JewFro

"Best meal I've had in a LONG time - I had the gnocchi with brisket. My wife had the African peanut soup and falafel which was incredible as well. Everything was perfectly seasoned. I only wish the lighting was a little more intimate/warm. Still a great place for a date night. Servers were knowledgeable but not overbearing."

"I'm NOT an easy reviewer. I'm pretty critical because I do not care for "fusion" food. It almost always misses the mark of both food cultures. In this case... I'm definitely not disappointed. Let's start with service: Paul is nothing short of outstanding. Knows the menu, the ingredients, how to be present and how to disappear but still be available. That young man is a gift and should teach lessons! The atmosphere: I'm not sure what I expected but again, I was not disappointed. I think, for me, it's fortunate we attended in a quiet weekday night. I can imagine if it were crowded the background noise would have been a little difficult. I didn't understand the decor. It didn't add anything to the experience but it also didn't detract either. The food: Jewish and West African. I grew up in NY with a significant Jewish population. When I fly the meals I order are kosher (although I do not keep kosher myself). I was surprised. The potato latkes were fluffier than I've had but still delicious. I neglected to get pictures because they were gone that fast! My companion ate 1½ then remembered we were supposed to be sharing lol. I would have liked a little more sour cream. It really made the potatoes and apples sing! Next we ordered the challah and dips. Had to wait because the challah was still baking. The bread: we could have waited a few minutes more. Although we didn't complain (because it WAS delicious, it could have stood either a couple of more minutes in the oven or rested a few minutes longer. It seemed slightly doughy inside. I would guess that told who never had fresh challah, like my companion, would not have noticed but I've had it fresh from Mrs Silverbergs' (a neighbor back home when I was growing up) oven so I know better. Still, it was delicious. The dips: harissa butter, chermoula, and shakshuka jam- We both found the butter "ok." Funny thing, I made lamb chops last month and made harissa butter. We were a little disappointed... Not enough harissa for us. The chermoula was tasty but seemed to have been batch made maybe a day or two before. Still, it was good. The shakshuka jam. When I got home I immediately became 6 looking up recipes for this god designed condiment! I've had shakshuka but I've never had this! I cannot imagine bottling it would do anything to improve the flavor but it needs to be bottled! GO. GET SOME! For our main course: My companion had the Shliskas gnocchi with Zigni brisket (be warned- the brisket is spicy! They loved it! It was a fantastic portion size and was delish. I ordered the Lamb Shank Tagine. It was tasty but my disappointment is my own... Be clear: this was a delish dish. I sort of expected some char but the taste was more like it has been baked in an oven. Yes. I know how tangines work. I just expected something a little different. I happen to be one who is not bothered by the "gaminess" of lamb and wild meat. This was very mild. It was clearly lamb but was very mild. The acorn squash was good but I searched for the harissa and couldn't find it. I love Israeli cous cous and this was prepared perfectly. I was not disappointed in this fusion meal. We definitely expect to return. They have a curated drink selection and wine bottles are 50% of during happy hour. Here's is the kicker (and we LOVED IT!). We carefully reviewed the website. There was no mention of a "service fee," or any kind of fees at all. When we got the menus I specifically looked for some hidden fee. When the bill came I KNEW that BAM! another restaurant in Richmond was trying to sneak something in but no. Absolutely not! The only fees are what the government requires we pay: Taxes! All the food above plus 2 drinks came to $104. Plus a generous tip (with, thank god no "suggestion" in how much. It's almost as if we are adults and would do the right thing!). Go there. Eat there. Drink there. It's a fusion that actually makes sense. I don't know how often they change their menu but I'm be glad to save up and go again because I like change and I'd love to see what the chef can come up with."

"Wonderful food, great fusion menu, would recommend to people looking for something new and fun! Good cocktail menu too. Drinks around $13-15 with entrees around $25-35 each."

"Recently visited this place. The concept and menu were very intriguing and it did not disappoint. The food was amazing. Great flavors. Comfort food. We had the challah bread and lamb hummus for appetizers. Spreads were great and the hummus was very flavorful. We had the whole fried black bass which was a big fish and delicious. We also ordered the zatar beef tenderloin which was perfectly cooked to medium rare. I ordered the Song of the Sea cocktail (pineapple infused mezcal) which was refreshing and a beautiful purple color. The dessert was a grilled nectarine with lavender yogurt and mint. Everyone was so good. Definitely recommend."