Tonight I decided to go to a new South African restaurant in NYC called Braai. I have never had South African cuisine before so I was excited for this culinary experience.
Braai is a very nice looking restaurant with dark lighting and bamboo ceilings; reminiscent of a sexy hut.
I ordered an Ostrich dish ($12) from a section of the menu called "Mini-Sosaties" which are "traditional skewered meats marinated overnight in Cape Malay spices complimented by a selection of sambals (signature condiment sides)". The ostrich was succulent, juicy, and great. The sambals consisted of a cucumber-yogurt dill, banana-coconut, mango-coriander salsa, mango chutney and apricot chutney. They were very authnentic and each had a distinct flavor which were perfect compliments to the meat as well as the accompanying bread basket. The bread basket came with a side of olive olive oil and a mix of cayenne and crushed peanuts which I really enjoyed.
I also ordered a side called Chakalaka ($5) which is a stewed bean salad. It had a lot of heat to it and I actually started sweating. It was powerful, flavorful, and fantastic.
Braai is definitely a welcome restaurant not only to the Theater district and Hells Kitchen, but to all of New York City. I do not know any other restaurant doing this type of cuisine. So, for a great culinary experience in a sexy environment, Braai is the perfect spot. Not only before a Broadway show, but for any time in your life.
(Note-the owners of Braai also own Xai Xai on the same block, a sexy South African wine bar)
Braai
329 West 51st St. (bet. 8th and 9th)
New York, NY 10018
