There isn’t a large Caribbean community in Vaudreuil-Dorion, west of the island of Montreal, but Kira Kurbanali-Nesfield and her husband Doug Nesfield are determined to create a makeshift one inside their Lady Kiki restaurant.
“We try our best for the time they are here to make them feel at home – to make our customers feel like they are in the Caribbean while in Vaudreuil,” Nesfield said.
“For them to maybe see the culture in a different light.”
Kurbanali-Nesfield does the cooking at the restaurant.
She learned as a child from her grandmother in Trinidad and Tobago and owning a restaurant has been her dream for more than two decades.
They’ve only been open a few weeks – since Sept. 1, but the family has made sure giving back to the community is part of their fledgling business.
Proceeds from every meal sold go to the Lady Kiki Foundation to support young mothers.
“I want them to know that whatever happens, it is not the end of the road,” Kurbanali-Nesfield said.
“Just stay positive and keep your head up.”
The restaurant’s sous chef also bring food to families in need in Montreal.
“We want our kids to know that, as a family, we support the community,” Kurbanali-Nesfield said while greeting customers.
“You have to care, you have to share.”
The couple wants to continue to watch their business grow in Vaudreuil, while giving back to their community.