Sweet Home Folukie

Last weekend, The Changeling & I visited Folukie, Bedford Ave. between Putnam & Madison.

We arrived at probably the worst time for any restaurant–3 p.m. on an August Saturday–but the staff at Folukie was super-kind and gracious. Even though we were the only patrons in the dining room, our waiter was attentive and informative, eager to describe menu items.

We both had the lunch special, Chicken Roti, and a delicious juice each–I had the sorrel, and The Changeling had ginger beer. They were so good!

Our lunch: curried chicken, chickpeas and potatoes with roti and juices.

Folukie offers a halal menu with Trinidadian and Senegalese dishes, including Chibudjenn (Simmered Fish & Rice),
Cheboojen (Simmered Lamb & Rice), Callaloo with Coocoo, Crab, Okra, Coconut & Cornmeal, Pellau (Chicken, Rice & Pigeon Peas), Kingfish with Tamarind sauce, and Seasoned Whole Fish Grilled Senegalese Style. Lots of pictures and more descriptions at their site.

The decor is warm and welcoming. The floor is tiled in stone and the walls are lined with display cases of African and West Indian objects, including instruments and crafts. I think it would be a great place to take kids, or just have a meal with friends.

At the rear of the long space, there is a small raised stage. Folukie hosts performances several nights a week, including a Poets Convention with open mic on Thursdays (tonight) and music on other nights. See the myspace page for details.

Both of us liked Folukie a lot. The interior is lovely, the food is delicious and very reasonably priced, and it has just about the nicest bathroom in Bed-Stuy (seriously–it’s nicer than the ones in my house!)

At the end of our meal, we met Folukie herself, who is just as charming as her namesake restaurant.

All in all, a big thumbs up for this neighborhood place. I want to try some more of the dishes on the menu and I plan to go back with my husband and son for some more of that sorrel juice!

A note on Folukie’s juices: They are made fresh in the Folukie kitchen and available bottled for takeout. Definitely try them at home!