“Best KC Delicacy Restaurant Owner Cultivated Culinary Skills in Africa: ‘Our Dishes Are Complex, Flavorful, and Divine.”
“Best KC Delicacy Restaurant Owner Cultivated Culinary Skills in Africa: ‘Our Dishes Are Complex, Flavorful, and Divine.”
A Report by Francis John, Editor-Publisher of TipsNews, Kansas City
For American listeners, the name might evoke “Jello fries,” but when Victor Ejelonu, a Nigerian immigrant, mentions it, he’s referring to something much more delectable: jollof rice, a dish infused with tomatoes, onions, and an array of seasonings.
Ejelonu, with a background as a cook and manager at his family’s restaurant in Benin City, a Nigerian metropolis, immigrated to the U.S. 18 years ago. Upon settling in Kansas City, he took on a role in health care administration at what was then Truman Medical Center and St. Luke’s. However, his passion for cooking never waned.
“People in Kansas City, they go to work and come home and don’t know what to do,” he observed. “So I would cook and invite friends over to enjoy some complimentary food. And eventually, I thought, ‘I need to monetize this.’ That’s how the restaurant was conceived.”
The midtown restaurant’s menu will be recognizable to those who previously dined with Ejelonu in Independence. It features popular dishes like suya (spicy, skewered barbecued meats), puff puffs (fried sweet dough), and various types of fufu, a starchy side dish made from choices like yam, plantains, oatmeal, or yucca, which are dipped into a range of soups including okra, spinach, and egusi (a melon seed-based soup).
My Village Grill is not solely a Nigerian establishment; Ejelonu hails from Nigeria, his wife is Liberian, and his culinary team includes cooks from Ghana and Cameroon. However, the owner aspires to eventually incorporate dishes representing the entire African continent. He’s actively seeking local African chefs to expand his team.
At present, My Village Grill operates from Wednesday to Sunday, beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing “until the last person leaves.” The restaurant, which was formerly a church space but previously served as a restaurant in the late 1990s and early 2000s, spans around 1,900 square feet and boasts 12 tables in the dining area. Ejelonu has plans to apply for a liquor license soon, but currently, the only wine available is nonalcoholic palm wine sourced from the sap of a palm tree.
Given that some dishes at My Village Grill may require a bit more preparation time, Ejelonu suggests calling in orders in advance at 913-999-2072 if you’re in a hurry. He’s also experimenting with a weekend buffet to cater to both those new to African cuisine and diners with time constraints.
“Our dishes are intricate,” Ejelonu explained. “Sometimes, it can take up to 40 minutes. So, the buffet is for those folks who just can’t wait. But everything here is freshly made. In West Africa, we prefer our food to be freshly prepared. We want to savor it straight out of the stove.”
Here are some feedback responses from our customers:
- “My Village Grill offers a delightful journey through African cuisine. The jollof rice is an absolute must-try, and their commitment to fresh, authentic dishes is commendable!” – Aduba Addon
- “Victor Ejelonu’s passion for cooking shines through at My Village Grill. The variety of flavors in their dishes is amazing, and I appreciate their dedication to using fresh ingredients.” – Greg Okafor
- “The suya at My Village Grill is simply outstanding! It’s hard to find authentic West African cuisine, and this place is a gem. I can’t wait to try more dishes on my next visit.” – Ardo Jallo
- “I’m thrilled to have a taste of home right here in Kansas City. My Village Grill’s fufu and soups take me back to West Africa. The restaurant’s warm ambiance and friendly staff make it a great dining experience.” – Omoboriowo Ajala
- “My Village Grill’s commitment to offering freshly prepared dishes sets them apart. The owner’s dedication to sharing African cuisine is evident, and their buffet option is perfect for those seeking a quick taste of authentic flavors.” – FlavorSeeker2022
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