Bay Area’s Black restaurant week serves up Louisiana fish fry combos, bowls of smoky gumbo

Simmering bowls of gumbo with shredded chicken, andouille sausage and a rich, smoky roux, a Puerto Rican staple called mofongo that was featured on an episode of “Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives,” and a Southern-style fried fish with Italian influences are just some of the delicious dishes available during this year’s Black Restaurant Week in the Bay Area.

From May 13 to May 22, Bay Area diners can celebrate the flavors of African American, African and Caribbean cuisines at participating restaurants like Karibu Lounge, Cali Alley, Home of Chicken and Waffles, Kimmie’s Kitchen, Nell’s House and others in Oakland. San Francisco eateries include El Nuevo Fruitlandia, Rome’s Kitchen, Boug Cali, Teranga and more.

While all participating restaurants will have specific deals and promotional prices, for the best “bang-for-your-buck” option, look no further than the Arthur Rogers Combo at Rome’s Kitchen, which will only set you back $15. The pop-up is an Italian soul food catering business from Rome Rogers, and can be found at Speakeasy Ale & Lagers (which is owned and operated by Hunters Point Brewery), located at 1195 Evans Ave. in San Francisco.

The Arthur Rogers Combo resembles what you might encounter at a Louisiana fish fry.

“What makes our fish southern is the homemade Louisiana batter,” Rogers told SFGATE. “It is drenched and infused with Cajun and Creole seasonings.”

On the side: Tasty fixins such as a big scoop of creamy mac and cheese and sweet candied yams, which are made from original recipes. The combo meal is named after Rogers’ father, Arthur Adam Rogers.

“He was a community activist who grew up here in the Bayview district of Hunters Point in the early ’60s,” Rogers said. “He was also a construction worker who helped build tons of monumental businesses, homes and landmarks in the Bayview district.”

The combo meal isn’t the only thing named for the elder Rogers. Since Rome’s Kitchen is only popping up at Speakeasy Ales & Lagers on Fridays, you’d do well to order a heaping Arthur Rogers Combo and enjoy it after taking the short walk over to Adam Rogers Park at 1215 Quesada Ave., also named for the community activist.

Rome’s Kitchen is a pop-up at Speakeasy Ale & Lagers, located at 1195 Evans Ave., San Francisco, and currently open Fridays from 3 pm to 8 pm Black Restaurant Week Bay Area is happening from May 13 to May 22.