Food & Entertainment, Kids Lifestyle, Reviews

Brunching at.. Picazzo

November 20, 2018

Delightful smoke wafted across the open terrace from the grill at the far end. Our appetites were whetted even before we could see what was on the menu. A two-man band serenaded the crowd to relaxing Jazz music. It was half past midday and the restaurant was already filing up, a testimony to the traction that the Sunday Brunch had gained. We were at Picazzo Restaurant & Lounge, a Spanish eatery at The Hub in Karen. Our mission was to sample their newish brunch offering, something that the mister was not keen on. Being a creature of habit, very few things give him a boner and eating at a Spanish Restaurant is not one of them. However, the familiar smell of roasted meat calmed his nerves, and mine too. I knew I would be spared the usual admonishment over why I always go for complicated when we could stick to what we knew worked for sure.

I can’t blame him though for being skeptical as our first experience at Picazzo was underwhelming for him. This was when The Hub was still at its infancy. Like the peculiar Kenyans we are, we were more than happy to join in the snaking vehicle queue at the entrance if only to discover what the newest mall in town offered. By the time we got through the security check and found a parking slot, we were starving. And when I suggested that we check out the Spanish Restaurant upstairs, he was not amused. Luckily, I was armed with my arm twisting skills so the next thing he knew we were seated at the patio, the kids playing with the cutlery, him wondering why he let me have my way (again) and me excited to try Spanish Cuisine.

He grabbed the menu and quickly schemed through it then turned to me.

“What will the kids eat?” He demanded.

“Are you worried about the kids or yourself?” I smiled. “I am sure there’s something for everyone.

It wasn’t that the food was uninspiring, but the Spanish menu was quite foreign to us. We struggled to find familiar meals especially for the kids who were much younger then (one and four years old). I selfishly didn’t mind getting everyone to try out new dishes. After analysing the menu for longer than necessary, I asked for the Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes with a drizzle of mayonnaise), Chicken Croquetas and Chicken Wings, and he ordered for the Beef Fillet. The Bravas were piquantly tasteful, but (obviously) too spicy for the kids. The chicken wings were flavourful but kids being kids, they were not interested in them. The fillet was grilled to perfection but the portion was only enough to feed half a person. Your guess is as good as mine, we had to pass by another restaurant on our way home, one that would take care of the boring bunch! The mister promptly reminded to keep my culinary adventures to myself.

Lil’missbelle-Picazzo Restaurant

Fast forward to two years later, I was pleasantly surprised at how the restaurant has reinvented its offering to accommodate both the foodies and the abstemious. This particular Sunday had all the promises of a beautiful day right from the onset. At 8.00am, I peered through the window to a sight of shafts of light breaking through the gaps in the clouds. It was going to be a hot day, but a wonderful one nonetheless. I slipped on my white jumpsuits and donned my kids in dresses. The mister rocked a white Superdry polo shirt and blue jeans. Surprisingly, Ngong Road was clear of its typical Sunday traffic and getting to The Hub was easy. We found a parking slot right in front of the mall and walked past the open square then up a flight of stairs and turned left. Picazzo was at the far end of the corridor. A beautiful poster stood at the entrance, detailing the day’s offering.

Picazzo is described as a piece of Madrid in Nairobi, and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant has charming indoor and outdoor seating spaces, with a cocktail of high and low seats and tables meticulously set out on both spaces. The indoor area is colourful with stunning aesthetics, from resplendent wall paintings to hanging lights and bottles of wine painstakingly arranged on some of the walls. It makes for a great space for evening catch up with friends over wine or whisky. Given that it was a sunny afternoon, we walked straight to the terrace to the smell of grilled meat and the soft sound of jazz. A beautiful green lawn sprawled outside, framing an artificial mass of water.

Picazzo Restaurant

Lydia, the manager, gave us a brief tour of the place. We were thrilled to know that they had a kids play area with a minder on one end of the restaurant. It was an enclosed space with numerous toys including bowling pins and balls, puzzles, blocks, colouring and drawing books and stuffed toys.  My kids were in play heaven and were already getting acquainted with the toys as Lydia carried on with her brief. I took advantage of their excitement to remind them that they would only get to play on condition they finished their meals.

Picazzo Restaurant

Picazzo Restaurant

The Brunch selection was sufficient and familiar. There was a live pasta station which was my (and Xia’s) favourite. I watched how creamy chicken pasta is prepared and realised why my weight always piles over the weekends. Nonetheless, it was delectable making the calories worthwhile. Next to the pasta were hot pots with typical English Breakfast components including sauté potatoes and baked beans which I didn’t bother serving. On the opposite side, there was a waffle station that Xena happily led me to.

“Mama, come I show you what I will have.” She tugged at my hand.

“This chef is going to make me a waffle.”

I was surprised with her choice because as far as I was concerned she had never had them before.

“That’s interesting. Have you ever tasted a waffle?”

“Yes, when I went with my daddy to Mombasa.”

