It was an amazing journey from the Severin Sea Lodge reception as Chaîne members and their guests were escorted individually by hostesses to a spectacular setup for the pre-dinner cocktails.

The welcome was held on the immaculate gardens beside the Indian Ocean. Champagne and superb canapés flowed freely. A live band created the perfect ambience.

The walkway to the hotel’s Imani Dhow Restaurant was romantically candle lit with a huge display of fresh ocean seafood on a bed of ice surrounded by shells.

A so-called Zanzibar Jahazi built some 45 years ago, in the past the Imani Dhow sailed between Zanzibar, Dar-es-Saalam, Tanja and Mombasa transporting diverse products such as cotton or corn. Imani means "trust" and the boat paid this trust back during her active years by surviving all storms and dangers. Today the Imani Dhow is home to an award-winning à la carte fish and seafood restaurant.

After receiving a warm welcome aboard, we were treated to a sumptuous seafood menu accompanied by thoughtful wine pairings.

MENU

Palm heart salad
Chef’s special dressing, smoked salmon
Soave DOC - Italy

Tom Yang Kung
famous Thai spicy soup with prawns, crab, fish
KWV Chenin Blanc - South Africa

Orange and lemon sorbet sprinkled with vodka

Lobster Thermidor
white wine, mushrooms, cream
Nederburg Chardonnay - South Africa

Assorted special desserts
Moscato Dolce - Italy

Severin “Signature” espresso coffee
with petits fours

There was a surprise at the end of dinner when General Manager Martin Kolb introduced and served the new "Mombasa Club Gin" flown in especially for the occasion.

Without any doubt it was a most memorable evening!

Shabnam Nayer
Bailli Délégué