Hugues Mbenda has set up his Libala, a streetfood address for lunch. In the evening, the Libala turns into an African-French bistronomic table whose menu vibrates with Congolese and French influences. Le Kin is his name, a tribute to Kinshasa, the capital city and birthplace of the young cook.
As for the atmosphere, vegetation on the ceiling and sober wooden decor, warm colors mingle. The walls are adorned with tribal art designs, the African music is soft and the armchairs are comfortable. Waiters Diwan and Gabrielle and chef Hugues welcome you with the smile to make you travel in 6 steps. The menu is 60€ and changes every two weeks.
In the kitchen, the whole of Congo parades with its products, treated in a contemporary way. I personally started the evening with a candied tomato maki and tamarind mayonnaise, a cassava waffle and cowpea bean hummus.
To accompany the meal, on the advice of sommelier Diwan, I chose to have two glasses of white wine from Domaine Beauchamp, called "l'instant blanc". This lightly structured and fresh wine went perfectly with the flavors proposed by the chef. We continue the journey with the burnt destructured leek and its burrata, its baobab crumble and its red onion pickles. This dish is served in a slender, very aesthetic oval plate.
The chef then wanted to introduce fish and meat. Sardines in tempura on one side, served with a Dibi pepper cream that I loved, and a cucumber salad with sweet pepper, and slightly flavored with vanilla. On the other side, a grilled sirloin of beef served with a full-bodied gravy, cassava fries and peanut eggplant caviar.
For the pre-dessert, the chef mixed the flavors of watermelon and thyme. A watermelon foam, pieces of cut fruit and thyme juice. It's simple and delicious. To finish, a peach poached in ginger, a cocoa crumble and a mascarpone whipped cream combine to end on a very nice sweet and gourmet touch.
I advise you to book your table in advance on the restaurant's website.
Address: 10 rue Francis-Davso, 13001 Marseille
Tel : 04 91 06 44 02
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