Although working in elementary school doesn’t share too many commonalities with working in a corporate office (not sure how the head honchos at [insert name of business conglomerate of your choice here] would feel about the presence of small children lurking in the hallways and a sudden proliferation of crayons and ‘safety’ scissors), there is one thing which we all recognize: the staff lunchroom. And along with that sharing of space for lunch comes a fear we all have had at one time or another: fear of being the one whose lunch causes unpleasant scents to waft through the halls. [Or, what I like to call, "Burnt Popcorn Syndrome.]
You see, a co-worker of mine had brought leftovers for lunch one day a long while back, and as the delicious smell of curry wafted through the teachers’ lounge, I couldn’t help but peek at the package she removed from the microwave. What I saw looked scrumptious, and I’d had it in my mind for the past four months or so to one night make it down to what we might call the U.N. of Trailers in Austin (the trailer next door is Indian) and eat at Cazamance.
When we arrived, there was what appeared to be an gathering of two or three families already sitting at a number of the tables, including multiple small children running around with hula hoops. It was all very surreal and I felt (blissfully) like I’d wandered into some sort of family reunion and/or Cazamance commune. 
My eyes darted to the specials board, and immediately I was conflicted about what to order. 
The regular menu was already so enticing, so I (as per usual) waited until my roommates had decided what to get, so that no one ordered the same thing. 
David chose the Moroccan Lamb Sausage with Sweet Tomato Relish & Harissa, served on rice.
His order came out quite a bit before the rest of our food, so we all took a sampling of the incredibly seasoned sausage, and that tomato relish (which I would gladly eat spoonfuls of out of a jar if it were available to me). I chuckled over the rice, because apparently my dad took lessons in African cooking while we were growing up, as he was often inclined to randomly put peas or corn in the rice he served for dinner.
When ordering a meal at Cazamance, you choose your meat, curry, or veggie ‘main’ and then have the option of having that served over rice (as seen above), in a wrap, or stuffed inside bunny chow, which is like a bread bowl—South African style. Erin ordered Dakar’s Boy Burger (in the bunny chow), which is lamb, spiced veggies, garlic, cumin, and paprika…along with some cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion relish.
Kelsey ordered the Roasted Curried Garden Veggies in spicy coconut reduction. [This was the dish my co-worker made that original made me want to come eat at Cazamance, but Kelsey beat me to ordering it...curse you, Kels, curse you!]
In actuality, I withdraw my curses. What I ordered…well, it was even better. 
Since I had a Groupon to work with, I had quite a few dollars to dispense. Thus, I was able to order not one, but two items from the specials menu. After being able to sample both the Spicy Peanut and Chicken Curry Soup, I almost just ordered two bowls of soup for dinner, but eventually settled on the Chicken Curry.
Turns out there was not a bit of chicken to be found…so I came to the conclusion it was supposed to be called a Chickpea Curry Soup. Either way, it was perfectly done–tender veggies, just enough heat, just thick enough to be satisfying while still leaving me room for the main event to come. In truth, I probably could have just had three bowls of this and been happy as a (curried) clam, but my main dish was about to arrive.
Although called an Eggplant Burger, there was nothing traditionally “burger-like” about it. What it was was grilled eggplant, squash, and tomatoes topped with carrots…as well as the tomato relish I’d asked to be included. What it also was was AMAZING. I wanted to do away with the bread altogether and just triple the veggies. [Erin even said, "I don't normally like eggplant...but that? That is good."]
I washed it all down with a Hibiscus Tea, which was unlike any hibiscus tea I’ve ever had. It was full of cinnamon (and I think clove) spice that almost shocked my palate with every sip. [Not that that is a bad thing...just completely unexpected.]
I’d say we enjoyed our meals.
Forget the rains, Toto…I bless the FOOD down in Africa…
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Catching up on your posts…the trailer food in Austin still amazes me. My mouth is watering for that soup right now. And I am jealous that you are eating food outside, while I'm wrapped in a blanket.
Seriously thinking about a trip to Austin this year…not that I can afford it, but we can all dream right?