Lovely location, lame service
Java on Kimathi Street offers a view of the Nairobi city lights from the terrace. Kenyan coffee farmers are expected to fetch better prices this year as Brazil, which is one of the major suppliers, grapples with biting drought. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- It is understandable that any new establishment undergoes some teething pains, but ours was a disappointing introduction to Java Kimathi Street.
- A manager stood by the counter and several waiters and waitresses bustled about. Judging by the fact that this establishment just opened recently, it appears that a number of them were perhaps still undergoing training.
This new branch has a nice view and good ambience but the service made for a disappointing first time.
I saw a fantastic photograph taken at the new Java on Kimathi Street by an upcoming Instagrammer called Jaydablu.
It was a view of the Nairobi city lights from the terrace. I made a mental note to check out this new branch of what has become a household name -- Java Coffee House.
My colleague and I popped in one Friday afternoon just after 2pm. The restaurant occupies two floors and everything is brand new. I especially adore the luscious larger-than-life paintings by Jimnah Kimani.
Bright kaleidoscopic individuals with big round eyes stared at diners from these illustrations. We found ourselves a table and after we admired the surroundings, a waitress gave us a menu and took our drinks order.
ICE - COLD PIE
She did not take long to bring us our iced tea and lemon ginger drink.
My colleague was famished but eager to return to her duties so she ordered something quick -- a chicken pie. At this point I dashed to the office across the road and returned after about half an hour.
The waitress had still not brought the chicken pie. My colleague was too irritated to get up and walk to the counter by this point, but we could not help but wonder about the delay.
Around us there were several patrons dining, but the restaurant was by no means full.
A manager stood by the counter and several waiters and waitresses bustled about. Judging by the fact that this establishment just opened recently, it appears that a number of them were perhaps still undergoing training.
Eventually the waitress sheepishly arrived, with the chicken pie. She apologised for the delay but did not proffer an explanation.
We thanked her and politely mentioned that we were surprised by the delay. Perhaps the chefs had just baked it. “Did they have to make it from scratch?” we asked. She nodded sheepishly and smiled then left.
On tasting the pie, my colleague realised that it was ice cold. It had come out of the fridge, not the oven! The waitress had clearly forgotten about the order.
She evidently rushed to bring it almost 45 minutes later, forgetting to warm it in the microwave.
TEETHING PROBLEMS
Witnessing this type of delay, I decided not to order any food. I finished my drink and we paid the bill.
It is understandable that any new establishment undergoes some teething pains, but ours was a disappointing introduction to Java Kimathi Street.
Another minus was the bathroom -- unfortunately on that afternoon it was not exactly pristine.
Still, Java is a household name and a well-loved food chain. Doubtless, they will improve with time.
On the plus side, Jaydabliu’s camera did not lie -- this Java has an amazing view and a good ambiance.
