Great place for great wine

Let’s just say, for a minute, you are one of those people who don’t mind drinking a whole bottle of wine on a Sunday.

Let’s also say that you don’t mind having some good pizza while at it, because life is short and your cholesterol level isn’t worrying.

Yet. And so you get into your car, with good company (if you are single) or with the missus and the kids and you drive out to Karen. Hell, wear a large hat for good measure.

You will then head to Osteria Karen, an authentic Italian restaurant located on Windy Ridge. It’s a classic English-styled double storey manor set on two acres. You will sit in the garden because it’s sunny and the lawn is green and there are birds chirping in the trees.

Or you could sit on the terrace that overlooks the swimming pool and Ngong Hills.

Your little people will change into their swimming costumes and jump in the pool. You will order food. Don’t order their Italian pan-fried red snapper with rice, like I did. It was soggy and oily and tasted awful.

FOOD, MAYBE, MAYBE NOT

The pork chops weren’t a scream either - too plastic was the verdict which was a shame because the lady who served us was quite the pistol; chirpy and helpful. So order something they can’t botch up; their pizza.

Then ask for their expansive wine list and order something by the bottle. Whatever you choose, chances are, it will be worth your while. Now drink as you watch the kids.

Or watch the other patrons, mostly folk from Karen, out with families to have a meal and a wine. The greenery reflecting from their huge sunglasses.

Osteria Karen has what Osteria Lenana Road doesn’t have; garden serenity. And a house gallery of arts. It’s also peaceful and calming (the ambience, not the art).

It retains the rustic feel that Osteria is known for. The consistency is found in the wines though. Even by the glass, you never quite feel like you are being served some knock-off. But I suggest you get a bottle. Then let someone else drive.

This first appeared in Business Daily.