Family,
Tomorrow is the fourth anniversary of Baobab Fare and I’m humbled and grateful to share with you that this is also our fourth time being nominated by the James Beard Foundation as semifinalists. This time, we’ve received recognition for our outstanding hospitality. This couldn’t have happened without our guests, community, staff, and family. Thank you all so much!
I want to also take a minute to talk about our idea of hospitality. It’s different in Detroit and Burundi. In African culture, and more specifically Burundian culture, it’s less about communication and talking and focuses more on the action. Someone can invite you into their house, but they’re going to feed you more than they will converse with you. You have to finish and eat all of it because they’ve made that just for you. It’s about nurturing and making your guests feel comfortable and full.
In our culture, guests who come to your home are treated with special honor. If you come to my home, we show our love and appreciation through the food and drink we make. When it comes to conversation, it’s beyond transactional or business-focused. I want to know about your family, how life is going. In Burundi, sometimes when you go to a restaurant without money you can pay with an IOU. It’s not always about the money. It’s our earnest and sincere interest in nurturing someone and taking care of our community.
If you are coming to visit us at Baobab Fare, we want you to enjoy the food and the whole experience. We aren’t like a lot of other restaurants in Detroit when it comes to hospitality. For example, we don’t have a host. And after four years I think we’ve found a service model that resonates both for us and our team. We take pride in that and our guests still enjoy the way we serve them. This is our love language.
Our other love language? Supporting our community beyond our four walls. Along with Valentine’s Day, February also brings the celebration that is Black History Month. We’re so honored to be a part of this community and throughout the month we’re going to be highlighting some of our favorite Black-owned businesses (such as Detroit People’s Food Co-Op pictured above) in Detroit. Be sure to check it out and support our friends and neighbors!
Family, I also have an ask of you. While we are celebrating a lot of things right now, immigrants and refugees are facing a very hard time. It’s a harsh reality, but one that we also find ourselves in. So, I’d like to ask you to check on your people. And keep Freedom House in your prayers. Show them some love if you can because they’re going through a lot. And without them, none of this success that we’re seeing would be possible. For those who may be feeling this, know that we’re here for you, and Baobab Fare will always be a safe space for everyone.
❤️
Mamba
Warmth. Connection. Impact.
Looking for a sweet treat for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day?
Stop by in store to pick up our Shokola Bar, a specialty-crafted, bean-to-bar chocolate created in partnership with Dwaar Chocolate. Made from slave-free cacao beans ethically sourced directly from farmers in Tanzania, this bar is roasted and crafted in Detroit to deliver rich, bold flavor with every bite.
Your support of Soko by Baobab Fare bridges continents and cultures, celebrating our East African heritage and shared commitment to fairness, sustainability, and care.
Together, we’re creating connections that make a meaningful difference.