I wondered what else I didn’t know about her.

Her waffle was glazed with honey and chocolate syrup and for a minute I wished I was six years old with not a worry over expanding waistlines and hips. She was done so fast it felt like she inhaled the waffle. Then she dug into Xia’s pasta.

Picazzo Restaurant

The mister helped himself to some beef stir fry which was also freshly done at a live station and proceeded to fill his plate with prawns and beef from the grill.

Once done with their meals, the kids happily scuttled to the play area leaving the mister and I to enjoy bottomless Sangria and Mimosas and some adult conversations. At quarter to three o’clock, our hostess reminded us that brunch would be closing shortly and we should help ourselves to whatever we wanted before then. We had had enough to eat, but the desert was tempting. I rounded up the kids who surprisingly all settled for the passion fruit cheese cake while I had the sweet melons which were so good that everybody dug in and Lydia had to bring us more from the kitchen. Right after they were done, the kids ran back to the playroom.

“So what do you think about the brunch?” I asked the mister while motioning the waitress for a refill of the mimosa.

“I dare say it has stolen my heart. It defines simplicity.”

The foodie in me felt that it could do with more exciting inclusions for the adventurous eaters, something I pointed out to Lydia. However, the kids play area takes the cup. For about two hours, it felt good to be “26” and and on a date.

Picazzo Restaurant

***To win a voucher for two for the Sunday Brunch, drop a comment below explaining why you think you deserve it the most. The winner will be announced on next week’s blog post.

Picazzo Restaurant & Lounge hosts the Sunday Jazz Brunch from 11am to 3pm at a cost of KES 2,200 pps for the brunch and soft drinks and KES 2,900 for the bottomless sangria/mimosa option. Kids under 12 are charged KES 1,000 and those below six get in for free. While we were guests of Picazzo, the review is entirely unbiased. *** 

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Bree
Bree
5 years ago

I love the way the adjectives you use seem to just roll off your tongue, fingers? For me reading your blogs, if not for the message, is just for the words you use. It’s a whole mood! ?

It’s unfortunate that the T&Cs exclude me from these giveaways ?

Ms kiumbe
Ms kiumbe
5 years ago

Giveaway yaayy!! Let me start by saying I looove your blog posts i look forward to reading them every other week?? And this week when i saw this giveaway i got more excited ?? Some time early this year i think in May i read your post with the title “Nothing Lasts Forever” I couldn’t relate more to your sister’s story since i was going through the same Your post encouraged me alot and i was able to found help,now I’m better i must say its a work in progress but I’m doing great Would like to reward myself this… Read more »

Ms Kiumbe
Ms Kiumbe
5 years ago

Giveaway yaayy!! Let me start by saying I looove your blog posts i look forward to reading them every other week?? And this week when i saw this giveaway i got more excited ?? Some time early this year i think in May i read your post with the title “Nothing Lasts Forever” I couldn’t relate more to your sister’s story since i was going through the same Your post encouraged me alot and i was able to found help,now I’m better i must say its a work in progress but I’m doing great Would like to reward myself this… Read more »

Bree
Bree
5 years ago
Reply to  Ms Kiumbe

Hi Ms Kiumbe, this makes me so happy. It’s a good thing I read your comment coz I needed to remember that nothing lasts forever. If not anything else, you and others benefiting from that post is what I’ll take away. (ps: I’m the sister?) Keep shining. Love & light

Ms Kiumbe
Ms Kiumbe
5 years ago
Reply to  Bree

Aaww??
Seeing this now
Thanks alot
Be blessed.

Michelle Njeri
Michelle Njeri
5 years ago

I am planning a suprise birthday brunch for my friend(godmother to my daughter) who has been there for me throughout my pregnancy journey and also now as my daughter is growing up, I was/am still sampling hotels that offer brunch on Sunday’s, now since you’ve mentioned Picazzo, I am head over heels, I would be glad if I win the vouchers for both of us,it will really make her happy,it’s the small things that we do that counts, the kind and generous things mean the most, hope she gets to enjoy her birthday as she turns 30

Lucyann
Lucyann
5 years ago

My sister, 22yrs, in her 6th year of University and my mother, 51, deserve this lunch. See, my mom was widowed 8 years ago and has been there for us ever since. She has been very supportive as i started my young family, seen my sister and bro (kid bro in china for aurenautical engineering) through university… and both will finish school next year. In those 8yrs, she has not once taken herself ‘out’ or chased any nicety. She has put us her kids before herself even when she had nothing to offer. Please help me make the Holiday special… Read more »

Cathy
Cathy
5 years ago

The past one week has been quite hectic for me I’ve had 3 cats and 3 assignments the last one being the one I’m currently working on …I’m a student and you know brunch means breaking bank ..I’d appreciate the brunch giveaway and actually tag a friend of mine who recently has had suicidal thoughts and has been depressed …this would go a long way for the both of us

Barbara
Barbara
5 years ago

I will be finishing my exams this Friday. And there’s no better way to relax than having food infront of you as well as in your stomach. Just need to have a good feel after two weeks of university examinations.

