Vivian Elebiyo-Okojie believes that food is a vital aspect of her identity and a way to connect with others. “When you come to my home, the first thing I want to do is feed you, which is a huge part of the African culture as well,” she shares.
Growing Up in Nigeria
Elebiyo-Okojie spent her formative years in Nigeria, where traditional gender roles shaped her perception of cooking. “My dad never entered the kitchen. He was viewed as the king,” she recalls. Her mother, who dedicated herself to cooking, served special dishes exclusively to her husband.
Despite her mother’s emphasis on culinary skills, Elebiyo-Okojie initially avoided the kitchen. However, she later realized these kitchen escapades were her mother’s way of expressing love, along with a deep-rooted cultural significance.
Developing a Culinary Passion
After moving to the United States at the age of 17 for college, Elebiyo-Okojie’s perspective on cooking began to change. “I was dating a boy from Georgia, and I wanted to introduce him to African food,” she narrates. This desire ignited her passion for cooking as she started exploring African cuisine and its rich flavors.
She began with traditional recipes like fufu and jollof rice but soon expanded her culinary repertoire, blending elements from her experiences living in Florida and Texas.
Introducing African Cuisine to Dayton
Recognizing a gap in African culinary representation in Dayton, Elebiyo-Okojie launched the Nomad’s Table. “When I first moved here about five years ago, there was really nothing African, per se,” she explains. Initially, she introduced African dishes to her church community, fostering a curiosity about her heritage.
The six-course dinner at Nomad’s Table promises an immersive experience of African culture and cuisine. Course 5 will feature a communal dish, Tiger Fire Jollof and Quail of the Savannah, illustrating the tradition of shared meals in African culture.
The Essence of African Food
Elebiyo-Okojie describes African cuisine as “earthy” and deeply connected to nature. “We respect nature and the food that comes from it,” she emphasizes. In addition to unique tastes, the dinners will feature eclectic food plating, art, music, and cultural dialogue, aiming to broaden the perspectives of attendees.
A Mission to Empower Through Food
The Nomad’s Table serves a dual purpose; it’s also a fundraising initiative for her nonprofit, Bread of Hope. This organization seeks to empower underserved children by providing nutritious meals, quality education, and emotional support. All proceeds from the dinner will support this mission.
Event Details and Future Plans
The kickoff chapter of Nomad’s Table is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, limited to 20 attendees. Tickets are available for $185 online, with location details shared closer to the event date. Elebiyo-Okojie hopes to host similar events monthly or even travel to other cities to share African culinary experiences.
“I think African food needs to be celebrated and talked about more,” she concludes. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit nomadtabletk.com or check their social media pages at @nomadstabletour.
Celebrating African Cuisine: An Evening of Flavor and Culture
Food is an essential avenue of expression, especially in African culture. For Vivian Elebiyo-Okojie, founder of Bread of Hope, it is a profound part of her identity. “When guests come to my home, my first instinct is to serve them food—a fundamental aspect of our culture,” she remarked.
Embracing Culinary Roots in Nigeria
Raised in Nigeria, Elebiyo-Okojie experienced a strong cultural divide in cooking roles. She reminisces about her mother’s dedication to the kitchen, showcasing the affection expressed through meal preparation. “My father never stepped into the kitchen; he embodied the king, enjoying exclusive dishes reserved for him,” she shared.
Despite her mother’s encouragement, Elebiyo-Okojie initially shied away from cooking. However, with time, she recognized that her mother’s labor was a demonstration of love. “My mother’s cooking was her love language, and I’ve come to embrace that as well,” she noted.
A Culinary Journey Begins
Her passion for cooking ignited when she moved to the United States at 17 to pursue her education. Inspired to introduce a boyfriend to her roots, she began cooking traditional African dishes, sparking her desire to share her culture. “Initially, I made basic dishes like fufu and jollof, but I’ve expanded my culinary repertoire significantly,” Elebiyo-Okojie explained.
Bringing African Cuisine to Dayton
Over five years in Dayton, Elebiyo-Okojie realized the scarcity of African culinary offerings. This motivated her to introduce African food to her church community. “I’ve always wanted to share the rich narratives behind African food, as they are often overlooked,” she admitted.
Her inaugural event, Nomad’s Table, offers a six-course dinner, where guests can uncover the flavors and stories of Africa. A highlight of the evening includes Tiger Fire Jollof and Quail of the Savannah, served communally to honor traditional feasting culture.
Experiencing Nature Through Food
Guests can expect a presentation of diverse African dishes, including a unique dessert featuring Roasted Plantain Peanut Butter Ice Cream—celebrating the importance of both plantains and peanuts in African street food. “African cuisine is earthy and deeply connected to nature. It embodies a respect for the environment and its offerings,” Elebiyo-Okojie described.
A Mission to Empower Through Food
Nomad’s Table serves a dual purpose; all proceeds support Bread of Hope, an organization dedicated to uplifting children in underserved communities. Elebiyo-Okojie aims to provide these children with nutritious food, quality education, and emotional support. “I wish to broaden perspectives and demonstrate that life encompasses so much more than what we routinely encounter,” she emphasized.
Join the Culinary Journey
The first chapter of Nomad’s Table is set to commence at 6 p.m. on Saturday, accommodating a select group of 20 guests. Tickets are available for $185, with the dining location disclosed prior to the event. Future gatherings promise an immersive experience, complete with food demonstrations.
“Celebrating African food is vital, and I aspire to host these culinary experiences more frequently, potentially expanding to different cities,” Elebiyo-Okojie concluded. For more details or to secure tickets, visit nomadtabletk.com or check their social media at @nomadstabletour.
