Chef Noori Opens Dream Restaurant
The Mantu is a modern take on centuries old, Afghan cuisine.
Two Immigrant Chefs Run Restaurant
Jean Lorestil (left) is the second in command, or the "chef de cuisine" at The Mantu. Originally from Haiti, he grew up in Turks and Caicos and went to culinary school in England.
"My Life Is Full Of Color"
Chef Noori likes to play with color in his dishes. "My life is full of color," he says as he stuffs the vegetables with pulao, an Afghan rice.
Restaurant Partners Reflect On Opening
Chef Noori's business partner Shagufta Sajid cried when she saw the restaurant put together for the first time.
Job Specialist Sees Dream Realized
C'Asha Faltz (right) is the employment specialist at the local office of the International Rescue Committee.
Halal Meat On The Menu
All of the meat served at The Mantu is halal.
The Friends That Made It Happen
(left to right) Jean Lorestil, Chef de Cuisine ; Hamidullah Noori, Executive Chef & Co-Owner; Shagufta Sajid, Co-Owner; Micheal Sparks, CEO of The Underground Kitchen; Kate Hauck, The Underground Kitchen Partner
The Mantu Opens In The Coming Weeks
Located across the parking lot from Ellwood Thompson's grocery store in Richmond's Carytown.