Okayafrica's Guide To New York African Restaurant Week
Presenting Okayafrica's Guide to the bi-annual New York African Restaurant Week.
Oluwatoni Y. Akindele
The second annual New York African Restaurant Week is officially underway! Produced by Panla and A Taste of Africa, the series features special promotions and events across the city from today through Sunday, May 4th. Over the course of the next week, participating restaurants will be offering 3 course Prix Fixe meals at various prices (starting at $16.95 for lunch and $24.95 for dinner). In the lead-up to this latest edition, we did some digging to get the low-down on how to make the most out of our restaurant week experience. We even caught up with some chefs who gave us the full scoop on why we should check out their restaurants. Without further adieu, scroll on for our full guide to NYARW.
Promotion: 3-course lunch and dinner prix fixe menu
Why: Apart from the food, Farafina is debuting their new Bissap Mojito! Wednesday nights are Open Mic Nights and Jazzy Thursdays comprise of 60’s, 70’s soul, funk, Latin, and funky jazz.
Tolani Wine Bar
Where: 410 Amsterdam Avenue, 212.873.6252
Promotion: 3-course lunch and dinner prix fixe menu
Why: If you’re looking for a date night location, this is your spot! Located on the Upper West side, end your long walk in Central Park at this South African inspired eatery. Said owner Stanton Du Toit, “We have the most beautiful restaurant in Manhattan! At our South African centric restaurant, patrons can enjoy international small plates as well as our secret wine garden.”
Promotion: 15% off any 3-course dinner, 2-for-1 drink specials as well as a free cup of Ethiopian coffee
Why: The recipes have history. Chef and owner Philipos Mengistu gained his first culinary experience at the restaurant his parents operated in Addis Ababa in the early 1970s. Mengistu imports berbere, a spice mixture, directly from his own mother in Ethiopia, and uses only her recipe.
Where: 2065 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., 917.504.3098
Promotion: 10% off regular menu prices
Why: “It’s always good to have a different experience. We represent our people back home and our people here. Our food is a mix of West African and soul food. It’s a representation of coming together.” - Ahmed Abdallah, Manager
Promotion: 3-course lunch and dinner prix fixe menu
Why: If you’re one to pair food and drink, their extensive drink menu perfectly compliments the spicy, flavorful dishes. “We have a good reputation with our food from our lamb, our beef, our chicken and vegetarian options... On Fridays and Saturdays we extend our hours,” says Lalibela's manager Kassa.
Promotion: 3-course lunch and dinner prix fixe menu
Why: If you have a major sweet tooth, Sugar Bar can take care of that with its decadent desserts and sweet music. Start your meal off with their signature Sugartini and a selection of cultural appetizers.
Promotion: 3-course lunch and dinner prix fixe menu
Why: They combine Senegalese and West African cooking traditions with current culinary practices. Says co-owner/chef Cisse, “We’re the best restaurant in NYC! Our bistro is an upscale, fine dining fusion of French and African food... We stay open 9-midnight, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!”
Promotion: 3-course dinner prix fixe menu with a drink
Why: Buka has a great ambiance for socializing with friends, but if you prefer to dine alone, you can browse through their selection of books and magazines on African art, fashion, business and politics. This year Buka’s dinner prefix menu includes two new specials.
Promotion: 10% off regular menu to patrons who use the code “African Restaurant Week"
Why: Owner Hibist Legesse is an Addis Abeba native who is aspiring to change the misconception of Ethiopian food being ceremonial food. To do so she has incorporated small but vital details into both cuisine and décor to create a day-to-day meal experience. “It’s great food and it’s fun!” she says.
Why: If you’re a visual person then you should definitely check out their website as well as their Instagram feed. You’ll be sold on that alone! “We do pasta, we do burgers, but our specialty is Senegalese dishes. It’s nostalgic to Europe and West Africa. If the music and décor don’t take you there the food will take you there.” – Lamine, Chef and Owner
Why: Realizing that there is a huge demand and need for vegetarian food, their menu features an assortment of vegetarian and vegan options. Now in a new location, Joloff Restaurant is a West African restaurant specializing in Senegalese cuisine.
Why: Their concept is steeped in the tradition of the informal dining halls in South African townships. A percentage of their proceeds are reinvested in South Africa via Ubuntu Education Fund, Ethembeni School of the Blind and Achilles, as well as locally.
To really make the most of New York African Restaurant Week, dine smart! Be sure to visit restaurant websites as well as search reviews. Do practice the virtue of open mindedness, as restaurant week menus tend to be limited. And call ahead of time! Making reservations secures dining plans. Find out the details on Tuesday night's Edible Bazaar Benefit at Suite 36 along with a special NYAW edition of Cocktails & Conversations Thursday night and stay caught up with NYARW over at their facebook and official site.
