goes for some television channels available.

Whether you are a first time or seasoned traveller, never hesitate to ask the Front Desk Reception, or Guest Relations Desk for any assistance or clarification. Remember their job is to ensure that you have a pleasant memorable stay.

The Art of Table Napkin Folding: A Bishop's Hat Technique Tutorial

Napkin folding is an art form that lends sophistication and elegance to formal lunch or dinner parties. The designs can serve as great conversation starters for your guests who are no doubt bound to be impressed. An example of one such design is the Bishop's Hat. Joyce our Safari Restaurant Hostess will take us through the steps involved.

1.Spread the napkin on a smooth surface, wrong side up.

2. Fold the napkin into half away from you

3.Take one corner and fold it towards you, forming a triangle

4. Take the other corner and fold into a triangle away from you

5.Carefully flip the napkin to the other side, and fold it into two

6.The fold should release the corners creating two overlapping triangles.

 7.Lift and flip the napkin to the other side, take your left side and tuck it into the right triangle

 

 

8.Flip the napkin to the other side and repeat the process. This is how it should appear 

9.Balance the napkin upright by widening the base, and you have your Bishop's Hat.

 

 Thanks Joyce!

Tip: One can substitute the cloth napkins with paper and turn it into a fun project for the kids.

Here is a link to more napkin folding techniques.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/28-creative-napkin-folding-techniques-for-every-oc

Chocolate Covered Raisins Day

 

 Did you know that March 24th is chocolate covered raisins day? There must be a special place reserved in heaven for whoever came up with day. In keeping with the celebrations, here is a simple recipe you can try out at home.

Image Flickr: Ian

 Ingredients

 Cooking chocolate 

( white or brown)

1 tablespoon of honey 

wax /tracing paper

Process

Pour the raisins into the bowl and set aside

Break the cooking chocolate into a small saucepan, and melt over hot water simmering on medium heat . Once the chocolate has melted, pour it into the bowl with raisins

Add the honey

Mix gently until all the raisins are coated with the chocolate

Spread the chocolate covered raisins on the wax / tracing paper

Set to cool in the refrigerator on a tray for a minimum of one hour

And you are done.

Image Flickr: Oliver Rue

Let us know how it went

Happy chocolate covered raisins day!

A guide to meat cuts

Francis Koitee Nairobi Safari Club Head Butcher

If you have had a non vegetarian meal at the Safari Restaurant or any other restaurant in the city, chances are that you may have been tempted to duplicate it at home. 


Our head butcher Francis Koitee  will take you through the first step, which is identifying the basic meat cuts.

Red Meats

 

 Beef Burger

 This is made from minced beef. Select the side of beef you prefer, and ask the butcher to mince it for you.

Beef Medallion

Also known as filet ( meaning thick slice) mignon (meaning dainty). It is cut  in a circular fashion, from the small end of the beef tenderloin section.

 

Lamb Chops

The are cut perpendicularly to the spine of the lamb, with a bone protruding at the end.

 

 

 

 

White Meats

 

 

Pork Chops

Like the lamb chops,they are also cut perpendicularly to the spine of the pig, and have a protruding bone at the end.

Boneless Chicken

This is chicken breast that has been deboned.

Chicken fillets / nuggets

Derived from boneless chicken breast. The fillets can be made by either the butcher, or at home.

Whole Tilapia

This is the average size of one  deboned tilapia, suitable for one.

Fish Fillets

This is made from deboned tilapia. Sizes may vary depending on the size of the fish. 

What table set up suits what?

There are four basic types of set ups Nairobi Safari Club uses for conferences/functions. Here is a guideline.

1. U shape style set up 

This is a set up most suited to functions that involve presentations that require audio visual equipment such as screens and projectors. It allows for both the presenter and participants to interact easily. 

2. Round table style set up 

Round table set ups are more suited to social occasions such as wedding receptions and special luncheon or dinner functions.  One table can accommodate a maximum of eight people comfortably. The meals can be served either in buffet or set menu style.

      3. Classroom style set up

This style is best for trainings that require quite a bit note taking. It is quite formal and appropriate if the conference has long sessions. Unfortunately it limits participant interaction.

4. Theater style set up 

It maximizes on the seating capacity of a room where a large number of people are expected. The sessions should be brief to avoid the participants getting restless. One instance where this set up can be used is in a press briefing.