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

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 Troy Lawrence. The episode explores the unique fusion of Korean, Japanese, and Thai flavours that define Honey Bees' offerings, as well as 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 practical strategies for maintaining a successful multicultural team. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion about mentorship, community loyalty, and entrepreneurial advice.

Key Topics:

1. The Journey Back to Yarmouth
2. Building a Multicultural Team
3. Navigating Challenges and COVID-19
4. Future Plans and Expansion
5. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Credits:

1. Hosted by Shawn Smith
2. Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
3. Special thanks to Chef Sonia Park and Troy Lawerence, 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 Honey Bees:

1. https://www.honeybeesorders.ca/
2. https://www.instagram.com/honeybeesyarmouth/?hl=en
3. https://www.facebook.com/honeybeesyarmouth/