Original Story Published by: Arkansas Times
Photography by: Kontiki African Restaurant/Facebook
(Above) Whole fried tilapia with fried rice and vegetables.
Been out to Alexander lately?
There's not an awful lot in this tiny town (pop. 2,901, astride the Pulaski and Saline county lines). Maybe you've swung through Alexander on the way to the Bass Pro Shops or the newish outlet mall, a couple of interstate miles away. Perhaps you've name-checked Alexander in the middle of giving directions to somewhere else. Alexander is, like many small towns, rarely thought of as a destination.
With the arrival of Kontiki African Restaurant, owned by Sierra Leonean emigre Christian Domingo, prepare for that to change. It's a place you'll want to plan on finding.
The verdict from our dining party: Alexander is home to a winner. Kontiki is a fine and welcome addition to the Central Arkansas dining scene.
Kontiki is the new occupant of the building that used to house the Alexander Country Cafe, and the exterior still retains the "big front porch" feel of a place more likely to serve biscuits than plantains. The interior is smallish and cozy, with gentle African music and a simple, subdued atmosphere that doesn't overwhelm. Our party of five (four adults, one child) was quickly greeted and seated by the friendly staff.
