SHREVEPORT, La–When individuals consider style and designers, they need to go to Los Angeles and even Dallas. However what lots of people don’t know is there’s one Shreveport girl who’s making her personal seat and desk. She’s been capable of fill a distinct segment in Shreveport by bringing West African style and meals to our metropolis.
The necessity for range in Shreveport is what, native designer and chef, Niema Longstratt says impressed her to begin her café, RNL Authentics. The Sierra Leone native believes hers was one of many First West African Cafes in Shreveport.
“I used to be one of many very first to my information and to my research that I did. I used to be the one, on the time, West African and Caribbean restaurant genuine within the metropolis,” stated Longstratt.
Earlier than Longstratt opened RNL Authentics, she was dwelling in Sierra Leone, or West Africa. She got here right here with a dream and function.
“I moved right here 11 years in the past from Africa, after I first heard about Louisiana, I needed to google it. As a result of I’ve household all over the place besides Louisiana,” stated Longstratt.
Now she’s been a citizen of the southern boot for over a decade. Longstratt is bringing her conventional West African meals to Shreveport. A few of her prime dishes are the meat quick ribs, hen egg rolls, and the smoked turkey neck. Every dish is paired with cabbage, rice, or beans flavored with spices. KTBS 3 sat down with Longstratt to strive every dish as she explains why bringing West African tradition to Shreveport is vital.
“We simply take delight in what we do as a result of there’s none like us. For me it’s not in regards to the reputation. It is in regards to the academic a part of it. As a result of most of us don’t know precisely the place we got here from and the kind of meals we eat. So it’s not the cooking half, it’s additionally the academic half,” stated Longstratt.
Longstratt will not be solely a chief, she’s additionally a designer. She was even featured in New York Style week in 2020. When requested her if she had plans to open a clothes boutique she stated, “Finally, that’s part of my retirement plan.”
For Longstratt, style is extra than simply clothes. It’s part of her tradition.
“My first purpose was to introduce African apparel. I noticed that we would have liked it right here. So I began designing and alluring individuals to my dwelling. I’m somebody who likes to decorate up, I like to look fairly. So after I moved right here and I noticed the necessity for good stunning items, I jumped on it,” stated Longstratt.
Longstratt’S success doesn’t cease right here. She plans on internet hosting a dinner for the Shreveport neighborhood this Juneteenth.
“We’re having a beautiful dinner on Juneteenth. It’s June nineteenth. I can not disclose the situation nevertheless it’s going to be a speakeasy kind of deal. And it’s referred to as the style of liberation. Principally we’re going to rejoice out liberation for Juneteenth,” stated Longstratt.
RNL Authentics LLC, is situated inside Sunshine Well being Market on 5751 Youree Dr.
