The latest unique restaurant fare to hit Annapolis is Nando's Peri-Peri originating in South Africa. The restaurant quietly opened on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at the Annapolis Westfield Mall, entrance between Borders Books and Sears.
Having already experienced the exquisitely-flavored African-Portuguese inspired fare of this restaurant while living overseas, I immediately anticipated the opening recalling the delicious spices that only the South African continent could contrive.
Not to be disappointed, the spices are flavorful. Some of the selections are not for the meek-mouthed if one is sensitive or unsure about bursting flavors or anything remotely diverse in degrees of intensity. The menu consistents of fare for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Their menu gives everyone a choice from dishes such as the spicy mixed olives, peri-peri coated nuts, salads, Portabella Mushroom sandwich, Portuguese Rice, Butternut Squash & Grilled corn and let's not forget, their famous marinated & fresh grilled chickens.
The restaurant is a casual place for all types of diners. Once you are seated, you will peruse a menu, then proceed to the cashier where your order is taken and paid in advance (tips optional). You retrieve your own drinks into actual drinking and wine glasses (appropriate containers provided based upon your beverage order). Your food order is made fresh for you while you wait at your table. A waitstaff will bring your order to you. Fountain drinks and their Mango Ceylon iced tea are bottomless. And they have a nice selection of affordable wines to pare with your spice fare.
The decor is attractive and the wall art is all original -- in fact, I encourage visitors to check it out. Nando's has established a co-operative support foundation for African artists and the restaurants use these artistic creations in their restaurants. Plus, they have several outreach programs that benefit African programs not just in the arts but in educational grants, malaria prevention & programs. All a good use of the profits from a company founded some 20+ years in South Africa.
So, what is Peri-Peri? It is a fiery little chili called the African Birds Eye Chilli indigenious to the African continent. The Portuguese settlers began using it to flavor their foods. (Rumor has it that this little chilli aroused the passions of men and thus women found its use quite 'satisfying'.)
Value priced menu at about $7 / person.
