Wine 5 Cafe offers surprising Kenyan cuisine
The Wine 5 Cafe, 3250 N. Tenaya Way, is one of the few restaurants in the country - and the only one in Las Vegas - that offers patrons a taste of Kenya.
"Kenyan food is a straightforward balance of natural flavors that we bring to our menu," says Michael Njoroge, who owns the restaurant with Tino Garcia.
For example, tilapia, a staple of the Kenyan diet that is popular in North America, is prepared fried with caramelized lemon butter and Kenyan seasonings.
Njoroge and Garcia opened their restaurant in March 2011 with the intent of fusing Njoroge's native Kenyan cuisine - rich in healthful vegetables and herbs - with American favorites such as burgers. The salad selection offers different takes on familiar dishes.
Entrees are priced at less than $20 as an added enticement. Moderately priced wines from around the world are available by the glass or bottle. There is also a selection of imported and domestic beer.
As they discussed what to call the new restaurant, Njoroge and Garcia realized they each have five children and, in addition, Garcia has five grandchildren and was celebrating his 55th wedding anniversary at the time.
"Five just seemed to be a natural number for us," he says.
The 72-seat restaurant is done in a casual, uncluttered cafe style with vintage portraits painted in oil on one wall.
The Wine 5 Cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are not necessary, but are recommended on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings when there is live local music.
Appetizers: fried Southwest egg rolls, spinach tortillas stuffed with black beans, corn, pico de gallo and blended cheese spices ($7.95), Drunken Frito Misto (for two), beef tacos, chicken tacos, fried shrimp, fried Southwest egg rolls and spicy chicken wings ($17.95)
Soup and salads: Nairobi soup, beans, corn, cabbage and potatoes in vegetable broth ($4.25), stuffed romaine Caesar, haystacks of wild beets, carrots, jicama and chopped endive in heart of romaine topped with smoked chipotle Caesar dressing ($8.75), iceberg lettuce cups filled with roasted sweet potatoes, peanut chicken, Southwest corn, beans, shrimp and tomato basil ($8.75)
Sandwiches: large selection of burgers and toppings, served on an egg brioche, ranging from a basic burger with lettuce and tomato to a red wine and spiced braised burger ($7.95 to $8.95); Mr. and Mrs. Ruben, with a choice of salmon, beef or tuna served with fresh sauerkraut and "1001 Island Dressing" on a light marble rye ($9.95); egg BLT, the traditional sandwich with a fried egg added and served on grilled wheat bread ($7.50); Nairobi hoagie, battered and fried tilapia fillet, served in a hoagie with lettuce, tomatoes and basil remoulade ($7.95)
Entrees: tilapia with caramelized lemon butter and Kenyan seasonings ($13.95); Nairobi pork chops with red onions and Kenyan royco gravy ($13.95), Nayama and Ugali, braised beef and white polenta, served with spinach stew and sweet potato logs ($18.75)
Desserts: churro split, bananas, vanilla bean ice cream, roasted sweet pecans, grilled pineapple, chocolate and creme chantilly with a churro ($7.95); Papa Nick's French Nutella, chocolate layered with bananas topped with vanilla ice cream ($9.25); Plantano and Chocolate Goodies has fried plantain, fresh melon, strawberries and milk chocolate ($6.45)
Information: 462-9463
