Ghanafest: Chicago Time Out Magazine

Dive into African eats at this weekend’s Ghanafest, then use our guide to regional specialties to continue your culinary travels.
With fiery food, traditional dancing, live music and ceremonial wear, Ghanafest 2006 (Sat 29, 1–10pm in Washington Park, 5500 S Cottage Grove Ave) will maintain its status as the largest Ghanaian cultural celebration in America. According to Reuben Hadzide, the president of Ghana National Council, this 18-year-old festival is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. “It’s amazing that thousands of people show up from around the country every year, yet not a lot of locals( whites) know about it.”
Well, the word is out, so plan on spending the day sampling bowls of brilliant red jollof rice, huge urns of peppery goat soup and heaping forkfuls of just-fried sweet plantains. And if fueling up on the cuisine of Ghana inspires you to search for more African fare, you’re in luck—Chicago has plenty of great restaurants serving food from around the continent.

Dive into African eats at this weekend’s Ghanafest, then use our guide to regional specialties to continue your culinary travels.
With fiery food, traditional dancing, live music and ceremonial wear, Ghanafest 2006 (Sat 29, 1–10pm in Washington Park, 5500 S Cottage Grove Ave) will maintain its status as the largest Ghanaian cultural celebration in America. According to Reuben Hadzide, the president of Ghana National Council, this 18-year-old festival is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. “It’s amazing that thousands of people show up from around the country every year, yet not a lot of locals( whites) know about it.”
Well, the word is out, so plan on spending the day sampling bowls of brilliant red jollof rice, huge urns of peppery goat soup and heaping forkfuls of just-fried sweet plantains. And if fueling up on the cuisine of Ghana inspires you to search for more African fare, you’re in luck—Chicago has plenty of great restaurants serving food from around the continent.