Radio Kwara
Day 1: 5-Course Nouveau Nigerian Tasting Series
Opened in the summer of 2023 in Clinton Hill, this is the newest venture from 2024 "Best Chef: NY" Semi-Finalist" Chef/Owner Ayo Balogun, who brought us the acclaimed Nigerian eatery Dept. of Culture, a James Beard “Best New Restaurant” nominee that Esquire placed on its List of “Best New in America.” Radio Kwara, named after the state radio station in Nigeria where Chef Balogun’s grandfather worked, has appeared on both Infatuation and Eater’s “Best in Clinton Hill” Lists. Chef Balogun wants his restaurant to feel like a buka, the casual cafes that are ubiquitous in Nigeria, where neighbors settle in at the end of the night to listen to records and eat dishes like charred suya octopus, black jollof rice, moi moi (steamed bean cake served atop smoky mackerel), and more. We’re excited to visit here and learn more about Nigerian cuisine from Chef Balogun, one of its undeniable masters.
About the Host:
Ayo Balogun
Chef/Owner
Hailing from Kwara, Nigeria, Chef Ayo Balogun named Radio Kwara after the state radio station where his grandfather worked. A 20-year restaurant industry veteran, he has cooked everywhere from a Michelin-Starred Indian restaurant to an Italian deli. After popular previous exploits The Council Cafe and Trade Union Cafe, he opened Department of Culture, which earned a James Beard "Best New Restaurant" Nomination. He was recently named a 2024 James Beard "Best Chef: NY" Semi-Finalist.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. For this event’s dietary restriction accommodation policy, see the Event FAQs below.
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Goat Pepper Soup
tender goat meat, aromatic broth
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Mushroom Suya
oyster mushroom, suya spice blend, naira bread
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Moi Moi
smoked mackerel, steamed spice bean, banana leaf, crayfish sauce
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Pounded Yam
fermented melon seed, spiced braised spinach
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Nigerian Sweet Dough
guava sauce
Radio Kwara
291 Greene Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Does this restaurant serve alcoholic beverages?
- This restaurant is a BYO establishment, so please feel free to bring your own alcoholic beverages.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to [email protected].
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID. Additionally, please note this restaurant is BYOB, so make sure to bring your own wine and/or beer if you'd like!
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $95 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at [email protected] after you purchase tickets to let us know.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email [email protected] with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
