Chef Maria Bradford Set to Launch Sierra Leonean Restaurant in Sevenoaks

Chef Maria Bradford will launch Shwen Shwen, a Sierra Leonean restaurant, in Sevenoaks early next month, on June 6. Her menu will feature Afro-fusion dishes inspired by her cookbook, “Sweet Salone: Recipes from the Heart.” The restaurant aims to redefine fine dining with a blend of traditional flavors and contemporary designs.

Chef Maria Bradford is preparing to launch her new restaurant, Shwen Shwen, in Sevenoaks, early next month. This venture will showcase the unique flavors of Sierra Leone. Following her recent success with the cookbook, “Sweet Salone: Recipes from the Heart,” Bradford aims to redefine fine dining through her Afro-fusion cuisine, which is an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary elements.

The name “Shwen Shwen,” which means “fancy” in the Krio language, reflects the upscale vision of the restaurant. The menu will offer a range of savory dishes such as lamb belly cooked with palm oil and African five spice, mackerel paired with mango and cassava flatbread, and king prawns complemented by lemongrass gel. For meat lovers, there will be beef short-rib served with groundnut and coconut, promising a delightful experience.

Desserts at Shwen Shwen are also noteworthy. Diners can expect innovative options like hibiscus with caramelized white chocolate, fig leaf, and pepper, alongside the moringa mille-feuille featuring benne cake and sheep’s yoghurt ice-cream. Each dish has been carefully crafted, drawing inspiration from Bradford’s rich culinary heritage.

Bradford’s love for cooking began in her childhood in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where she spent countless hours in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother. This upbringing has heavily influenced her cooking style and passion for sharing Sierra Leonean flavors with a broader audience.

The restaurant will be situated on a charming cobbled alleyway, designed to create an elegant and intimate atmosphere for its patrons. The decor will feature tactile surfaces, hand-painted fabrics, and wallpaper inspired by vintage Sierra Leonean and West African textiles, all adding to the unique dining experience Bradford envisions.

Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford is set to open its doors to the public on June 6, bringing an exciting new culinary destination to Sevenoaks. With an emphasis on quality and authenticity, it is likely to attract both local food enthusiasts and those seeking something distinctively different.

In summary, Chef Maria Bradford is set to open Shwen Shwen in Sevenoaks, offering a unique fusion of Sierra Leonean cuisine. The restaurant aims to elevate fine dining with a diverse menu featuring both savory and sweet dishes. Scheduled to open on June 6, the venue promises an intimate ambiance reflecting Bradford’s heritage and passion for food. Customers can look forward to a delightful culinary adventure that highlights Afro-fusion cuisine in an elegant setting.

Original Source: www.restaurantonline.co.uk