A few weeks ago, I met up with some friends in New York for Memorial day weekend. Ok maybe not a few weeks ago but about a month ago and it was a swell time. To be honest, New York reminds me very much of my beloved city Toronto so I didn’t really feel like I was in a completely new environment except it was bigger. It was a rainy weekend and it was freezing but sight seeing still had to happen.
As I walked through the streets of Manhattan, I noticed something that I found a little odd. In addition to the hotdog and Falafel stands, there were a lot of honey roasted nut stands. I mean I love peanuts, honey roasted or salted but I didn’t realize they deserved a whole stand on the street but I guess it’s part of the food culture over there.
After a lot of sight seeing, my friends and I decided it was dinner time and I had heard about this restaurant in Brooklyn named Buka. It was featured on CNN and all that great stuff so the foodie in me convinced everyone that it would be worth the journey. After several train rides and getting lost, we finally arrived our destination and as we swung open the door, a chorus of laughter and clinking glasses filled our ears. I already felt at home. As the waitress (who happened to be a caucasian lady) ushered us to our seats, I began scanning the restaurant. I saw a few fine brothas *wink wink* and a lot of friends hanging out and just generally having a great time. The ambience was really nice. Dim lights, jazz in the background, laughter just filling the air. Our waiter attended to us on time, he was friendly but also from his accent sounded Jamaican or like he was from the Islands. We ordered our appetizers, drinks(chapman) and main course. The presentation for the appetizer wasn’t bad at all. We got suya as an appetizer. I wasn’t too pleased however with the presentation of my jollof rice. But then again, Nigerians value quantity when eating. I felt it was a bit too slapped on the plate here you go type serving. Taste – wise, I felt it could use a little more seasoning especially for the Egusi soup I tried. Overall, it wasn’t a bad dining experience, I just felt a little more work on the dishes and presentation would put it right up there. I would however recommend it if you are in Brooklyn or just New York generally, you should check them out.
Their address is 946 Fulton Street Brooklyn, New York 11238
Enjoy the pictures 🙂
What has been your New York Dining experience if you have ever been?