The African Hut
A dining treat and educational experience

IF YOU ARE looking for a real escape from Milwaukee's winter weather, try the African Hut at 1107 N. Old World Third St.

The African Hut is known throughout the Midwest for its authenticity, providing an educational experience along with the comfort-food entrees prepared exactly the way they are throughout tropical Africa.

Owners Yinka and Moji Adedokun are originally from Nigeria and present the food served in the area south of the Sahara. Yinka is reluctant to attribute entrees to specific countries, saying that they are very similar in that area of the globe. "There may be differences in the spices, but the staples are the same."

The ingredients that are the basis of most of dishes from this part of Africa –yams, legumes, tubers, and vegetables–are combined and simmered for three to four hours. “The one thing that most African cooks have is time,” Adedokun says with a smile, as he describes this type of cuisine as “wet food.” The long cooking periods yield dishes with wonderful, full-bodied flavor. (Most dishes at the African Hut are served with rice and an especially flavorful cornbread.) And with meats used as just part of the ingredients of each meal, instead of the main focus, this also is very healthy food.

Guests at the African Hut find that the owners and wait staff are ready to answer any questions, and happy to provide samples before customers order. Community outreach and education is a priority for the Adedokuns, who invite two or three Milwaukee Public School classes per week to the restaurant. They also instruct teachers, talk to different groups during Black History Month and meet with senior citizens.

“We begin by talking about the food, then go on to talk about the geography, history, economics, lifestyle and culture of the continent.” They also strive to allay misconceptions about Africa. “People see pictures of people starving in Africa and think that is what life is all about there. But people in Africa go out and go to restaurants just like they do here.”

In fact, Yinka Adedokun's  culinary career began when he was young, working in his family's restaurants and wholesale food distributorship in Nigeria. He came to the U.S. to study textiles, starting out at Temple University in Philadelphia and then graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Throughout his collegiate career, he worked in many restaurants.

Diners at the African Hut benefit from these years of experience as they feast on appetizers such as Zanzi Fries or fried plaintains, then move on to delectable entrees like peanut stew. Desserts such as sweet potato pie tempt, as well. But surrounded by African music and art, and the friendly hospitality of the Adedokuns, visitors will find their minds fed as well as their appetites.

Hours are 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon. through Saturday. Phone 765-1110 for reservations or additional information or visit www.africanpresentations.com.