Chef Maria Bradford Opens Sierra Leonean Restaurant Shwen Shwen in Sevenoaks
Maria Bradford will launch Shwen Shwen, a Sierra Leonean restaurant, in Sevenoaks on June 6. The restaurant focuses on Afro-fusion cuisine and follows her successful cookbook, featuring signature dishes inspired by Sierra Leonean flavors and textiles in its design.
Chef Maria Bradford is gearing up to open a new restaurant, Shwen Shwen, in Sevenoaks next month. Slated for a grand opening on June 6, the eatery aims to showcase the rich flavors of Sierra Leone. It’s also a follow-up to her recently released cookbook, “Sweet Salone: Recipes from the Heart,” which has been well-received and points to her culinary expertise.
The name “Shwen Shwen” means ‘fancy’ in Krio, and Bradford is determined to provide a unique twist on fine dining. Her approach will heavily feature Afro-fusion dishes that promise to thrill the taste buds. Among the savory options, guests can expect lamb belly infused with palm oil and African five spice, as well as mackerel served with mango on cassava flatbread.
Additionally, the menu will feature king prawns paired with lemongrass gel and a hearty beef short-rib dish topped with groundnut and coconut. For dessert, patrons can indulge in unique offerings like hibiscus with caramelized white chocolate, fig leaf, and pepper or a moringa mille-feuille alongside benne cake and sheep’s yogurt ice cream.
Bradford’s culinary journey began in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where she spent time learning the art of cooking from her mother and grandmother. Their lessons have clearly influenced her cooking style and passion for Sierra Leonean cuisine.
The restaurant’s location, tucked away in a charming cobbled alley, promises to offer an elegant and intimate setting. Guests can expect design elements featuring tactile surfaces, bespoke hand-painted fabrics, and wallpaper that draws inspiration from vintage West African and Sierra Leonean textiles—creating an immersive dining experience.
Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford is poised to bring a slice of Sierra Leone to Sevenoaks, blending local ingredients with exquisite craftsmanship. As anticipation builds for the opening, Bradford’s restaurant is set to be a culinary adventure that celebrates her heritage and passion for food.
Overall, the launch seems promising, signaling a notable addition to the dining scene in Sevenoaks. Food enthusiasts and locals alike are looking forward to experiencing the flavors of Sierra Leone right in their neighborhood.
Chef Maria Bradford is set to open Shwen Shwen, a Sierra Leonean restaurant in Sevenoaks, on June 6. The restaurant aims to redefine fine dining through Afro-fusion cuisine. Specialties will include a variety of savory dishes and unique desserts inspired by her West African heritage. Shwen Shwen is positioned to offer an elegant dining experience that highlights the flavors of Sierra Leone while showcasing Bradford’s culinary journey.
Original Source: www.restaurantonline.co.uk
