This was a good experience from start to finish. I'm so glad that my first exposure to Ghanaian…read morefood was with Chef Eric Adjepong.
As always my first time somewhere, I order a lot. I arrived some short time after Chef Eric introduced a prix fixe menu with standout choices. Not on my radar, but highly recommended by my server and the table leaving as I was seated, was the Zaalouk Dip featuring eggplant and goat cheese served with flatbread. Somehow the cheese brightened this dish. I can't explain it, but try it for yourself. I'm a huge fan of okra in all forms, so I added the Crispy Okra Fries. I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. I would also love it if Chef Eric added a spicy dip in addition to the creamy dip that it came with. I wished I were at home with one of my favorite movies and a huge bowl of these -- so good! Also not on my radar, Roasted Carrots. I may have to come back to this review, because I need to pray for better adjectives to describe this dish. I'm half-Korean so when I read chili crisp in the description, I expected a very spicy dish. Hold your horses! Do not be alarmed! This was the most earthy, enjoyable, balanced dish I've ever eaten with carrots. The cheese(s), as in the dip dish, are transformational. I truly could have stopped here and been completely satisfied. I'm very pleased I was able to share my sentiments directly with Chef Eric. By the way, he was very warm and gracious. As Maroon, Las Vegas has set a new standard for steak, Chef Eric Adjepong has elevated the lowly carrot by creating this inspired dish.
The ritual: a clear bowl of soapy water, a fresh white towel, a steaming bowl of goodness. The book I can write about my first experience with Fufu. I could have eaten the Fufu swirling it around in the peanut? tomato? broth by itself and been as happy as a pig in slop. Instead, I had the most perfectly cooked seared fish with it. I could have gotten up and danced to the Afrobeats, and what sounded like the Calypso I heard from my childhood. I was stuffed, but I kept eating. I ate every drop. I wanted to lick the bowl. It could not get any better. Wait . . . I was served a Jollof and Duck Pot. The presentation of this dish is so pristine, you really won't want to disturb it. However, I had to taste this Jollof. My first Jollof dish was merely days before, prepared with a Nigerian recipe. I didn't understand what all the hype was about. Chef Eric's Jollof answered my confusion. I'm pleased to say in the battle of two local Top Chefs (Nigeria vs. Ghana), Elmina and Ghana wins! No contest, hands-down, no notes, have a seat, can never be debated . . . Did I make myself clear? The duck was succulent and another surprise, the tiny salad was a star! Again, a thoughtful, bright and balanced dish, perfection.
The night ended with an espresso and Malva Pudding Cake. This cake is not for the weak. The richness and texture is not to be toyed with. This was the perfect ending to a fun, unexpected, thrilling meal. I trust Chef Eric will be able to take his precise, alluring talents across the globe, and hopefully to Miami, soon!