Chef Maria Bradford to Launch Sierra Leonean Restaurant Shwen Shwen in Sevenoaks
Chef Maria Bradford is launching Shwen Shwen, a Sierra Leonean restaurant, in Sevenoaks on June 6. The restaurant will emphasize Afro-fusion cuisine. Bradford’s childhood influences and design elements aim to create an intimate dining experience, complemented by her recent cookbook release, “Sweet Salone: Recipes from the Heart.”
Chef Maria Bradford is preparing to unveil her highly anticipated restaurant, Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford, in Sevenoaks, scheduled to open its doors early next month, specifically on June 6th. This venture follows the encouraging response from her recently published cookbook, “Sweet Salone: Recipes from the Heart”, which showcases her passion for the rich flavors of Sierra Leone.
The restaurant’s name, derived from the Krio language, translates to ‘fancy’. Bradford aims to challenge the traditional concepts of fine dining by presenting her unique Afro-fusion cuisine. Her menu will feature a variety of savory dishes such as lamb belly infused with palm oil and African five spice, mackerel served with mango and cassava flatbread, king prawns accompanied by a lemongrass gel, and beef short-rib complemented with groundnut and coconut.
For those with a sweet tooth, standouts like hibiscus paired with caramelised white chocolate, fig leaf and pepper, as well as moringa mille-feuille with benne cake topped with sheep’s yoghurt ice-cream, are also on the menu. Bradford’s culinary journey began in her childhood home in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where she learned the art of cooking under the guidance of her mother and grandmother.
The restaurant will be located on a quaint cobbled alleyway, designed to be both elegant and intimate. The interior will include tactile surfaces, bespoke hand-painted fabrics, and wallpaper inspired by vintage West African and Sierra Leonean textiles- all designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
As she prepares to open Shwen Shwen, Maria Bradford seeks not only to deliver delicious food but also to share the culture and heart of Sierra Leone with her patrons.
In summary, Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford is set to introduce the diverse and vibrant flavors of Sierra Leone to Sevenoaks starting June 6. With a focus on Afro-fusion cuisine and a vision to redefine fine dining, the restaurant aims to provide an intimate dining experience while also highlighting the richness of Sierra Leonean culinary traditions. Chef Bradford’s journey from her childhood home in Freetown to establishing her restaurant signifies a remarkable blend of cultural heritage and culinary innovation.
Original Source: www.restaurantonline.co.uk
