At home with trout

All my years of living I have never patronised an eatery as visibly fishy as Nanyuki’s aptly named Trout Tree Restaurant (TTR), starting right by the road where a massive trout skeleton hangs above the signboard.

This establishment is built into a massive mugumo (fig) tree which looms above large circular trout ponds and the Burguret River. Entry into this enchanting tree house held together only by rope and logs is through a shaky footbridge and a dicey ascent up a

staircase that looks like it could give way if you sneezed twice. All this is central to the overall charm of TTR .

The menu has more variations of trout than I imagined possible, ranging from cold or hot smoked trout to fillet, grilled trout, tandoori trout, trout curry and even a pâté.

For those whose palates reject piscine treats, there are some beef and vegetarian options (a travesty if you ask me). Naturally, I went for the whole grilled trout and in the spirit of my weight management plan, declined the bread rolls which smelled absolutely divine.

Char-grilled by the fire gods themselves, the trout had both sublime flavour and texture. A masterful combination of smoky and a burst of herb essences had me making my signature happy tongue moans.

The meat was so soft, it was as if it melted once in the mouth and the skin, while torn in some places, perhaps from adhering to the grill, had a lovely crunch.

Juicy lemon bits were stuffed in the cavity neutralising what can sometimes be an overpowering pungency from the fish. My trout was served with garlic butter sauce (which is among my top five best condiments), chips, spinach and a skewer of grilled vegetable bits, all which I loved.

I must admit that my original motivation for going to TTR was so I did not appear a rebel considering all my friends at home and abroad would not stop harping about it. Now, I have become one of those who just won’t stop singing TTR’s praises.

The staff is incredibly friendly and efficient although my order took a while before materialising. Ambiance and atmosphere are just right though the rustic element in some places begins to look a little like dereliction.

One of the quirks at TTR which thoroughly impressed me is that they chill beers in crates sank in the adjacent river, a most endearing practice if ever there was one.

Pricing is fair and it helps that the trout farm is filled with different bird species and monkeys making for the perfect outdoor vibe. I could spend hours on end sitting on the deck with a book and a steady supply of river-chilled Tusker. A true delight.

Trout Tree Restaurant,

Kiganjo-Nanyuki Rd,

Nanyuki.