Bissap Baobab

Original West African

By SFS Staff (Aug 24, 2004 )  

In West Africa the Baobab tree is considered the center of "enlightenment" around which villages and communities thrive. Though no such tree grows at 3388 19th street in the Mission, Keur-Baobab restaurant/bar is there to provide culinary enlightenment for those willing to try something new and delicious.

Baobab's menu may seem to have a dearth of choices at first, but owner Marco Senghor, cousin of the legendary Senegalese poet and statesman Leopold Sengor, explains that by providing a limited selection of items he is able to perfect the dishes he does serve. This tactic definitely works, for each plate sampled was truly a tasty delight. For appetizers I recommend the fried plantains (cooked banana) and pastelle (fish pastries). The mafe (vegetables in peanut sauce on a rice) and the fish casamance (grilled Red Snapper served with Yassa sauce) are the most popular main dishes. The prices are inexpensive for such quality fair, ranging from $3 to $10.

The bar serves the regular assortment of cocktails, but it's much better to try the "special" cocktails made from homemade juices. From the aptly named flamboyant, a mixture of hibiscus lime and vodka, to the ginger margarita tooni, the unique drinks are alone worth a visit. So the next time you're hungry, take an escape from the usual and come "enlighten" yourself at Baobab.