The Amoo family, who has catered Nigerian dishes in Connecticut and surrounding states for the last eight years, has recently opened has a brick-and-mortar restaurant with her family in East Haven.
Adé Restaurant opened its doors at 212 Main St. for a soft opening on Jan. 10 and expects to have its grand opening by early March. The restaurant is currently only takeout but will have a full dine-in experience after its grand opening.
Bosede Amoo, who goes by Adé, has opened a new restaurant in named Adé in East Haven. She runs the restaurant with her family. (Courtesy of Abe Amoo)
“Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Nigerian cuisine, where every dish tells a story of tradition and taste,” the restaurant’s website says. “From our aromatic Jollof rice and hearty swallow bowls to savory meat pies and traditional puff puff, we bring the rich, bold flavors of West Africa to your plate. Our diverse menu features classic favorites like Jollof rice, Egusi soup, Efo Riro and perfectly seasoned grilled meats, all prepared with time-honored recipes and the finest ingredients..
The restaurant, which has been in the works for three years, is owned by Bosede Amoo and her husband Taiwo Amoo. Bosede Amoo, nicknamed Adé, is the restaurant’s namesake. The word means “crown” in the Yoruba language. The Bridgeport couple’s four children, Dami, Aminat, Khadijaht and Abe, are also all heavily involved in the business.
Abe Amoo said Adé and Taiwo arrived in Connecticut from Nigeria more than 30 years ago. Adé has always enjoyed the craft of cooking, and Taiwo works more on the business operations and the two work hand in hand together in a partnership.
“My dad is a doctor, he has his Ph.D. and has been teaching for several years,” Abe Amoo said.
“My mom has two master’s degrees and has been teaching as well, but she has always had a passion for cooking. She learned how to cook when she was back in Nigeria. Also, my dad knows how to cook, too. My mom was passionate about going into business and my dad was right by her side supporting her.
“This is the American Dream,” Abe Amoo added. “They have been able to build a business of their own, a family business that they hope to pass down to generations. It’s something that my mom has always dreamed of and, essentially, this is a dream come true for the family.”
Adé Restaurant opened its doors at 212 Main St. in East Haven on Jan. 10. The restaurant features West African cuisine and will be under a take-out only soft opening until the grand opening in March. (Courtesy of Abe Amoo)
Abe Amoo said the restaurant menu features rich, authentic, West African flavors. He described it as well-seasoned and flavorful with mild to moderate levels of spice.
“The most popular rice is Jollof rice and that is one of our more specialty items. We have another dish called swallows, which are a food you eat with your fingers and one of those is called pounded yam and egusi soup. Those are the more popular dishes people might have heard of as far as Nigerian and West African food,” Abe Amoo said.
“Suya wings are one of the more popular appetizers,” he added. ”Suya is a popular West African flavor. It’s a dry rub, powdered flavor.”
Abe Amoo said he believes there are about five Nigerian restaurants in the state including Adé.
“The biggest thing that makes us different from every other Nigerian restaurant in Connecticut is the way our establishment looks,” Abe Amoo said. “We are more of an upscale, fancy dine-in restaurant. Most people are going to come in for a date night or people who want to host events there. People are dressed up more, but it’s not required. But it falls within that category of an upscale restaurant the way we set it up as opposed to coming in, picking up food and checking out.”
The restaurant will seat about 75 total in the restaurant and bar areas. There is also a patio.
Abe Amoo said the early response from the East Haven community is that they are excited about the restaurant because it is something new, noting that the restaurant expects to draw from a large Nigerian community bordering New Haven.
“My mom is one of the top Nigerian caterers in the state of Connecticut and she has expanded to New Jersey and New York,” he added. “That has helped with establishing a market here.”
Mayor Joseph Carfora added that East Haven has always been shaped by the people and cultures who call it home.
“From our strong Italian roots to the diverse community we are today, that spirit continues to evolve,” Carfora said. “Adé is a perfect example of that growth, and I encourage residents to stop in, support this new local business and enjoy something new and exciting right here in town.
Adé will remain exclusively takeout during the soft opening. Hours of operation are 12 p.m. 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
