We spotted this groovy mask on the wall at Sav’s Grill in Lexington, a strictly locals spot for West African food. Mamadou “Sav” Savané moved from Guinea to Kentucky after meeting his wife, a one-time Peace Corps volunteer; now he cooks the dishes he grew up eating and bottles his own habanero sauce. A thin peanut-and-vegetable broth serves as the base for most of his bowls; it’s up to you what protein (goat, beef, chicken, or tilapia) you add in and what it gets poured over (white rice, brown rice, couscous, or fufu, plantains creamed to the consistency of mashed potatoes). There are three vegetarian options, too, including fresh spinach in tomato broth with palm oil. Bowls come in two sizes, but the small is generous and costs just $4.50 to $5.75, depending on the meat. If you’re hungry enough to eat a house, go with a lamb ragout or game hen platter instead, or just tack on a side salad with attiéké, a type of couscous made from cassava.

304 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY; 859-368-7287.

Additional photo courtesy of Sav’s Grill