Recently opened on Atwood Avenue, two miles from the Truax campus, Les délices de Awa brings West African cuisine, primarily Ivorian, to Madison.
There have not been enough African restaurants in Madison, and Les délices de Awa allows people to taste the rich culinary heritage of Côte d’Ivoire and West Africa.
With much anticipation, I entered the restaurant. I was greeted with a pleasant atmosphere, reed chairs, couches, beautiful paintings and kinetic art pieces hanging from the ceilings.
I received a menu from the cashier and noticed that the menu changes daily. I also learned that you might have to ask what they have available.
Many changes occur because many of the dishes at Les délices de Awa are prepared in more than one day, marinating or slow cooking, allowing for a more enriching dining experience. This process provides a profound flavor and the appreciation of how much thought and preparation that the chefs bring to each meal.
Les délices de Awa also has an open kitchen, allowing restaurant-goers to see the chefs at work, creating a friendly atmosphere.
First, I ordered my drink, a bottled soda brought out for me. The waiter put down a coaster and glass before setting the bottle down.
Soon, my food came. I ordered the Alloco Appero (Sweet Plantains) and the Riz Gras (West African Rice) for my sides. The plantains went with a delicious sauce that added flavor to each bite. The riz gras included tomatoes and onions in it. I enjoyed both.
With the sides came the main course, the Brochette de Poulet (Chicken Skewer Sandwich). The sandwich was savory.
I could taste the marinated chicken with each bite. The sandwich came with diced onions, tomatoes and cucumber. The cucumber was a refreshing addition to the sandwich.
From my experience, I learned about the delicious West African food missing from the Madison restaurant scene. I am glad Madison received a new restaurant that opens those culinary doors for residents.
I encourage you to try Les délices de Awa at 2045 Atwood Avenue to taste West African cuisine and foster the local African restaurant scene.