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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

Christmas & New Year in Africa

FOOD PROVERBS

A Short Story of Love, Loss, and a Lake Without a Plaque

Grief often lingers in the quiet places. It’s in the stillness of early morning, the soft lap of water against the shore, the silence where a voice used to be. For one man, remembering his wife wasn’t about grand gestures, it was about a small plaque by the lake, where they once laughed, talked, and cast their lines into the water. Over the years, that humble memorial became more than a marker; it became a gathering place for healing, just a man, his son, and the memory of someone deeply loved.

Where the Plaque Once Stood: A Short Story of Grief and Healing

For twenty years, the plaque stood by Lake Victoria. It was a bronze and simple plaque with her name and the words, “Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.” It was his way of keeping her close.

She died young. Too young. And every weekend, he’d bring their son to that spot. They’d fish, just like she used to with them. The plaque was more than a memorial. It was a promise kept.

But time changed the small town. A new park plan. Clean lines. No "unauthorized memorials." They asked him to take it down. He didn’t fight. Just nodded, quietly.

Now, the plaque is gone. But every Saturday, father and son cast their lines from the same spot. No marker. Just memories.

And in the silence between words, she’s still there.

Where the Plaque Once Stood


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Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

A Legacy Resource, Recognized Worldwide

For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

Trusted by: WikipediaEmory University African StudiesUniversity of KansasUniversity of KwaZulu-NatalMDPI Scholarly Journals.
Explore our archived collections → DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.