There’s a new fine dining experience in town and it’s not in Fulton Market or Lincoln Park. NAFSI 1916, a Black-owned restaurant officially opened its doors Tuesday, at the illustrious South Shore Cultural Center on Chicago’s Southside.
The restaurant is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Donnell Digby and Cecilia Cuff, co-owner of Bronzeville Winery and business development firm The Nascent Group.
NAFSI, which translates to “soul” in Swahili, can be described as a vibrant celebration of Black cuisine and culture, from its menu offerings to its location and design.
Culinary excellence meets community investment
Spearheaded by Executive Chef Dondee Robinson, the menu features a mix of elevated Soul Food dishes and fine dining staples, with highlights like Steak Frites, Chargrilled Oysters, Lobster Bucatini, and Fried Catfish.
The restaurant’s debut is a monumental feat for revitalization within the Southside community, one often overlooked when considering dining destinations in the city. Make no mistake, NAFSI is shifting that status quo and creating an environment for South Shore residents to dine and invest within their own community.
“On the Southside there is a lack of spaces where we can dress up and go out whether it be for birthdays or dates…we wanted to create a space where we can serve that,” said Cuff in a statement.
Rewriting history
The opening of NAFSI 1916 serves not only as a beacon of community entrepreneurialism, but a symbolic rectification of the cultural center’s past.
Formerly a country club and now a public space within the Chicago Park District umbrella, the South Shore Cultural Center historically banned Black people and other minority groups from entry until the 1970s.
Since then, the lakefront campus has played an important role within the fabric of the South Shore Community, famously serving as the venue for the Obama’s wedding reception.
“I’m honored to establish my second restaurant in a space so rich with history and so connected with the South Shore community,” said Digby in a statement. “We’re rewriting history as the first Black-owned restaurant in a building where our community was once unwelcome…With NAFSI, we’re opening the doors for our people to enjoy access to beautiful and luxurious spaces.”
A worthwhile trip south
For those who have yet to venture below downtown, NAFSI is well worth the southbound trip. With local investment at its core, and a stellar menu to boot, guests can expect a world-class experience.
After dining on a curated selection of seafood, visitors can stroll along the lakefront or explore the South Shore Cultural Center’s grounds.
Click here to learn more about NAFSI’s mission and make your reservation today.