Nairobi Lowdown

The Hustle: Revisited

This was already covered by a comment to my original Hustle posting.  But,  I thought that the review by Campus Vybe warranted it's own posting.  Great review and photos.  I wish I could have been there.

Upcoming Art: Art Camp for Kids

Looking for something to keep the kids busy during the summer break and expand their mind at the same time?  Check out the art camp run by the Nairobi Art Centre in Lavington.  Not sure of the exact dates other than it will be held in July.  Call 0727-415678 and ask for Alex

Upcoming Art: The Hustle at the British Council

"The Hustle" is to be held at the British Council on Upper Hill Road this Sat. June 17 from  9AM to 3PM.  What is it?  WaPI (Words and Pictures) a platform for visual and verbal artists from the underground.  Do we have budding graffiti artists in NBO?  You'll have to go and find out!  Looks good.  Entry is free.

Art: The Bush out of Glass Box

I'm a bit late on this one, but it is running through the 10th.  So, if you haven't seen it and have the time tomorrow, by all means go.  It's great, man the colors alone will make you happy.  It is located at the Sikiliza nightclub, Village Market, Gigiri.  The show features the glass blowing artistry of Peterson Kamwathi, Anselm Croze, Varol OzkoCak, Simon Munyua, Sony Smith, Arnout Visser, Nani Croze, Mary Collis, and Benny Casagrande. 

Upcoming Art: Amy Sandys-Lumsdaine

Talisman Restaurant (320 Ngong Road, Karen) will be hosting an art exhibition by Amy Sandys-Lumsdaine from the 15th to the 30th of June.  Opening night festivities start at 6PM. From the ad it seems to be more of a wildlife oriented exhibition. We'll see....

Art: Omo Odyssey

The opening of the “Omo Odyssey” photo art exhibition by Hilary Hunt at the Talisman restaurant in Karen was tonight. It will run from May 7 to May 28.  I assume the photos were taken in the Omo River area of Lake Turkana.  I enjoyed the photo of the naked guy jumping over the cow.  If you are going especially to see the exhibition, I would suggest going on a slow night.  The photos are scattered throughout the dining area.  I mean, you could see them all, but you might feel like an ass, looking over other diners table to see the photos behind them.  The art exhibtions are a great come on to get people in the restaurant, but leave a bit to be desired when it comes to actually viewing.

Talisman is A1 for ambiance.  Great art, antiques, warm colors, and plenty of pillows.  Secluded corners abound.  Bose sound system provides relaxing jazz music.

Service was reasonable.  I was served the appetizer right away (Coriander and Feta Samosas were perfectly awesome 450 KS).  The main dish (excellent Tofu Stir Fry 800 KS) came in about 25 minutes.  All good with company, but felt a bit long by myself.  I ended with a couple of cups of good coffee (150 KS).  I wasn’t asked during the meal how “things” were.  I appreciate it when the waiter does that.  Also, my total came to 1400 KS, I paid 1500 KS.  After paying I wandered over to the lounge.  I would have thought my waiter would bring the change, but he assumed that it was a tip as I had left my table.  I don’t like that. 

Check out this blog for another take on the Talisman - interesting comment on glitzy handbags and "blow".

 

Will probably only go once in a while due to the pricing, but its well worth it. The Talisman is located on the right side of the Ngong Road at the top of the hill after the Karen round-about. Open Tuesday through Sunday.  Contacts: 020-883213/4 or cell 0733-761449

Upcoming at the Talisman: A painting exhibition by Eritrean Fitsum Berhe Woldelibanos will run from 26 May to 16 June