A Cultural and Culinary Tour Through Africa

Think of Vera Oye Ya-Anna as your culinary tour guide.

Twice a month, Ya-Anna transforms the Culver Palms United Methodist Church into the Palaver Hut, a West African village that brings people together.

The Palaver Hut selects one country or a particular region of Africa, presenting exotic dancers, music, food and fashions that are indigenous to the area. The next evening is set for April 29 at 7:30 p.m. And the focus is Benin, Contonou, once considered Africa’s most powerful kingdom.

“I’m like a storyteller,” Ya-Anna said. “I’m doing it through food. It’s educational as well as entertaining.”

In the workaday world, Ya-Anna is a recruiter for a West Los Angeles law firm. But at the Palaver Hut, where you can find her singing and dancing on most weekends, she invites guests to embark on a cultural adventure.

Ya-Anna begins the evening by singing a song that she says is “praise to creator and ancestors.”

Then the food, which is prepared by this enthusiastic hostess, is served in large baskets and bowls to guests seated around colorfully decorated tables.

On any given night, items such as casava bread, yams, collard greens, tomato stew, couscous, fresh fruit, black-eyed peas and rice are presented. Typically, eight dishes are prepared.

During dinner, Ya-Anna gives a lively presentation on the featured country or region, in which she touches upon the area’s history, culture and geography.

“The joy I get is the people listening to me and learning about the culture,” said the 46-year-old Los Angeles resident.

A few bites later, it’s time for some eclectic entertainment, including drummers and dancers. There’s also a fashion show featuring clothing worn by native people.

And as dinner ends, Ya-Anna gets folks moving on to the dance floor.

The fun isn’t just limited to adults. Ya-Anna said that these evenings provide the perfect opportunity for family outings. She encourages parents to bring their children.

In 1990, Ya-Anna arrived in Los Angeles as a refugee from the civil war that ravaged her native Liberia. With $200, she cooked her first meal for 20 friends and hosted a party in her tiny living room. Encouraged by this initial success, she established the Palaver Hut in 1993 as a way to share Africa with America and build relationships between different cultures.

“This is the kind of atmosphere for people to break bread in unity, talk and eat,” she said. “I hope that I can bridge the gap between people through the Palaver Hut.”

The next Palaver Hut will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 29. Culver Palms United Methodist Church, 4464 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. Admission is $35 adults, $10 children. Reservations required. Information: (310) 202-0439.