Suya Joint, a restaurant featuring African cuisine, opened their Providence location today. Melanie was greeting and seating customers today and made time for a few quick questions. Owner Cecelia Lizotte was also on site, but busy and happy to leave me with Melanie. (Lizotte was a James Beard semifinalist this year in the ‘Best Chef NE’ category for the Suya Joint in Roxbury. So we are in good hands.) Lizotte grew up in Nigeria, while Melanie hails from Ghana.
My personal experience with West African cuisine is limited to a Liberian goat stew and a fish stew, which were both delicious, but I clearly have a lot to learn. The menu here includes appetizers like nkwobi (cow’s foot), gizdodo (gizzards), and a West African take on escargots. There are Nigerian soups and stews and a whole fried snapper. There are vegetarian dishes and rice and bean entrees. Also on the menu is the “African Dinner,” in meat or veggie versions, for $38.
Go here to see the Providence menu. It features photographs of the food which might help you decide.
There is a very pleasant bar with a wine and beer menu.
Libby Slader Design is responsible for the wonderful decor. (She sourced some of the materials from Balé Homewares right next door on Westminster Street.) The Slader office is just a few blocks away on Mathewson Street; she has been redesigning other venues around town like Cru and Cielito.
Melanie is one of the best staff ..Kudos Melanie Well done.keep up with the good work..