Chef Maria Bradford to Open Sierra Leonean Restaurant in Sevenoaks

Chef Maria Bradford is set to open her Sierra Leonean restaurant, Shwen Shwen, in Sevenoaks on June 6. Building on the success of her cookbook, the restaurant will offer Afro-fusion cuisine, including savory dishes like lamb belly and king prawns, along with unique desserts. The location will feature an elegant design inspired by vintage West African textiles.

In an exciting culinary development, Chef Maria Bradford is set to unveil her Sierra Leonean restaurant, Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford, in Sevenoaks next month. Scheduled to launch on June 6, the restaurant promises to introduce patrons to the rich flavors of Sierra Leone, building on the success of her recently published cookbook, “Sweet Salone: Recipes from the Heart.”

The name “Shwen Shwen,” which translates to ‘fancy’ in the Krio language, reflects Bradford’s mission to reimagine fine dining through her unique approach to Afro-fusion cuisine. Menu highlights will include innovative savory options such as lamb belly infused with palm oil and African five spice, mackerel paired with mango and cassava flatbread, king prawns served alongside lemongrass gel, and succulent beef short-rib with groundnut and coconut.

Desserts will not disappoint either, featuring imaginative offerings like hibiscus with caramelized white chocolate, fig leaf, pepper, and a rich moringa mille-feuille complemented by benne cake and sheep’s yogurt ice cream. Bradford’s culinary journey began in her childhood home of Freetown, Sierra Leone, where she honed her skills in the kitchen under the guidance of her mother and grandmother.

The restaurant is set to occupy a charming location, nestled in a cobbled alleyway, designed to create an elegant and intimate dining atmosphere. Patrons can expect tactile surfaces, bespoke hand-painted fabrics, and wallpaper inspired by vintage textiles from West Africa and Sierra Leone. This thoughtful design is poised to enhance the overall dining experience, inviting guests not just to eat but to immerse themselves in Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage.

As anticipation builds for the grand opening on June 6, the community eagerly awaits the opportunity to indulge in Chef Bradford’s culinary creations that promise to celebrate the essence of Sierra Leonean cuisine and offer a memorable fine dining experience.

Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford is positioned to be a unique entry into the dining scene in Sevenoaks, showcasing the vibrant culinary traditions of Sierra Leone. With a menu that promises an indulgent exploration of flavors and a meticulously designed setting, the restaurant aims to redefine Afro-fusion fine dining. Following the excitement generated by her cookbook, the opening of Shwen Shwen is highly anticipated, and Chef Bradford’s food journey will undoubtedly resonate with many guests as they gather to celebrate the flavors from her homeland.

Original Source: www.restaurantonline.co.uk