Our final episode brings us to Cherrybrook, Nova Scotia, where I sit down with Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins, owner of Opus Café and Catering. 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 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.

Key Topics:

1. Inspiration behind Opus Café & Catering
2. Community Connections and Roots
3. Transforming a Historic Space
4. Emotional Stories and Healing
5. Family Influence and Entrepreneurial Spirit
6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Credits:

1. Hosted by Shawn Smith
2. Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
3. Special thanks to Chef Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins

Connect with Us:

Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!

For more information on Opus Café and Catering:

1. https://www.theopuscafe.ca/
2. https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Opus-Cafe-Catering-100088422846944/
3. https://www.instagram.com/theopuscafe/?hl=en

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 flavours of her heritage to the Maritimes, and discusses the importance of community support, the challenges of sourcing ingredients, and the labour of love involved in preparing delicious food. The episode offers insights into how Donna's creative twists on traditional dishes have won over locals. It explores the significance of entrepreneurship and cultural cuisine in fostering community connections.

Key Topics:

1. Donna Gogan's Jamaican Roots
2. The Beauty of Port Antonio
3. Journey to Nova Scotia
4. Challenges and Ingredients
5. Community Support in Amherst
6. Future plans and advice for aspiring restaurateurs

Credits:

1. Hosted by Shawn Smith
2. Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
3. Special thanks to Chef Donna Gogan and Executive Producer Matthew Johnson

Connect with Us:

Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!

For more information on Portlander Jamaican Restaurant:

1. https://www.facebook.com/Portlanderjamaicanrestaurantnovascotia/
2. https://portlanderjamaicanrestaurantns.com/
3. https://www.instagram.com/portlander.jamaican_resturant/

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, emphasizing complete, satisfying, and accessible meals. The conversation covers his experiences teaching youth through programs like the Fruits of Our Labour, his journey to becoming a Red Seal certified cook, and the impact of culinary arts on preserving cultural heritage.

Key Topics:

1. Chef Leon's culinary journey
2. Community and Culinary Arts
3. Becoming a Red Seal Chef
4. Comfort food vs. fine dining
5. Empowering youth through culinary skills
6. Future plans and advice for aspiring chefs

Credits:

1. Hosted by Shawn Smith
2. Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
3. Special thanks to Chef Leon Hamilton and Executive Producer Matthew Johnson

Key Topics:

1. Chef Leon's culinary journey
2. Community and Culinary Arts
3. Becoming a Red Seal Chef
4. Comfort food vs. fine dining
5. Empowering youth through culinary skills
6. Future plans and advice for aspiring chefs

Connect with Us:

Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!

For more information on Chef Leon Hamilton:

1. https://www.instagram.com/cheffleon/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXrNSjDcjYQ