Chef Du Jour

Wow, 10.30 on a Saturday morning, and there’s already a party in the bar at Talisman. A shaggy group of revelers, who obviously haven’t been to bed for a couple of days, are playing golf in the restaurant. They come from near and far for what have been called the best Bloody Marys in Kenya, “a religious experience”, says executive chef/proprietor Marcus. Roped in by the boys’ high spirits, we are about to indulge ourselves as well.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever eaten?

My girlfriend.

Where do you go to celebrate your birthday?

Thai Star in Valley Arcade. Brilliant Chinese. I recommend the Chili Garlic Prawns, Bok Choy, followed by insane amounts of sake. The service is superb, the sake is warm, the décor is terrible. Christmas decorations throughout the year, always the sign of a good Chinese restaurant.

For a date night, Ngong House for really the same reasons, but also because I can’t get away for too long. Romantic getaway? Malu in Naivasha. Because there’s nothing more romantic than a fire in your room to light the fire in your heart. And the homemade Italian food is really nice, too.

What do you cook when no one’s looking?

Too many noodles.

Who’s the chef you most admire in Kenya?

All chefs hate each other.

What are you famous for?

My twice-cooked pork belly. That’s kept me employed for years.

How do you pick a good fish?

For a whole fish, it’s clear eyes, red gills. If you’re picking out a fillet, as you press it, the flesh should bounce back up. It shouldn’t leave an indent. And it should be just pleasing to the eye.

If you were on Death Row, what would be your last meal?

A bacon sandwich, absolutely, 1000%. I have three favorite bacon sandwiches. The top bacon sandwich is my girlfriend’s mum. She makes the first best sandwich. Soft English Hovis bread, ketchup and crispy bacon. The second one was made by the dishwasher in Cape Cod at Gina’s Restaurant when I was working there. He used smoked Alderwood bacon on a crispy baguette. Then there’s my Mum’s bacon sandwich. She lives in Spain, so it would be a bacon bocadillo. But the fact that her sandwich is in third place has created a massive rift in our family for years. Every time I see my mum, she’s trying to reach Number One.

To drink? Definitely a speckled Hen Ale.

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