He’s been in the hotel industry for more than ten years now. At Blancos, he heads three other chefs and a steward. Kifua rojo (chicken breast cooked in coconut, cheese and tomatoes) and Mataya ya kiti moto (grilled pork chops cooked in sauce) are just a few selections from the endless list of meals to savour. (The latter actually left me licking my fingers.)

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
I’ve eaten a lot! But at the top was cat meat—unbeknownst to me! I used to work for an organization that liked rabbit meat. But unfortunately, the supplier was providing us with cat meat instead. After the second delivery, I noted the difference in taste and when we cornered [him], he confessed.

Where do you celebrate your birthday?
I am at work most times. So when I find time to celebrate, I let my wife (also a good cook) make dinner. And then we invite a few friends over.

What do you cook when no one’s looking?
Pasta and some heavy tomato sauce. I worked. in an Italian restaurant and my first encounter with pasta was pleasant. I really enjoy cooking and eating it.

What are you famous for?
At Blancos, we fuse African dishes with a modern Western twist, and our customers love it! Among various dishes, we make stir fried matumbo, chicken and lamb casserole, mukimo and vegetable curry. I’m personally known for Mboga Swahili, a tasty vegetable dish comprised of coconut, carrots, red pepper and dressing, among other ingredients. I have had it at a different restaurant, but it didn’t match up to the one we make here.

What makes up a good, healthy African dish?
There’s no limit to this. All you have to do is watch the calories/fats in various foods. Most of our specials are quite healthy. We have Muthokoi (a traditional Kamba dish made from maize, cassava and vegetables), Kishumba (traditional Taita meal made out of bananas and beans), or steamed fish served with brown Ugali.

If you were on Death Row, what would be your last meal?
Why would I be on death row? (Laughs out loud.) Anyway, I would ask for chocolate Mseto (cooking chocolate mixed in various spices) dessert and a cup of black coffee. It tastes so good, I wouldn’t mind if that was my last memory.

Blancos Lounge & Grill is located at Timau Plaza off Argwings Kodhek Road.