Okay, so it only took 6 wks, but I finally made it out!
I got the chicken (above), partner got the fish (mackerel, from what I gather from previous report).
I had the same experience as everyone else, which is to say that I LOVED it. Def a flavor profile that was unique to me. Funky, earthy, but “clean.” Reports have mentioned spinach, although I could’ve sworn our boxes had collard greens (which I normally find “meh,” but thought that these were bright and vibrant). I’m not a huge plantain person; these have not changed my opinion, although they were perfectly tasty. Didn’t know there was a West African cuisine until I tried the place (and spoke to Opportune… More on that below).
The chili sauce is CRACK. I would’ve sworn that there was so fish taste (in a good way), but, from what I can gather, there are no meat product. Incredibly spicy but phenomenal depth of flavor and umami for days.
Fish was good, but I think the chicken was better b/c the is so strongly (naturally) flavored (and also flavors the rice it’s sitting on) that you don’t get much other flavor.
Partner wants to try the beef next time; I’m actually interested in the vegan option.
After ordering, I got an e-mail asking me for my ETA. You pick up at the corner of Main and Pico.
We got to speak to Opportune (owner or co-owner), and she said they’ve rented out that corner spot. She is hoping to create a space where she can teach other people (I assumed in the black community, but I wasn’t sure) about food handling and such so that they can eventually open their own restaurants. And I think she wanted to host some pop ups.
She mentioned she has a gofundme page, so I’m linking that here: https://gofund.me/4806178e