Durban — Barely a year in existence Mushroom Lounge, on uMhlanga’s Chartwell Drive has been invited to showcase its African traditional cuisine in New York from September 22 to 26.
The invitation was facilitated by the American delegation who were part of the Resurgence conference that took place, in July, in Durban. After the conference some of the delegates visited the restaurant accompanied by City manager Musa Mbhele and deputy mayor Zandile Gumede.
Restaurant owner Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo said the invitation which extends to his staff and chefs, came as a surprise to him since his eatery has not completed its first year in business.
“I am very excited and short of words to thank people that supported us and made us the popular eatery. I wish to thank the City which brought the American delegation to my place. I also want to thank the delegation for facilitating our invitation,” said Mbambo.
Mbambo said the invite could open up business opportunities in New York. Mbambo said he was also inundated with calls from Gauteng and Cape Town to open restaurants in these provinces.
Mbambo also thanked Zulu King Misuzulu for visiting his eatery in April, saying the New York invitation was also as a result of the king’s blessings.
Accompanied by his traditional prime minister, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and senior Prince Simphiwe Zulu, the king commended Mbambo for serving traditional food like Zulu boiled chicken, tripe and other traditional foods in an establishment surrounded by diverse cultures.
Mbambo has ventured into hospitality for the first time after a stint in event management. He is one of the organisers of the popular Maskandi festival, Impucuzeko, which takes place annually at Durban’s Moses Mabhida’s People’s Park.
He also has a hand in the hosting of the annual Gcwalisa All White Picnic, which takes place at the Kings Park Stadium’s outer fields.
WhatsApp your views on this story to 071 485 7995.
Daily News