Neighborhood Favorite Offers Soul with a Spin for the Enterprising New Yorker

17 Putnam Avenue (at Fulton between Cambridge & Grand)

Brooklyn, NY 11238

(718) 230-3471

Restaurant Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday: 5-11 pm

Friday: 5 pm- midnight

Saturday: 11 am- midnight

Sunday: 11 am -10 pm

(www.kushcafe.com)

Click Here For Directions

Memorable Mussels (Above)

KUSH CAFE,

A Clinton Hill institution for five years, Kush Café offers French-inspired cuisine infused with African Diaspora spices (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_cuisine#West_Africa), along with a dash of Brazilian, Caribbean and other world influences. The menu – which includes vegetarian and meat dishes, pasta, salads, fish, soup and desserts – presents an upscale take on traditional soul food, with entrées (such as Bouillabaisse, Roasted Duck, Steak Frites and Couscous Royale) ranging from $11 to $17.

There is a  pleasant dining room, painted in, warm, earthy tones as well as one of the more elusive and enticing attributes of any NYC-area institution: During the Spring and Summer seasons – an outdoor patio area. Adding to the sensory experience: the interior walls double as a gallery, displaying works by a new local artist each month.and hung with colorful African art. A full bar and a well chosen selection of South African wines complete the picture. Nothing fancy mind you, but the kind of restaurant every New York neighborhood would welcome.

Kush’s pulse is powered by owner and head chef Samuel Beket. A native of the Ivory Coast, Beket studied at the prestigious Institute Culinaire d’Orlean in France, and – in 1989 – became a resident of Clinton Hill. His resume includes stints at several high-end NYC establishments, including La Metaire, Le Grenadin, Ferrier, French Bistro, Le Relais and Le Bilboquet. Beket’s true genius lies in the sauces garnishing his meals, which transform each plate into a marvel for the taste buds.With a very worldly view of culinary arts, Sammy has taken all his knowledge and passion for food and placed it on his menu at Kush Cafe.

Vegetarian’s Delight (Above) 

KUSH CAFE is named after one of the world’s first civilizations before Egypt in 730 B.C. Also referred to as ancient Nubia, KUSH was North of today’s Sudan and south of today’s Egypt. The kingdom of KUSH was the center of culture and military might in Africa. It had a wealth of resources such as gold, ivory, copper, frankincense and ebony. As one of the first human races on earth, the customs and traditions of the people of KUSH were adopted by the ancient Egyptians. The history of KUSH can be traced back to the dawn of civilization.

A Stylish Fish (Above), Cooked to Perfection

A Classy Poison (Above)

The café also features a $20 three-course prix fixe Tuesday through Thursday from 5-8 pm, as well as a bar menu with bites priced under $7. Daily drink specials include $4 beers and $6 wines by the glass, along with $9 specialty cocktails. Kush also serves  a terrific Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Mac & Cheese With an African Kick (Above)

A Traditional African Creation: “Biekossoh,” fresh tilapia wrapped in banana leaf with fresh herbs and ratatouille. choice of rice, plantains or couscous

(Above)

One visit to Kush Café and you’ll learn what the regulars already know: Chef Beket cooks with love, and you literally ingest it with every bite.

A Chocolate Dessert to Die For (Above)

And To Conclude: Fruit, Cheese & Toast

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