Out of Africa, Manly

Sydney has always been known for its multiculturalism and this can be confirmed by the vast variety of cuisines that is offered all over Sydney. African has been one of those cuisines which I have been itching for years and finally after all that waiting, I have been able to tick this cuisine off my bucket list. 
I was nervous about trying out African because it felt so foreign and I felt like I was going out of my comfort zone. On the way to the restaurant my brain was filled with so curiosity whilst my heart was filled with excitement.

Mixed Entree's - $19.50
Brochette, briouat, sardine, spicy grilled calamari and king prawn on a bed of mixed salad

When I arrived, I immediately felt in love with the earthy decor. I wish I had taken photos to show you guys but unfortunately my table was right next to a gigantic pole. Zebra-prints, so many adorable wooden animal statues and quirky ornaments and vases plus a washing sink made of different stones which I was so desperately wanting to take with me help set the right atmosphere. I seriously did not feel like I was in Manly at that point in time. 
The mixed entree's was surprisingly a wowzer dish. Everything was so packed full of flavor as it was like someone had come up to you and showered you with a pile of aromatic spices. The chicken cigar and the saffron sauce was freaking awesome. If I was at home, I would of licked that plate clean to ensure I got every single drop of saffron that had been poured onto the plate.  

Moroccan Meat Balls - $26.50

Before coming here, Penguin Says Feed Me had recommended me the meatballs. I used to dislike meatballs and mince (and anything off similar nature) but my life changed after I experienced some mind blowing meatballs in Melbourne. Anyways so because of that, I ordered those balls and was so grateful that I did. The spicy Kefta balls drowned in this tomato, onion and garlicky sauce hit all the spots that any human body has. This would of been even more perfect had I had it in winter but hey, I can't complain. No wonder it was one of their signature dishes.
The egg in the middle was fairly well cooked. For me, I would of preferred if they had given me the raw egg and mixed it myself through that rich and generous sauce.

Reef and Beef - $33.50

The reef and beef sounded so exciting on the menu but it was probably the dish we least enjoyed (esp right after those meatballs) It was still a good dish but the sirloin was quite tough and cutting it with a standard knife didn't really help. The pricing of this dish seemed a bit steeper than the other mains which probably made me have higher expectations aswell. The mushrooms soaked in the saffron and coconut sauce though was heavenly and I could be biased here because I heart mushrooms. The juices from the mushroom along with the sauce and the melting mushroom meat was sooo goood! 
I can't wait to come back here again for more ball goodness. Not sure if I would return back in summer as the dishes can be quite heavy but once winter kicks in, you will know where to find me.

Gotta go eat!!