The Cooking Pot

At our office we enjoy trying new cuisines as a team. African food is one of our favorites so we decided to try out this brand restaurant. It has a unique and upscale décor. We tried a variety of the items on the menu and everything was delicious. We will definitely be back to try the fish.

Charlotte, meet Nigeria!
Discovered this new restaurant driving pass on my way home, doing a double-​take that nearly caused a pile up. African food less than 2 miles from my house? I almost needed a sedative to calm down.
Got home and decided I wasn’t cooking tonight. Called the restaurant to ensure they were fully operational & certain menu items were available. Arrived and was surprised by the very modern spacious warm décor. There is a striking piece of art that captivated me throughout my meal. I must visit Africa one day.
Was warmly greeted by the owner. I had tons of questions, and she patiently and lovingly answered each without the slightest bit of annoyance (which I am an expert at evoking). The place is well designed, spotless, and the food is presented well. Cheerful Nigerian music plays. She went over each item, explaining why she serves hen, the preferred poultry in Nigeria, even though more costly.
I ordered egusi soup with fufu and hen.
The fufu was FRESH. Not powdered. So fresh I was forced to ask her if she pounded it back there while I waited. Delicious. The soup, earthy and savory. The hen was tasty.
Now, I am a Brooklyn-​born Black American, and have only infrequently eaten West African food in NYC and DC, so questioned the value of my opinion. There were 2 men debating the ‘dark web’ in Ibo language (the topic on CNN on the flatscreen). One, a local attorney, then asked me if I was enjoying my food. I asked him if he’d eaten there before, and if he was connected in some way to the owner. Both answers were no, so I asked him if he would give me his opinion once his order arrived.
Special note: At one point, both men looked at my plate in disbelief. I had eaten all the soup and was enjoying the remaining fufu by itself. They were horrified. Apparently, there is a delicate balance that must be struck. Everything must be consumed concurrently. It is sacrilegious to eat plain fufu. I had to argue with them NOT to order me an extra cup of soup to complete my meal «properly». Lol. Don’t mess with people’s traditions.
Oh.yeah…they said the food was on point. I am validated.
An incredibly soul satisfying meal in an surprisingly modern set-​up. Really, I am overjoyed. Great African food & great service within walking distance from my home. It is a sign; 2016 will be a glorious year.