Mediterraneo at the Junction Nairobi

After a saturday morning and early afternoon at the Nairobi national park, it was time to fuel up with some food. Leaving Langata I had two choices, I could head down to Sierra on mombasa road or Mediterraneo at the Junction. I Decided to head to Mediterraneo because I had not been there since early 2006. Plus I was really curious to see how the food there had evolved and also because every time I was at the junction Mediterraneo always seemed packed. So the masses must have been on to a good thing.

I arrived at Mediterraneo and was sitted promptly, received the menus & the waitperson took drink orders. Two food menus were presented, one for the specials and the other being the regular menu. The regular menu was large in fact I think too large, to put it in numbers 4 soups, 7 salads, 15 starters, 20 pastas, 20 mains, 20 pizzas & 14 desserts. The brigade working the kitchen really have their work cut out for them. Some of you may think choice is good, but in my none-expert opinion too much choice chokes me(you). The specials menu at Mediterraneo changes every month, in my none-expert opinion they should ditch the regular menu & stick to the specials menu, if only just to make it easier for me(you) to choose.

Drinks were served along with a selection of bread, that came with extra virgin olive oil & balsamic vinegar. The bread selection was great, the basket had white bread, whole meal bread, focaccia & bread sticks. The focaccia was amazing, the baker must love his olive oil, the focaccia was really rich & tender. I learnt from the waitperson, the focaccia is baked at the restaurant while the rest of the bread was from Nakumatt next door.

First up was a starter from the specials menu. Nuggets of Brie & Camembert with Cranberry Sauce. The sesame crusted nuggets were filled lovely molten cheese. The cranberry sauce paired well with the cheese. A great way to start the meal.

Next up from the specials menu too. Roast Duck Breast, Braised Red Cabbage and Mango Cinnamon & Grappa Sauce. This was a really easy choice for me, I had not had duck in 4 months plus the combination of duck, red cabbage & a fruity wine sauce seemed like a winner. It was not, this dish was not executed well. It was rushed, the bay leaf left on the plate was a clue to this.

From the regular menu. Veal escalopes with mushroom & mint. This was alright. The veal & the mushrooms worked well together, the little pastry cup with the veggies was cute.

The chef here loves to use fresh herbs as garnish, I was really tempted to grab a napkin to wrap and take home the fresh herbs. Why waste good rosemary, lemon thyme & tarragon. I should have asked the waitperson where they source their lemon thyme, my local veggie shop & supermarket only have the regular one.

Despite the duck I still think I’ll head back to Mediterraneo to try their porcini/cepe risotto & for more of the amazing focaccia. Also have to say the service at Mediterraneo was great & quite attentive. The waitperson at my table was a great bloke.