Chef Andrea Hechler, Moniko’s Garden Restaurant and Bistro

Moniko’s is a vibrant edition to the quiet Lavington area. Its restaurant gallery has an ambience defined by a calf-white ceiling, colossal lampshades and classical and contemporary farm pictures. Chef Andrea Hechler’s passion for cooking began years ago and she has spent five of them perfecting her skills at Moniko’s. The bistro’s endeavour to serve healthy, fresh and organic foods is reflected in their menu with their Spicy Calamari and Salmon Nicoise salads as special standouts.

How do you prepare yummy Italian Turkey?
[It’s a combination of] wellroasted turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, green olives and sauce served with salad in a baguette. If you already have roasted turkey, the entire process can take you five minutes but I can fix that in just two minutes.

What’s the strangest meal you ever took?
Crocodile meat! I ate that at Nairobi’s Carnivore. It tasted like something between fish and chicken, which was quite awkward.

What secrets do chefs keep from other people?
I am a very open person who doesn’t keep secrets. The only thing that comes close to a secret is my touch—I just can’t explain it to
another person [in relation] to preparing a meal.

Where and how do you celebrate your birthday?
Usually I go clubbing and karaoke. And it always has to be a spot near my house.

Do you go on holiday? Where do you go to?
If I want to party wild and hard then Diani at the coast is my preference. On occasions when I need a quiet time, I head to my brother’s
ranch in Nanyuki. There are wild animals like the black leopard. It’s a really nice and quiet place.

Who’s your best chef from Kenya or internationally?
I will vouch for Chef Ronnie Gardener from the Caribbean islands. I loved his flavours and spices especially when he did the curry goat.

If placed on death row, what would be your last meal?
Why would I be placed on death row? Unless it was for slaughtering a goat and making a meal out of it. Anyway, I love my lobster served with pink butter sauce. Nothing more than that. Moniko’s Restaurant is located at Valley Arcade Shopping Centre.

For bookings call: +254(0)737 032 064+254(0)737 032 064 or visit www.monikosrestaurants.com

By Mark Namaswa.