Fufu and Fortitude: Discover How This African Restaurant Defied the Odds in Denver | Craving Colorado

Lakewood is home to African Grill and Bar, a restaurant rich in culture and history. The journey of the Osei-Fordwuo family is inspiring. Sylvester and Theodora came from Ghana with dreams of sharing their love for African cuisine. They’ve been serving the Denver area for 20 years, and their menu tells a story.

Right at the beginning of the menu, you’ll see a family photo and a glimpse into their life. The menu features Adinkra symbols from Ghana, like "Gye nyame," which means “except for God,” reflecting their faith, and "Aya," which symbolizes resilience. As Theodora puts it, their success comes from “God and dedication.”

When Sylvester arrived in Colorado, he noticed a gap in the restaurant scene. “I saw Ethiopian places but not anything from West Africa,” he recalls. From there, African Grill and Bar was born.

Their menu showcases diverse dishes unfamiliar to many American diners. While kabobs and chicken wings are common, Theodora introduces guests to flavors like spicy jollof rice and kelewele, which is fried, seasoned plantains. She takes pride in the dishes, made with love and authentic ingredients.

Theodora often helps newcomers navigate the menu with simple questions: Meat or no meat? Spicy or mild? This personal touch keeps customers coming back, many of whom have left glowing reviews, praising the warmth of the service and the unique flavors.

Yet, opening the restaurant wasn’t easy. Sylvester remembers hearing doubts about African food. “If the Chinese and Indian cuisines can thrive here, why can’t we?” he argued. The couple faced hardships, from finding a home to getting their restaurant off the ground. They started small in Aurora in 2004, using plates from a dollar store. Challenges like losing their first location only fueled their determination.

They eventually reopened, moving to a space closer to the airport, and in 2019, they secured their current Lakewood location. Even during the pandemic, they persevered, and their hard work paid off. Today, they maintain a stellar rating of 4.7 stars on Google from over 1,300 reviews.

Their restaurant isn’t just about food; it’s also about giving back. The Osei-Fordwuo Foundation, supported by restaurant proceeds, funds education in Africa. Sylvester recalls his own struggles as a child, stating, "I went to school hungry, barefoot." Their mission is to ensure others don’t have to face the same challenges.

Even as they share their story, new diners sometimes feel daunted by the unique dishes. Yet, every plate is a testament to their journey—delicious and approachable.

African Grill and Bar is a melting pot of flavors and experiences. It stands as a heartwarming reminder of resilience, faith, and the power of dreams, serving not just food but also hope.

For more on the Osei-Fordwuo’s story and culinary legacy, check the Osei-Fordwuo Foundation.

Source link

life, news, food, food and drink, dining, craving colorado, lakewood, denver,