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In the past couple of weeks, I noticed some activity in the former Maple View Deli location. The old signage had come down and the building recently had a paint job. This past weekend, I decided to stop in to be nosey to see what was going on. There, I met Richardo Da’Salvia who introduced himself as the new chef at what is now “Mama’s Kitchen.” Of course, I was excited to hear this news because MLK Ave., SE could always use another food option. And, I was equally pleased to learn that Richardo, a 15-year veteran chef, is also a Ward 8 resident and a member of our own Bethel Christian Fellowship Church located directly across the street from the newly re-opened MLK restaurant.
A few days after they opened, I stopped through again and met Fatima Nayir (Mama). Fatima and her husband own the new café. They moved to Washington DC from their native country, Turkey. When I inquired about what brought them to Ward 8, she replied, “my husband always thought this building was in a great location and with Homeland Security soon to be down the street we know we will have a steady customer base.” I inquired further about the inspiration for the name of the café. “My four kids tell all their friends that there is no better food than what is made in my Mama’s Kitchen.”
Ricardo and Fatima have the vision to offer some of the best tasting food in the city. “I want folks who work in the White House to want to drive over here and talk about how great the food and service are,” says Ricardo.
Ricardo and Fatima have the vision to offer some of the best tasting food in the city. “I want folks who work in the White House to want to drive over here and talk about how great the food and service are,” says Ricardo.
After being so nosey, I decided I needed to sample the food and ordered a slice of cheese pizza that cost me about $3. I was not expecting much, but to my surprise the pizza was pretty darn good. Fatima makes all her pizzas and breads fresh daily.
Be sure to stop by Mama’s Kitchen located at 1208 Maple View Pl., SE and let me know what you think. Store hours are: 7am – 11pm; Monday – Friday and 9am - 5pm Saturday - Sunday. One of the first things you’ll notice is that there is no bullet proof glass. The Nayirs want to provide a truly “open kitchen” environment.
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| Fatima and Richardo |
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| You don't have to eat and run... |
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| Already a steady flow of customers |
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| Anacostia Resident, Earl ordering a pizza. He says his daughter loves Mama's pizza. |
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| Ricardo likes to brag on his homemade Mambo Sauce. |
