Owamni

Owamni, Minneapolis, MN

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Owamni by The Sioux Chef defines as a modern indigenous full service establishment. It also offers a pre colonization or decolonized food experience, which means experience the true flavors of North America, featuring foods of Mni Sota Makoce, the land where the waters reflect the clouds. You won’t find any ingredient that was brought to North America by the colonizers. Talking about meat we are referring to bison, fish and turkey but not beef or chicken. Most plates use corn but not bread, which is usually made by wheat, originally from Europe. No dairy is use, only vegetable alternative version of them. 

The concept of Owamni makes food experience unique and deep in understanding how in many ways food is related with ideologies, lands and an economic system that affects societies in all levels. In that sense, this philosophy includes purchasing from indigenous producers, locally, nationally and even internationally. I was fond to see in the menu coffee produced in Peru by indigenous communities. 

All that sounds terrific. The price of it is high and is mostly support by the customers. This restaurant is pricy and it include a 18% fee to give all workers health and retirement benefits. In addition to the 15% to 20% tip that waiters usually expect. This is not the only restaurant that has a fee but this is certainly one of the highest. 

I am very happy to see long waiting list to reserve a table in Owamni and I wish all the success to this restaurant that by the way is delicious. My doubts are related with a philosophy that is supported by the customers. I hope that we can radically change our ideas and perspective of food in a way that helps ecosystems, societies and communities, but that means an effort in which all contribute equally. 

The most memorable dish was not in the menu. It was a special mushroom taco, unforgettable. All we eat was great, including a no sweet and no dairy dessert: corn cookie with wild sun milk ice cream (photo). Go and make your reservation as soon as possible and cross your fingers to see if you can try Owamni this year.

Of course, no one single disposable plastic element in the table.

Eat Green, Be Happy rating system

🌿🌿🌿🌿  4 leaves: All green

🌿🌿🌿. 3 leaves: Great but you can do better

🌿🌿 2 leaves: Green by chance

🌿 1 leaf: Not green at all

🚫0 leaves: Not green option