A new restaurant focused on bringing tastes of France and West Africa to the local food scene is set to soon open in Chapel Hill.
Bouquet Garni, a restaurant and catering service, is preparing to join the lineup of businesses inside the Blue Dogwood Public Market. Chef Eric Ndiaye, who comes to Chapel Hill from the Bay Area of California, is the man behind the business. He told Chapelboro Bouquet Garni is expecting to hold its grand opening on Saturday, December 4.
Ndiaye studied culinary arts in Lyon, France and New York City. In addition to working in restaurants, he also says his 26 years of working with the global in-flight catering company LSG Sky Chefs shaped his vision to create a restaurant where he says his family aims to “bring smiles to everyone who tastes our food.”
“I realized it was time to fulfill my dream of having a family owned and operated business built on the hope of introducing more people to the delicious cuisine of Senegal,” Ndiaye told Chapelboro. “When people visit our restaurant and catering menu, we want them to be enthralled and excited to taste new flavors.”
The ever-changing menu of Bouquet Garni will feature some traditional American entrees, like salads, sandwiches and breakfast dishes, but others are more influenced by Ndiaye’s experience. Entrees like the chicken yassa and Senegalese maffe reflect the chef’s West African ties and flair.
The Blue Dogwood Public Market off Franklin Street houses several local businesses and restaurants that share communal seating space.
The Blue Dogwood Public Market hosts other Chapel Hill restaurants like Big Belly Que, Vegan Flava Cafe and Goodness Cooks. Ndiaye said he’s already gotten some experiencing working in a similar environment at a stall in the Durham Farmers Market twice a week. Through that time, he said he’s met people who have helped him kick-start this new venture and build relationships
“That’s the aspect I look forward to the most: creating a real sense of family within my community,” said Ndiaye. “Bouquet Garni will be able to add a new flavor to the Blue Dogwood selection of business. Our cuisine of Senegalese food with an added French flair is something the Chapel Hill area hasn’t seen before. With inventive takes on classic dishes, our guests are sure to be impressed.”
For those interested in trying tastes of Ndiaye’s recipes, the catering service for Bouquet Garni is already operational. The chef said his restaurant is offering a Thanksgiving meal package to local customers that is taking orders through November 23.
Featured photo via Bouquet Garni.
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