Handing me a sample of her sugar-dusted fritters, the Congo-born chef told me that they were hybrids of New Orleans beignets and East African mandazi. These, hinting at coconut, were her favorite of several flavors. On reflection, I recalled many similar snacks with West African roots; later I also came across the Congolese name mikate (mee-Kah-teh). Nomenclature was not my priority at the time, however, not while the fritters were still warm.
New York African Restaurant Week Festival
MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th St. (Fifth-Lenox Aves.), Manhattan
www.Eventbrite.com/e/african-restaurant-week-festival-2019-come-enjoy-the-best-of-africa-tickets-59536627656
(The 2019 festival was held on October 12)
