Chef serves up African cuisine at Sav’s Grill

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Mamadou Savane prepares a plate of food in his restaurant, Sav’s Grill, located on the corner of South Limestone and East Maxwell streets. Photo by Kristin Sherrard | Staff

By Lauren Prather

Sav’s Grill & West African Cuisine owner Mamadou Savane is creating a stir with authentic African dishes and a country flare.

Savane, the owner and cook, opened Sav’s Grill in September 2008 on the corner of South Limestone and East Maxwell streets. In the few months since opening, Savane considers himself blessed to see a daily increase in new and returning customers.

“Last month, there was this meeting going on at UK, it was a two-week meeting,” Savane said, “and this guy, he was here everyday except Sunday.”

Savane learned to cook by observing his mother and sister in Guinea. Once he moved to Lexington with his wife Rachel, Savane became responsible for cooking for family and friends, but needed help from his family.

“I never cooked before I came here,” Savane said. “Back home the men don’t usually cook, usually that’s a woman’s field.”

Regular phone calls to his mother are normal for Savane. He said his sister’s recent move to Lexington was particularly helpful, as she offers cooking advice.

Friends and co-workers were always gathering around Savane’s home for his flavorful ribs and authentic African dishes before he opened his restaurant. He planned to open a restaurant for many years, and finally the opportunity was presented.

Savane said the restaurant is a partnership between him and his wife. They own Savane Silver, in Victorian Square, and he also has worked 10 years for UPS. Savane said years of saving made their restaurant possible.
Satisfied customers are Savane’s motivation for cooking and operating his own restaurant.

“It’s been a challenge, but at the same time, I’m enjoying it,” Savane said while serving a hungry lunch crowd.
Family friend and returning customer Neftali Adams has enjoyed Savane’s cooking since the restaurant opened. He has lived most of his life with families from various parts of Africa and is well accustomed to their native dishes.

“It’s actually authentic,” Adams said, “I recommend the fufu for the adventurous.”

Sav’s Grill menu offers plantains, goat meat, beef, ribs, Cornish hen and vegetarian substitutes in different sauces. Owner and employee recommendations include the peanut sauce with chicken, fufu sauce and leek bowl.

“These African bowls come with vegetarian options,” Savane said, “And are our most popular dishes.”