For ten years, Ponty Bistro has been serving up some of the most unique African cuisine in New York. Conveniently located in Harlem on the corner of 139th and Adam Clayton Boulevard, this quaint restaurant is the culmination of years of planning by two cousins from Senegal. Both Chef Cisse and Chef Cheikh came to the US hoping to one day open their own restaurant, serving up the best dishes and showcasing the beautiful culture from their homeland.
They knew that in order to achieve their dream that they would have to start at the bottom. For 20 years, the two worked their way up the restaurant industry ladder, starting as dishwashers before moving on to work as prep chefs and then line cooks. Eventually, they were able to work under the tutelage of the top chefs at some of America’s venerable Michelin-rated restaurants.
In 2008, the much-anticipated dream finally became a reality when the cousins opened the doors of Ponty Bistro to the Harlem community. The eclectic menu features a fusion of African food with French and American influences. The unassuming outdoor cafe seating opens up to a trendy bistro.
The friendly owners and chefs welcome the opportunity to interact with guests and showcase the unique culture and influence of their homeland. Upon my first visit, Chef Cisse convinced me that I needed to try the specialty African Mussels. For my second course, I tried the crispy tuna, featuring thick bites of tuna served with a soy-ginger sauce and wasabi cream.
Next up was the Poulet Yassa, a classic Senegalese dish. As Ponty Bistro’s signature dish, the Poulet Yassa is made from marinated chicken mixed with a blend of peppers, onions, and mustard. This traditional dish convinced me that I could get used to this explosion of bold flavors.
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