The Act of Africa Restaurant and Okin Bar
Contribution by Danny McGinley
The Act of Africa and Okin Bar is a venue with a difference. A brand new restaurant and bar incorporating African, Irish and Polish dishes, it is a meeting place for friendship and a beacon for societal integration which fittingly opened in Letterkenny on St. Patrick’s Day this year. The restaurant and bar were formally opened with prayer by Pastor Hassan Teju of the Redeemed Christian Church and present were distinguished guests including Margaret Toner, Louda and Mary Roarty of the CDP and Mr & Mrs Quadri come for the opening from England.
Act of Africa offers a wide variety of foods from mild to spicy and flavors to suit every taste. Perhaps you might like to try the delicious Egusi Soup, made from melon, prawn, dried fish and spinach. Or how about Joll of rice, a delicious mild rice dish, and to finish Crumble of Arewa which is akin to apple crumble? All cooked authentically in traditional style. There is also a wide range of excellent dishes from Poland and Ireland.
Act of Africa boasts a fine bar well stocked with a wide variety of soft and alcoholic drinks, including an impressive and delicious range of cocktails with appetizing names…why not try Whisper of a Kiss or Jamaican Shake? Or the famous Palm Wine, reputed to make you strong and which is said to be good for the eyesight…? The name Okin Bar itself is derived from the word meaning ‘peacock’, which the owners chose because of its beauty and sense of serenity and peace. Additionally, there will be a live African Music Service every Friday and Saturday for the pleasure of all guests.
The owners, Stella and Wale Oladapo see the opening of this restaurant as part of the integration process happening all over Ireland. Stella says, ‘People of all backgrounds come here to meet, talk, socialize, form friendships and exchange ideas. In fact, two people recently met here for the first time and realized they had attended the same school! We have staff from five nations here: a Polish and an African chef that cater for Irish dishes, we also have Spanish and Irish barmen and a Scottish waitress – so it’s really multicultural and an avenue for peace and unity in the community.’
With something to suit everyone, all are assured of a warm welcome, so come along and try Act of Africa Restaurant, uniting the world through food
Copyright The Global Village Newsline 2007
2 comments:
Obviously Danny McGinley is living in a parallel universe because me and friend went there and found something quite different.
It was 20:45 on a Saturday night and the place was empty. I mean, not a single soul in the place. So, being hungry and tired from a full day at the Irish Rally, we gave it the benefit of the doubt and sat down at the bar for a meal.The "well stocked bar" offered only a handful of beers and spirits,the Guinness and Carlsberg pumps were not functional - they've been open since March!
So when the meal arrived (supposedly a traditional African half a chicken and a chicken curry), we were given what looked like a cheap Tesco ready meal curry and half a roasted chicken on a bed of chopped iceberg lettuce - no dressings, accompaniments or sauces.
Assuming that the whole sorry experience would not warrant a large bill, we were confronted with a cheque of 33.40 Euros. An absolute insult. No wonder the place was dead.
If there is any better candidate for Ramsey's kitchen nightmares, then I would like to see it....
J and A
Well written article.
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