Hip Blackanese fuses African, Asian tastes
MABONENG: Can the real Sushi King please stand up?
The question “Why Blackanese?” is posed in the Hansa TV advert. “Because I’m not Japanese,” quips the owner of The Blackanese Sushi and Wine Bar, Vusi Kunene.
A true entrepreneur at heart, Kunene comes from humble beginnings in Mpumalanga where he was raised by his grandmother before moving to Johannesburg.
“What caught my attention was that sushi had its own culture and lifestyle.”
“I was left in my grandmother’s custody and as she was the sole breadwinner, there was not enough money. I was forced to abandon my studies and find work. I worked as a car guard at events, then moved to retail and eventually found my passion when I started working in restaurants,” he said.
Kunene worked as a waiter in various restaurants which became his training ground in the hospitality industry.
“I discovered sushi while travelling,” he said. “I realised that it was not just about the food. What caught my attention was that sushi had its own culture and lifestyle.”
In 2005, Kunene started a mobile sushi bar, with the thought of owning a restaurant one day.
He now owns a restaurant positioned in the heart of the city. The Blackanese Sushi and Wine Bar draws crowds by fusing both African and Asian flavours to tickle the taste buds of its patrons.
As the name suggests, Blackanese adds an African touch to Japanese cuisine as the menu offers a multitude of such creations, as well as Thai noodle dishes.
Kunene said he enjoined making most – if not all – the dishes on the menu. “The Strawberry sushi is quite a popular dish,” he added.
The eatery’s uber-hip vibe is complemented by its home in the Maboneng Precinct. “Maboneng is young and trendy, so I think that it complements the sushi culture quite well.”
Asked about what inspired him, Kunene said, “Great entrepreneurs, people who don’t just do things for the money but are passionate about what they do.”
The restaurant also offers a catering service and runs regular sushi classes.
The Blackanese Sushi and Wine Bar is open from 11am to 9.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday on Kruger Street, Maboneng Precinct.
Details: 011-024-9455; www.theblackanese.co.za
