"Owner/chef Candice Mensah’s roving West African venture Hedzole opened a permanent home in a small Northwest space that formerly housed Social Kitchen last year. A daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, Mensah was born in D.C., grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and ultimately left a career in healthcare tech to cook her native cuisine. She quickly amassed a loyal following at farmers markets in Northern Virginia and D.C. Longtime favorites that made their way to the city include her take on stewed oxtail over Ghanaian waakye and groundnut (peanut) soup, red red with fried plantains, and coconut or jollof rice. Customizable bowls offer lots of room for vegans, too. The space is small: Hedzole can seat 12 inside and 20 across its patio, or go the delivery route." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky
