A Taste of Senegal (Vegan) at Chicago Native Foods

Native Foods and SteMartaen Present: A Taste of Senegal: An African Vegan Party to
Celebrate Owner Dame Dia’s Birthday and Ownership Milestone

Chicago, IL – September 8, 2024 – Native Foods, a staple in Chicago’s vibrant vegan community,
is thrilled to announce its second pop-up partnership with SteMartaen, marking a special
occasion in the heart of the Chicago Loop. On Sunday, September 29, Native Foods will host: A
Taste of Senegal: An African Vegan Birthday Party; to celebrate both the birthday of owner
Dame Dia and the upcoming one-year anniversary of his ownership of Native Foods. This event
promises to be an unforgettable celebration of African culture, vegan cuisine, and community
spirit.

Since becoming employee-owned in November 2023, Native Foods has continued to pioneer
innovative dining experiences that connect with the community. Under the visionary leadership
of Dame Dia, Native Foods has embraced a new chapter of growth and creativity, with a focus
on cultural inclusivity and culinary exploration. This upcoming event is a testament to this
commitment.

Event Details:
Date: Sunday, September 29th Time: 12pm – 6pm
Location: Native Foods, 218 S. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60604
Dress Code: Guests are encouraged to wear African tribal prints for a unique photo
opportunity.
RSVP: https://chicagonativefoods.com/events
A Taste of Senegal: A Unique Vegan Menu

In partnership with the renowned vegan catering and pop-up maestros, SteMartaen, this event
will take guests on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Senegalese cuisine—all
crafted with a fully vegan twist. Known for their innovative approach and meticulous attention to
detail, SteMartaen has designed a menu that not only honors the rich traditions of Senegal but
also highlights their exceptional skill in creating authentic, plant-based dishes that are both
delicious and culturally resonant.

● Vegan Salmon Fataya: A delightful pastry filled with plant-based salmon, offering a
savory taste of Senegal’s beloved street food.
● Yassa Chik’n: A tangy, spiced dish made with marinated vegan chicken, inspired by
one of Senegal’s most popular recipes.
● Beef Maffe: A rich and creamy peanut stew with vegan beef, a comforting and hearty
Senegalese classic.
● Senegalese-Style Jollof Rice: The star of the show, this fragrant rice dish is a staple of
West African cuisine, brought to life with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables.
A Celebration of Culture and Community

This event is not only a culinary experience but also a celebration of the vibrant Senegalese
culture that Dame Dia holds dear. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in
the rich traditions of Senegal while enjoying a meal that bridges the gap between African
heritage and modern vegan dining.

We’re excited to bring this unique event to our community, celebrating both a personal
milestone and our continued journey as an employee-owned business; said Dame Dia, Owner
of Native Foods. Partnering with SteMartaen allows us to explore new flavors and traditions,
and we can’t wait to share this experience with our guests.

More About Native Foods and SteMartaen:

About Native Foods:
Native Foods has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s vegan dining scene, offering innovative and
delicious plant-based dishes that cater to diverse palates. With the transition to employee
ownership under Dame Dia in November 2023, Native Foods is committed to fostering
community, sustainability, and culinary innovation.

About SteMartaen:
SteMartaen is acclaimed for its expertise in vegan catering and pop-up events, offering
exceptional plant-based cuisine to a diverse range of occasions from Chicago to New York City.
Whether orchestrating intimate vegan weddings or large-scale festivals, SteMartaen’s steadfast
dedication to quality and culinary creativity has solidified their status as a leader in the vegan
food scene.

Join us for A Taste of Senegal and be part of this groundbreaking event that celebrates
culture, cuisine, and community.

For press inquiries, please contact:
OnJaLee LaShay | Marketing & Communications Director
Email: marketing@nativefoods.com | Phone: 773.357.5603
Visit nativefoods.com/chicago for more details and reservations.

Media Folder: photos + video

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WhbQu8KQO0t-DSoEAsEWkstFR5tci4yw?usp=sharing