To explore some new food options, Justin and I trekked to Clinton Hill to try African-inspired cuisine. I wasn't sure what to expect - would it be more meat or fish or vegetables?
Le Grand Dakar located at 285 Grand Ave is a cozy, inviting spot painted in warm colors. The tables are large wood blocks with benches and wooden chairs surrounding them. African tribal art lines the walls to make you feel like you are in West Africa. The place was lit by soft lightening and candles yet it was a bit too dark to read the menu.
For an appetizer, we tried Accara (black eyed pea fritters), a specialty of Benin. They were fried, soft on the inside, and a bit spicy. We had a good portion (about 6) and they came with a yummy dipping sauce. They were pretty good and I would order it again.
For my entree, I chose the Okra Stew (savory okra, palm oil and served over plantain fufu). I had had Southern okra before so I was excited to see how it was different. This okra, however, was a bit hard and less vegetable tasting. I wasn't really sure what the other elements of the dish were but it did taste interesting. The stew had a meaty-quality to it, even thought it was meatless, which I wasn't really a fan of. The okra tasted sweet which I liked but the other elements didn't provide enough balance. Justin got a chicken dish which he seemed to like. They used some interesting spices to differentiate it from other kinds of chicken.
Le Grand Dakar is fun place to bring a group of friends and relax over a bottle of wine, and some shared appetizers. The waitstaff lets you sit as long as you like, such a rarity in New York. All in all, a fun exploration of a often-unknown cuisine.
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