African accent added to dishes at Wine 5 Cafe

Fusion cuisine isn't exactly new, but Wine 5 Cafe delivers a new take on a familiar culinary trend.

The menu boasts familiar fare, from French toast to rib-eye steak, but the all-American dishes have an African accent, thanks to head chefs Michael and Grace Njoroge .

Their roots in Kenya -- not to mention the home-country spice blends they import for their dishes -- flavor a fusion cuisine that "was born right here in this cafe," explains Celestino "Tino" Garcia, co-owner and general manager.

Open since April in a former pizzeria at Tenaya Way and Cheyenne Avenue, the 72-seat restaurant establishes a relaxed atmosphere, with lace tablecloths, wine pitchers and wine crates setting a cozy cafe mood, along with live musical performances and a boutique wine list.

Garcia and "Chef Mike" worked together at the Plaza, where Njoroge was executive chef, and "we always spoke about opening our own restaurant," Garcia recalls. "After many years of working in big houses, we thought it was time to offer our experience to our neighborhood," serving "great food and superb service at neighborhood prices."

In Wine 5 Cafe's neighborhood, even homey fare takes on an exotic twist, thanks to the restaurant's spice blends from Kenya.

Of course, if you want the full Nairobi feast, featuring traditional Kenyan dishes, it's available for two to 20-plus diners. (Reservations are available for parties of more than 24.)

"There's been a very positive reaction" to Wine 5's new spin on fusion cuisine, Garcia says. "Most of our customers are repeat customers."

Wine 5 Cafe, 3250 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 110, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Breakfast: PJ French toast, $7.25; Southwest Happy Huevos, $7.95

Appetizers: fried Southwest egg rolls, $7.95; Drunken Frito Misto (for two), $16.95

Salads: cojita salad, $8.25; stuffed romaine Caesar, $8.75

Sandwiches: Tenaya Club, $9.25; Mr. and Mrs. Reuben, $9.75

Entrees: rib-eye steak, $12.95; seared salmon, $13.95

Desserts: Warm Springs molten chocolate cake, $5.75; churro split, $7.25

Information: 462-9463

By CAROL CLING