Cart
0
0.00 CAD

African Nova Scotian Culinary Series

 Discover the rich flavors and vibrant stories of African Nova Scotian cuisine with the African Nova Scotian Culinary Series.  This engaging podcast series celebrates the culinary heritage, traditions, and innovators within the African Nova Scotian community. Each episode features in-depth conversations with chefs, food entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders, exploring the history, recipes, and personal journeys that shape this unique culinary landscape. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about Nova Scotia's diverse food culture, the African Nova Scotian Culinary Series offers a delicious and inspiring listening experience. Tune in and savor the stories that bring this community's food to life.

LCCS recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage to develop and promote our cultural resources for all Nova Scotians.

Cafe Caye Mange:  Healing Through Food with Chef Pamela 

In the opening episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series, Shawn Smith sits down with Chef Pamela, the passionate founder of Cafe Caye Mange in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Chef Pamela shares her inspiring journey from St. Lucia to Nova Scotia, the cultural significance behind her restaurant's name, and her commitment to intertwining her heritage into every dish. She reflects on the community support that helped her establish Cafe Caye Mange, her dedication to plant-based healing foods, and the importance of holistic health. This conversation unfolds Chef Pamela's global culinary experiences and her mission to educate and inspire through food.

Honey Bees Restaurant: Come Back to Give Back

In this episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series, host Shawn Smith visits 'Honey Bees' in Yarmouth, a transformative cultural food hub transformed by Chef Sonia Park  and her husband Troy Lawrence. The episode explores the unique fusion of Korean, Japanese, and Thai flavors that define Honey Bees offerings and the background story of the couple's journey from Toronto back to their small-town roots. Troy discusses the importance of community involvement, respect for diverse cultures in the kitchen, and effective strategies for maintaining a successful multicultural team. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion about mentorship, community loyalty, and entrepreneurial advice.

A Taste of Tradition: Chef Leon Hamilton's Culinary Journey

Chef Leon Hamilton joins Shawn Smith to discuss his journey in the culinary arts, rooted in African Nova Scotian traditions and innovation. Chef Leon shares stories about his inspirations, including mentors in his community, and his approach to comfort food that emphasizes full, satisfying, and accessible meals. The conversation covers his experiences teaching youth through programs like the Fruits of Our Labor, his journey to becoming a Red Seal certified cook, and the impact of culinary arts on preserving cultural heritage. 

Portlander Jamaican Restaurant: Food, Family and a Labour of Love

This episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series highlights the story of Chef Donna Gogan, owner of Portlander Jamaican Restaurant in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Donna shares her journey from Jamaica to Nova Scotia, bringing the bold flavors of her heritage to the Maritimes, and discusses the importance of community support, challenges faced in sourcing ingredients, and the labor of love involved in preparing delicious foods. The episode provides insights into how Donna's creative twists on traditional dishes have won the hearts of locals and explores the significance of entrepreneurship and cultural cuisine in fostering community connections.

The Opus Cafe & Catering: A Hub of Community and Culture  

Our final episode brings us to Cherrybrook, Nova Scotia, just across from the historic Black Cultural Centre— a place deeply tied to African Nova Scotian identity and history. Here sits Opus Café and Catering, owned by Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins. Debbie shares the significance of Opus Café, her family's deep ties to the African Nova Scotian community, and how those roots continue to guide her entrepreneurial journey. Together, we unlock some generational wisdom and explore how food, love, and storytelling can transform a dining experience into a true community hub — a place to gather, reflect, and heal.