Local restauranteur shares romance advice in new book

Posted by metroafrican • April 22, 2010 • Printer-friendly

Restaurant owner Ifiok Etuk made news recently when he turned his Hessini Roots International Cafe into Iffy's Kitchen to provide a free meal to local children. This was the second year for the restaurant's Celebration of Children, through which Etuk hopes to inspire local children and instill in them a sense of self worth.

Originally from Nigeria, Etuk moved to Denver in 1987 when he was thirteen years old. His career in food service began with a cooler full of burritos which he sold to late night customers outside clubs. In 1998 he opened Hessini Roots International Cafe where he still serves burritos, but the menu has been expanded to include Nigerian and soul food.

More recently the restauranteur has taken on another pursuit. His book A Romance Truth is aimed at helping people navigate the complicated world of romance. We asked Mr. Etuk a few questions about his first book.

Love and romance are perhaps the most written about topics. What unique elements does A Romance Truth offer that readers might not find elsewhere?

A Romance Truth is unique because it comes from a place of truth and understanding that has come from situations. It depicts real life situations that you can relate to and offers an explanation and ways you can change yourself and better not only yourself but all the situations you encounter.

As you were writing A Romance Truth, who did you envision as your primary audience?

I envisioned my primary audience to be Single or involved men that have struggled with relationships. As I kept writing I had women in mind as well and wanted to help them understand a mans point of view as well. This book is not a how to on relationships but probes greater questions that one can only ask themselves and attempt to change or make better. If this book can help only one person live a life with better relationships then I have done what I set out to do.

Before writing A Romance Truth you were already a successful restaurateur, as owner of Hessini Roots. Are there any ways these two pursuits inform one another, or do they rely on different skill sets altogether?

The two pursuits do go hand in hand as well as involve totally different skills altogether. I have built my restaurant on relationships. When you walk through the doors of Hessini Roots my goal is that you feel it is a second home. I make it a point to talk and get to know everyone that comes through the door so they will not only want to come back for the food but also the sense of home that I feel when I walk in as well. In talking with customers I developed a greater understanding myself that allowed me to write A Romance Truth. Based on what I have learned from people I have developed myself and I want to share that with everyone.

Is there a certain dish or two that you consider your specialty or signature dish at Hessini Roots?

Well we specialize in Nigerian and Soul Food. If you want to come and get the whole experience of my restaurant you and someone you care about have to try the Soup and Fufu. It is a dish that you share with people you are close to and you want to share in depth pieces of yourself with them, it is also the ultimate family food and a way to get kids that may not like veggies to eat healthy.

Who have been your greatest influences as both an entrepreneur and an author?

My family has been my biggest supporters and my greatest teachers. I also owe a lot to the people that believed enough in my dream to come and enjoy the whole Hessini Roots environment. I also know that every person that has come into my life weather they have walked out or not left a nugget of knowledge or understanding that helped me be the person I am today.

What is your favorite thing about living in Colorado?

My family and the entire Colorado lifestyle. We have an outdoor lifestyle not available anywhere else and so many wonderful places to go and things to do. I also love the people and all the love they have shown me has been fantastic.

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A Romance Truth by Ifiok Etuk is available at www.aromancetruth.com as well as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Read more: Weekend Out: Free meals, entertainment to help hungry kids By Kat Valentine King, The Denver Post

Free feed for kids is cafe owner's thank-you By Annette Espinoza, The Denver Post