It can be tricky to find Caribbean food in Nova Scotia, let alone vegan Caribbean food. But it was a challenge Pamela Leonford was more than happy to take on. “I consider myself a Caribbean ambassador self-proclaimed, because my menu has an item from all of the beautiful islands of St. Lucia…of the Caribbean,” says Leonford. Originally from St. Lucia, she wanted a place where she could bring those flavours to life. She opened up “Café Caye Mangé” three years ago in her hometown of Yarmouth, N.S. “My daughter and myself, we love to restaurant hop, and we were there in Yarmouth and there was nothing for us to eat really that was vegans and Caribbean. So (she) said, ‘mommy, open a restaurant here.’” From Jamaica’s iconic ‘oxtail and rice,’ to Trinidad and Tobago’s tasty roti, Leonford makes it all. “It’s a fusion of Caribbean, Nova Scotia, my travels, my experience and all the foods that I love to eat, in a nutrient-dense, holistic,” says Leonford. “I love a challenge because there had not been a Black business on the main street in Yarmouth ever. So I’m like, ‘Okay girl, you’re that girl. You’re going to make it happen. You’re going to open the first Afro-Caribbean vegan restaurant in the province and you’re going to have the first all black owned business in Yarmouth because you want to represent.’” Its popularity grew quickly and brought her to Novalea Kitchen and Market in Halifax for a pop-up shop. “It’s like a ghost kitchen which is open to the public. The main idea is to offer a place for an entrepreneur who would like to start their food business without the investment,” says owner Ghita Rhammaz. First-time customer Andy Palmer says the restaurant has piqued his interest in its unique take on Caribbean cuisine. “It’s curious. Caribbean food is really zesty and fresh, and I love the heat that comes with it. I’m curious to see how it would go, especially the oxtail… So, to try to veganize it, let’s see if it can work. but I’d love to try,” says Palmer. Beyond the fiery flavour, Leonard was inspired by a holistic lifestyle. Battling her own health struggles, she wanted to offer people a healthier alternative to the foods they love. “I volunteer on the regional health board of Yarmouth, I understand what the community needs. And I realize that in Nova Scotia, we have a cardiovascular problem. In fact, our rate is the highest. My mission really and truly is to change the trajectory one nutrient-dense, plant-based Caribbean vegan meal at a time. That’s my goal. That’s my mission.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
