CITY ARTS : Culinary Tour of Africa

Think of Vera Oye Ya-Anna as your culinary tour guide.

Twice a month, Ya-Anna transforms the Culver Palms United Methodist Church into the Palaver Hut, a West African village that brings people together.

The Palaver Hut selects one country or a particular region of Africa, and presents an evening of indigenous dancer, music, food and fashion. The next get-together is set for Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

“I’m like a storyteller,” Ya-Anna said. “I’m doing it through food. It’s educational as well as entertaining.”

In the workaday world, Ya-Anna is a recruiter for a West Los Angeles law firm. But at the Palaver Hut, where you can find her singing and dancing on most weekends, the refugee from war-torn Liberia invites guests to embark on a cultural adventure.

On any given night, casava bread, yams, collard greens, tomato stew, couscous, fresh fruit, black-eyed peas and rice are served.

After dinner, it’s time for some eclectic entertainment, including drummers and dancers.

“The joy I get is the people listening to me and learning about the culture,” said the 46-year-old Los Angeles resident.

The next Palaver Hut will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. 4464 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. Admission is $35 adults, $10 children. Reservations required. Information: (310) 202-0439.