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Friday in Accra: “An African City” Style

Unless you’ve been living under a rock — you’ve heard of Nicole Amarteifo and Millie Monyo’s hit web series “An African City”. Refinery 29 recently talked about the “Sex in the City” of Ghana that has hundreds of thousands of people all over the world tuning in. Full of swoon-worthy fashion, restaurants, and locations — why live vicariously through it’s stunning co-stars when you can have “An African City” experience yourself? Maame Adjei, the actress who slays as ‘Zainab’ in the show shares what it’s like to spend 24 hours living like you’re in the popular webseries. Be sure to check out her new travel show “Girl Going Places” whose trailer you can find after the break.

As a true “Ghana Girl” I love the fact that Accra is getting people’s attention as a cosmopolitan yet truly AFRICAN city. From the sights to the views to the food and most of all the people, Accra is definitely more than meets the eye. Friday is the ultimate day to get the complete vibe — if you’re in town and want to have your African City moment — here’s what to do:

9:00A // Breakfast at Villa Monticello

Say what you will about us keeping some trappings of yesteryear, but the full English breakfast at this boutique hotel’s restaurant is what morning dreams are made of. Fluffy eggs, beans, and sausage served against Monticello’s beautiful backdrop are the perfect place to sip some tea (especially if it’s being spilled by Sade!).

Villa Monticello // №1A Jasmine Road, Airport Residential Area // + 233 26 630 7398

12:00P // Lunch at Chez Clarisse

While your morning eats may have been all about being proper, your afternoon should be spent indulging in African goodness. Chez Clarisse (whose secret menu can be found in the TSTMKRS app is becoming an institution). Tilapia and chicken served Ivorian style, complete with attieke (ground cassava) and alocco (sweet plaintains). On Fridays, Clarisse the owner is in full force, you might even get a dance lesson that takes “shake what your mama gave ya” to an entirely new level.

Chez Clarisse “Maman Africa” // 8th Lane, Osu

2:00P // Boutique Shopping at Mina Evans and Christie Brown

Photo via Mina Evans Boutique

If your waistline hasn’t expanded to much be sure to check out two of our favorite boutiques in the city. Mina Evans and Christie Brown. Evans’ silhouettes are designed to flatter anyone’s figures and evoke a sophisticated woman with a lot of spunk. Christie Brown has dressed everyone from Beyonce’s dancers on the Mrs. Carter World Tour to my African City co-stars. Get a personal style consultation while your at it and pick up something for the long night out.

Mina Evans // 6th Ringway Link, Ridge (next to Pippa’s) // +233 24 422 8120

Christie Brown // H P Nyemitei St, Osu // +233 24 441 8477

3:30P // Art Collecting at Omanye House

Now that you’re in the zone for all things beautiful head to the Artists Alliance Gallery inside Omanye House to check out beautiful African Art from around the continent. My favorite pieces are the Ashanti drums and some of the original works by the gallery’s founder Ablade Glover.

Artists Alliance Gallery // La Road, Accra // +233 24 525 1404

5:00P // Ocean Views and Sunset Hues at Maya Cova

Photo courtesy of Ameyaw Debrah

At the end of the day it’s time to catch the sunset and some beautiful beach views at the Maya Cova. Located just behind the Artists Alliance Gallery it’s my favorite way to wind down (and look fierce while doing it). Grab some cocktails, sign the last deal of the day, and relax — you’ll need the energy later on.

Maya Cova // Plot 229 Labadi-Teshie Nungua Road // +233 30 296 4380

8:00P // Dinner and People Watching at Bread & Wine

Accra has a great emerging restaurant scene but sometime’s a girl’s gotta go with an old fave. Bread and Wine has long been a favorite in Accra for good reason — their Salmon is to die for! On a Friday night you’re sure to see some movers and shakers on the scene and they have a damn good cocktail to keep the conversations flowing.

Bread & Wine // House #13 13th Ln, Osu // +233 57 651 9799

12:00A // MINT Friday’s at Yasmina

Accra is a late-night sort of place, your best suited to pre-grams at Republic Bar or have cocktails after dinner before showing up at any of the nightclubs. At the moment, MINT at Yasmina is THE place to be on a Friday night. Hosted by Moët and Chandon this is not a low-key night spot — this is beautiful people and bottle popping at it’s finest.

Yasmina’s // Marina Mall, Airport City // +233 24 288 8884

To learn more about some of my favorite places in Accra and beyond be sure to look out for my new show “Girl Going Places” or go ahead and book a Tastemakers Tour and have An African City moment yourself!

Travel Africa, Skip Mediocre. Find Your Experience at: TastemakersAfrica.com