New York City is hosting a week-long celebration of African cuisine and culture. [Photo/CCTV.com]

"It's a place to come not only to dine, but you know to relate to each other, exert ideas, eat the food and then be friends," a diner said.

Ponty Bistro is one of the restaurants featured during African Restaurant Week. Here, Chef Chekh is serving up a taste of his homeland - with love.

"This customer has to love what I make for them because I do it for love, you know what I mean," Chekh said.

Chekh came to the States from Senegal, to chase the American Dream. He found it here, but says each dish he serves is a celebration of the country he still calls home.

"This is the second time we do Africa Restaurant week. We are representing Africa here, let people know the seasoning, the flavor, and ambiance, and be happy and smile!"