Winnie
Winnie
5 years ago

Hi Dear
This is such a coincidence me and my friend were saving up to go brunch at picazzo
We are not even quarter way the amount since we need 4400
This voucher will be our highlight for the year since we have been wanting to treat ourselves since forever but sadly we haven’t been successful
I hope we get this voucher
Thanks for this opportunity ??

Katu
Katu
5 years ago

Because I just wanna go out of the house! Gave birth to my daughter a month ago and she has me positively under house arrest. I found out how much I longed for the outside when my hubby asked me to go with him to the carwash and I nearly cried with joy! How fast I dragged him out yo! Is no joke. And when they took their sweet time and didn’t even start on it by the time an hour went by I joyously said, let’s go to another carwash! When petrol station hopping becomes a such a joy… Read more »

Priscilla
Priscilla
5 years ago

With 3 kids under the age of 6 , I would give anything for a few hours of peace while enjoying a good meal!

Shiku
Shiku
5 years ago

I am that creature of habit. I go to one restaurant while at the Hub. Now I know where to go next especially because of that play area.

Grace
Grace
5 years ago

I would love to Surprise mum with brunch at Picazzo. The way my pockets are set up?? I never have much to spare after settling my bills etc etc to spoil her as much as I’d want to. So this will not only be an early Christmas gift for her but also an opportunity for a mother and her daughter to bond. Also, none of us has ever tried out anything Spanish so twill be a first. I’ll be sure to check out that kids area for future reference??
Thanks in advance Joy! ??

Muringo
Muringo
5 years ago

I had a whole reason but from the comments on here there are more deserving people.
Good luck guys!

Good job with the reiew Joy.
I enjoy your writing.

martha
martha
5 years ago

I would like to have a meal there to reward myself for a really tough year.I got a baby while in campus and it has been really tough juggling studies and being a first time mom.This would be a great way to thank my baby daddy who has been there all the way and a chance for my hyperactive angel to have fun.Please consider us ?

Jenny
Jenny
5 years ago

There’s a lot of celebration this month, my husband is growing older and wiser? (23rd Nov).
Our 1st born, 2months now, will be dedicated on 24th Nov.
I’d love to treat them with some great food and ambiance at Picazzo. Please give me the vouchers, thank you??

JANE WANJIKU
JANE WANJIKU
5 years ago

Yes

JANE WANJIKU
JANE WANJIKU
5 years ago

The last two years havent been sooo good for me.From loosing a job,relationshp and many other loses.I have been soo depressed lately but i opened an online shop and am glad with the progress.The brunch would really be a nice way for me and my sister to celebrate the milestone.

Shie
Shie
5 years ago

Sunday afternoon at the Hub?but brunch at Picazzo makes it better. Plus I’d like an awesome first time there. And just like that, you’ll have made the day for two youngsters quite exciting .Make it happen?

Lilly Njue
Lilly Njue
5 years ago

I would like to have a meal because going with your review it must be an awesome place and i would like my son to experience the play area.I love reading from you

Faith Wachu
Faith Wachu
5 years ago

Last time I went for brunch was when my little one was 1 she turned 5 in June and this would be perfect for a Sunday date since I lost my job and job hunting has become something else. This would be perfect to take my mind off things and dine somewhere so peaceful plus my baby will get to enjoy the play area. Most Sundays we are home after church since affording some nice lunch is now a task.

Bree
Bree
5 years ago

I have anxiety, the Hubs told me that our folks used to call it bad bones???. But its really anxiety problems. Leaving the house especially as a stay at home mum has become harder in the past two years. I get overwhelmed, I freak out and sometimes I fight it so hard that we end up not leaving for Sunday outings. The Hubs has always been super supportive, and he helps me get through it most of the time.But then again, am sure he doesn’t want to spend his entire lifetime watching movies and eating popcorns all his Sundays! So… Read more »

Shiku
Shiku
5 years ago
Reply to  Bree

This caught my eye. I used to be you. Take one day at a time. After my third baby, I used to find myself flying with her to wherever. I had had enough of the SAHM life while neglecting myself. Go go go, fight those ‘bad bones’.

Bree
Bree
5 years ago
Reply to  Shiku

Thank you so much for the encouragement!!!!

Nelly Wangechi
Nelly Wangechi
5 years ago

Hi Joy, Has Christmas began this early this year ? 🙂 , I should win this because i am adventurous in everything. Even food. I would dare my taste buds to try new palates from the Spanish menu. Plus who wouldn’t live for a random surprise brunch on a Sunday just in time to wrap the memories for the year it has been. Looking forward.. 🙂

JOYCE NYINGI
JOYCE NYINGI
5 years ago

Picazzo restaurant is just the ideal place for my daughter and I. What better way to bond with a toddler other than around food and a perfect ambience.

Cannot wait to try out this restaurant.

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