Life is punctuated by numerous moments worthy of celebration: births, weddings, graduations, baby showers, date nights and so much more. These occasions serve as reminders of life’s beauty and the importance of coming together to commemorate our milestones. Every day is worth celebrating in its own way.
One occasion that holds particular significance for me is the celebration of friendship. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible friends whom I deeply value and appreciate. Periodically, we gather to catch up on life and celebrate our friendship at a monthly date night. Here, we honor our collective achievements, whether big or small, and share a meal coupled with great conversation and laughter.
For the month of April 2024, my two friends and I settled for Fairmont The Norfolk, a beacon of upscale elegance nestled in the heart of the city. This luxury hotel has an award-winning restaurant, Tatu, renowned for its exquisite seafood, premium meats, and delectable vegetarian fare. What drew us to pick this spot was not just the promise of exceptional cuisine, but also the allure of a distinctive dining concept known as the Chef’s Table. We sought an intimate space with personalized service where we could relax amidst laughter and conversation, most importantly, good food and drink.
The Chef’s table concept offers a private personalized dining experience where the Chef creates a special menu just for you and your guests, showing his/her culinary skills in a more intimate environment. This exclusive, pre-fixed, multi-course meal is usually paired with different wines (red and white), adding to the overall experience.
On this particular day, ours began with an instinct to capture the magic unfolding around us. Gathering in the lobby of Fairmont The Norfolk, we were drawn to the grand piano, its melodies echoing through the opulent space. With the click of our cameras, we took some pics by the grand piano, cherishing the anticipation of the evening ahead.
Crossing the threshold into Tatu, we were greeted by the warm embrace of the evening’s hostess and the attentive staff, their smiles radiating genuine hospitality. It’s moments like these, where genuine warmth meets impeccable service, that sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. As we were ushered to our table, enveloped in the cozy ambiance of the restaurant, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and comfort, knowing that we were in for a memorable culinary experience. This was going to be a night to remember.
We took our seats at the forefront of the restaurant, offering a front-row view of the culinary theater. This vantage position grants one a strategic seat from which to witness the masterful orchestration of flavors, as the chef and the team meticulously craft each dish with precision and passion. After all, Chef’s table is about interacting with the chef.
Before us, was a sleek modern wide mahogany table, adorned with an arrangement that could only be described as enticing, worthy of gracing the pages of Instagram. The place settings, meticulously arranged for the three of us, hinted at the culinary journey that lay ahead – a feast for the senses that promised both visual delight and gastronomic satisfaction. As we settled into our seats, our excitement heightened, eager to embark on an evening filled with promise to tantalize not only our taste buds but also our imaginations.
Our evening commenced with a formal introduction of the team, led by the Chef Annrose Mureithi and our hostess at Tatu, Joy Esther setting the stage for a delightful evening. Guiding us through the intricacies of the menu, Ms Mureithi unveiled an array of dishes, each thoughtfully crafted to showcase unique flavors and ingredients.
Paired seamlessly with the menu were carefully selected wines, curated to enhance the flavors of each dish and elevate our dining experience to new heights. Every detail was meticulously tailored to our preferences, encouraging us to savor each moment and savor the artistry of the craft. Here you get to understand the story behind each dish served.
The menu was as follows:
Amuse Bouche. Deconstructed Prawns Avocado Citrus Avocado Ceviche, Grilled King Prawn
1st Starter: Tomato Tartare (Roasted Organic Tomato, Parsley, Capers, pickles, Mustard, Aji Amarillo, Avocado Mousse)
2nd Starter: Lobster Ceviche (Lobster, coconut milk, Tiger Milk, Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Coriander Oil)
Mussels: Paprika, white wine, Garlic, tomato, Saffron
Intermezzo. Bubbling Lemon Sorbet
Entrée. Rack of Lamb Mango chutney, quinoa & sautéed vegetables
Main course. Tatu Signature Tomahawk steak. Chimichurri, Avocado Salad, Creamy Ugali
Sweet Ending. Tiramisu Coffee custard, chocolate Cup, Lady Finger Biscuits
The meals that truly stood out for me, were the following:
- Lobster Ceviche: This dish was remarkably sweet, almost reminiscent of honey. The combination of tender lobster, creamy coconut milk, and vibrant Tiger Milk, along with the crunch of bell peppers and red onion, created a symphony of flavors. The fragrant touch of coriander oil elevated the dish, resulting in a refreshing and sophisticated starter. This was an absolute favorite of mine.
- Mussels: As someone trying mussels for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised. The mussels were tender and succulent, immersed in a rich broth infused with paprika, white wine, garlic, tomato, and saffron. Each spoonful was a revelation, with the aroma alone tantalizing my taste buds and the flavors dancing on my palate. I remember asking my friends in the beginning if I should really try it or skip it, but I am glad they convinced me to try it.
- Rack of Lamb: Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the rack of lamb was accompanied by a generous dollop of mango chutney, adding a subtle sweetness and tanginess to each bite. You can never not like lamb, can you?
- Tatu Signature Tomahawk Steak: The highlight of the evening, this colossal cut of beef was juicy, tender, and grilled to perfection. Served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce, it offered a burst of freshness and herbaceousness with every bite. God bless whoever discovered steak. Absolutely finger-licking delicious.
I wasn’t particularly keen on the creamy ugali though. Personally, I prefer my ‘sembe‘ to be as ‘traditional’ as possible. However, besides that minor preference, the Chef and her team truly outdid themselves.
I would definitely recommend this dining experience. Whether it’s a romantic date night, a milestone birthday celebration, or a joyous engagement soirée, this bespoke dining experience offers a level of intimacy and attention to detail that transcends the ordinary.
As I look back on the evening, I am filled with gratitude for the memories created and the moments shared with cherished friends. Without a doubt, this was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time, a testament to the impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and the undeniable magic of the Chef’s Table.
Special thanks to Maureen Okore- Cluster Marketing and Communications Manager, Fairmont Norfolk and her team, for smoothly facilitating everything.
(The Chef’s Table at Tatu offers an intimate dining experience for parties of up to four individuals. Due to the personalized nature of this culinary journey, reservations are mandatory and can only be secured in person or via telephone. For reservations, get in touch via Tel +254 (0) 20 2265000 norfolk.reservations@fairmont.com )
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