The neighborhood gem.

I got lost twice in my own neighborhood looking for the Kcabin Lounge. They have a sign post at the main turning but after that, you're on your own. I later realize that this puzzle works to amplify your expectations and after two wrong turns, I finally arrive at this massive gate. As soon as the gate opens, my mind goes on holiday. I could have sworn I had left Meru.

As we walk in, I can't help but think this must be the magic that happens when investment meets taste. The entire place is made of wood wrapped in elegant stone pieces draped in greenery. It's both rustic and chic. A difficult combination to achieve. The wooden structures all seem to have 'grown' together with the plants. They interact seamlessly.  It feels like the ultimate holiday home. The kind of place that cloud nine comes to relax. Thats no hyperbole. That place, is this place.

What really amazes me about Kcabin Lounge is the level of detail that has gone into creating this rustic beauty. Every single piece seems to be indispensable to the final look. Every plant seems to have stopped growing just at the right moment. It's flawless.

Then everyone here is smiling. From the guy who effortlessly opened the massive gate, to the lady who led us in, they all smile. They smile yao yote.

I meet the Doctor with the K, the proprietor, a well traveled man with fine taste and the patience to make this happen. He comes off like an individual who went all out and decided to build himself the ultimate chill zone. A chill sanctuary. I wonder how long it took him to achieve this. I ask him. 'I have been building this place for three years before we opened. All the plants were mature by the time we opened', he says gazing at the plants. Maybe he sees every day gone by in each leaf. May be not.

We were famished so we went for the meat platter. To be honest, that meat platter deserves its own article. It deserves to shine alone. Not here competing with decor and ambiance.

By the way, beers cost 350bob each so please throw it into your budget before you throw the rounds or they will throw you out.

And don't think you can just come fuuuaaaa and ask for prime rib and get it. You have to call first. This is because the place serves only 30 at full house and prides itself in the freshness of the food plus they currently don't have a crystal ball to know you're coming. 'So please call first', insists Daktari. Making reservations is however quite a challenge in my community because we firmly believe all businesses should expect our money any day, any time. Without notice. 

I ask him if he plans to offer accommodation. 'We have space for that in the main cabin but I also want to build more log cabins for accommodation. But for that, I might as well rob a bank', he says with a hearty laugh that only just masks his determination to do just that. No pressure to expand. It has to be perfect.

Most businesses would shout to high heavens to bring in the numbers. Not this business. This business is trying to create a niche for itself. You won't find university shisha masters here neither will you find a night when demakufu is playing. You'll get the chilled out crowd - doubt it will literally be a crowd, beautiful ambience and hearty meals. A Neighborhood gem quietly waiting to be discovered.

Next time your travels take you to Meru, experience the Kcabin Lounge, you won't be disappointed.

(Call +254 707 555 782 for directions and reservations)

Enjoy your day