Olaye Ceesay and her cousin, Oulay Fisher Ceesay, are Gambian immigrants who have established themselves in the food and restaurant sector and African fashion and beauty in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Both sisters run individual businesses in Las Vegas. Oulay Fisher Ceesay owns and manages Calabash African Kitchen, a restaurant renowned for its West African cuisine, particularly Senegambian dishes. Her cousin, Olaye Ceesay, operates the Royal African Health and Beauty Boutique, which offers a variety of high-quality products inspired by African cultural heritage.
Olaye mentioned that there is a way to empower women artisans both in Africa and around the globe.
At Calabash Restaurant, Olaye introduces the flavors of West African cuisine to Las Vegas, using her distinctive spices. Her menu is meticulously crafted, and each dish is carefully prepared to deliver fresh, delectable cuisine.
From the remote village of Bwiam in the coastal region of The Gambia to the bustling city of Las Vegas in the United States, Oulay Ceesay Fisher, the creator of Calabash African Kitchen, is pursuing her passion for cooking.
“I love to cook to feed other people; it gives me a lot of joy to cook,” she says.
One of her primary motivations for introducing West African cuisine to the United States is to preserve and showcase it. “I think our Senegambia food is worthy, and it was not represented in this area, so I was like, one day, I will open a restaurant.”
Her dream has materialized as she champions traditional Jollof at her restaurant. Her menu includes Nigerian favorites such as Egusi, Benneki, Pepper Soup, Domoda, and Super-Kanja, among other delectable dishes.
Oulay Ceesay Fisher, creator of Calabash African Kitchen, advises aspiring cooks, emphasizing the importance of love and passion in the culinary profession. “All I can tell them is, as far as they have passion, it is a good industry. The hours are long; it’s not just about the money you get from it. It is very fulfilling. If cooking is their dream, let them love it.”
Oulay dedicates substantial time to her restaurant, serving customers and creating employment opportunities for others. Her family, with a rich tradition of preparing Senegambian cuisine, carefully selected flavorful spices and crafted their menu with precision, adding a love to produce fresh, mouthwatering dishes.
The restaurant’s Jollof-inspired food is celebrated for its unique aroma, flavorful spices, and wood-fired grilling techniques. This culinary heritage originates from The Gambia and Senegal, a region known as Senegambia. The Jollof people, one of the largest ethnic groups in this area, are renowned for their rich culinary traditions.
“As Africans, entertaining and feeding people is our fondest tradition. Come experience and mingle in our home away from home for all the enjoyment,” Oulay invites.
