The line of eager customers did not end. Many patrons, from all walks of life, held the 605 Magazine as they ordered from a menu which featured Indian tacos, Indian burgers, pulled pork on frybread, wojapi, and powwow lemonade.
The popular eating spot is Watecha Bowl, a food truck in Sioux Falls, which has gained a fan following. Owner Lawrence West is a proud member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and is from Cherry Creek.
“I was raised by a traditional grandmother in a traditional home. I love my culture and my people, and I like to represent my culture in everything I do,” said Lawrence.
Everything includes many things. Lawrence is a successful entrepreneur- he has owned and operated seven businesses, including a custom-design studio and towing company. In fact, his popular food truck is located outside his store, Urban Nerd, which sells eclectic pop culture memorabilia, movies, clothing, Native print, toys, and so much more.
On this day, Lawrence was celebrating Watecha Bowl’s featured profile in 605 Magazine, and he offered 50 percent off Indian tacos for everyone who showed with the publication in hand.
Not only were people in line for his food, they sought his autograph and Lawrence happily smiled for photos.
“I want to show the world and indigenous people that ‘Yeah, we can do this’. We can be successful, we can make it off the rez, and we can live in both worlds and remain connected. I’m from Cherry Creek and I got a lot of love for my home,” Lawrence said.
His passion for Lakota culture blends into his passion for food. The Watecha Bowl menu changes but the influences and flavors of home remain consistent ingredients.
“The food is always fresh and I source food locally. The wojapi is handmade, the frybread is handmade,” he said.
In true traditional form, buffalo meat was used in the Indian tacos and Indian burger, both paired with fluffy frybread. West explained that his menu will expand and will include taniga, bapa soup, and a variety of stews.
“It tastes just like home. This is comfort food,” said one customer.
Lawrence is on his way to establishing a permanent home for Watecha Bowl- he will soon open a sit-down restaurant in Sioux Falls.
“We can do this. We are resilient people and nothing can hold us back when we put our mind to it,” said Lawrence.
As he signed a copy of 605 Magazine, he smiled and writes a message, “Shout out to Cherry Creek. Much love.”
“It tastes just like home. This is comfort food,” said one customer.
Lawrence is on his way to establishing a permanent home for Watecha Bowl- he will soon open a sit-down restaurant in Sioux Falls.
“We can do this. We are resilient people and nothing can hold us back when we put our mind to it,” said Lawrence.
As he signed a copy of 605 Magazine, he smiled and writes a message, “Shout out to Cherry Creek. Much love.
PHOTO BY 605 MAGAZINE
Wojapi and frybread bites are a popular item on the Watecha Bowl menu.
