WINCHESTER — Since opening its doors at 12 S. Braddock St. in mid-September, Bistro SOJO has been delighting the dinner crowd with a unique menu that features cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean region and northern, western and eastern Africa.
Owners Felix and Martha Addison hail from Ghana and Tanzania, respectively.
“We think people will love the atmosphere because we don’t have something else like this in Winchester,” Felix said.
The bistro has transformed the space previously occupied by La Niçoise Café, which closed in January after 18 years.
“Four Square Architects helped design it,” Felix said about Bistro SOJO’s interior. “It’s [Winchester architect] Kyle Hopkins’ vision. I changed some, but the base idea is his.”
Bistro SOJO can seat 50 people in comfortable, cushioned seats. The tables, Felix notes, are custom-made from trees that were harvested and milled by his neighbor. The restaurant’s name combines the first two letters of the Addisons’ daughter’s name (Sophia) and the first two letters of their son’s name (Jonathan).
Another distinctive touch Felix and Martha added to the eatery’s ambience are murals of Africa they commissioned local artists to paint: There is a coastal scene with boats, a woman with lemons adorning her hair, and African safari birds that greet visitors at the front of the restaurant. Martha asked the muralist to add crowns to the birds because she wants customers to feel special, like royalty.
“We wanted to bring something truly different to Winchester. We want to be a destination point. I want my restaurant to be a place people will take their special guests to when they come to visit Winchester,” Felix said.
The food at Bistro SOJO is a mix of flavors and spices not found at any other upscale restaurant in town. Think goat with black rice, braised oxtail, spiced lamb, branzino with buckwheat vinaigrette, coconut lentils with jasmine rice, West African-style kebabs with tzatziki and harissa, and other regional specialties.
“We’ve been serving black rice with our goat dish since we opened. People haven’t tried it before. I’ve had eight customers last week ask, ‘What did you do to that rice?!’ I tell them it’s organic. It’s black. That’s why it’s that way!” Felix said with a smile. Coupled with the oxtail or goat that melts in your mouth, the black rice’s texture provides a surprising little pop. “The buckwheat is another thing that many people have never had,” he said.
Bistro SOJO has a signature drink as well. “Sobolo” is a popular Ghanaian drink that’s made with hibiscus, lemon and ginger. The concoction is bright and refreshing alone or as a base for a cocktail.
Chefs at the restaurant use local ingredients when possible. Felix notes the place doesn’t even have a microwave. All dishes — breads, appetizers, entrees and desserts — are made fresh. Martha is particularly keen on making sure vegans, vegetarians and those with gluten allergies or other dietary needs have top-notch, interesting options as well. According to Felix, Martha “makes a mean lentil stew” and knows how to jazz up vegetables, like carrots, so that they take center stage.
The Addisons know the importance of customer feedback. They own two food trucks that make the rounds at local wineries, festivals, schools and weddings. Roaming Bistro offers international street food and 3 Fires Oven serves wood-fired pizza.
When they are working in their food trucks, people always ask they if have a storefront restaurant. Felix is happy to tell them that now they do. He credits community support with making it possible for the couple to open Bistro SOJO.
“One of the things my wife says is that we can’t remain static. Our menu will change as we go. We’ve established trust with our food trucks. And we’ll establish that here,” Felix said.
Bistro SOJO is currently open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday. Felix said they intend on serving lunch in the future.
For reservations or more information, visit bistrosojo.com or call 540-333-7385 or 540-333-4318.
Dining and Cooking