McSweeney's Reviews of New Foods

You should prepare in advance for the fact that akara look like brown sponges. But don't let appearances diminish the sumptuous West African taste. I first discovered akara in Northampton, Massachusetts, the self-declared lesbian capital of the world. Lesbians are typically soy-eating, wheat-intolerant pains-in-the-asses who prowl the earth for food alternatives with an acceptable cakelike texture. (I hate to perpetuate this cliche, but if the comfy shoe fits, I'm wearing it.) No need for alarm: you don't have to be lesbian to enjoy these yummy African bean fritters.