"Lots of Norwegians know very little about African cuisine. I want to change that," says Romeo Johnny.
He is the chef behind the new restaurant Fifty Four, which opened at a newly renovated space at Thon Hotel Vika Atrium in Oslo in September.
"I want Fifty Four to be a place where people can experience both African culture and African food. It’s the food I grew up with and that is so important to me," says this 34-year-old from Liberia.
Since moving to Norway in 2009, he has gone to cooking school and worked as a chef, sous-chef and assistant chef at such places as Quality Hotel Grand in Kongsberg and The Thief, Huset Aker Brygge and Fjøla in Oslo.
And now, thanks to a unique project launched by Thon Hotels, he is fulfilling his dream of running his own restaurant.
Inspired by all of Africa
An interest in food began long before Johnny moved to Norway. His mother and siblings moved here first, while he stayed in Liberia with his father.
“I was often the one who cooked meals at home, which motivated my interest in cooking,” explains Johnny.
The menu is inspired by the entire African continent, combined with modern flavours and techniques.
"The name Fifty Four refers to all 54 countries of Africa. But I also wanted to use as many local Norwegian ingredients as possible. The meat, fish, fruit and vegetables are mostly Norwegian, while some spices and special products are imported," says the passionate chef.
The goal is to showcase authentic flavours with a modern twist.
“I want to keep the original flavours and recipes, but present them in a new and unique way,” says Johnny.
The restaurant’s signature dish is jollof rice, a classic West African rice dish.
“Each country has its own version and, of course, I have created my own variant,” says the chef.
Plantains also feature prominently on the menu.
"The plantain is incredibly versatile and can be used in desserts, main courses, as side dishes or a snack. Not to mention the fact that it tastes wonderful!"
A new addition to Oslo’s food scene
The restaurant is a typical dinner restaurant and is located in a brand-new space at Thon Hotel Vika Atrium, with large windows and seating for around 70 guests.
Food & Beverage Director at Thon Hotels, Johan Love Laursen, is pleased to have Johnny on the team. He thinks Oslo is ready for a new and exciting addition to the food scene.
“For Johnny, it’s not just about food, but also about presenting a culture we know little about here in Norway,” says Laursen.
"When we were looking to fill the space at Thon Hotel Vika Atrium, we wanted something that Oslo and Norwegians had not seen before. Fifty Four fit the bill perfectly."
Johnny also personally believes that the concept will reach a broad audience.
Guests are both those who miss food from their home country and those who want to try new flavours.
The goal is to create a restaurant with something for everyone and a place to return to.
“Most of all, I look forward to seeing guests smile when they taste my food,” the chef confidently concludes.