In the weeks leading up to Dish Fest, we’re presenting our readers with exclusive chef interviews so they can learn the stories behind the Best Dishes being served at the third annual food festival.
Patience Ogunbanjo (better known as “Chef Patty”) brings the home-cooking of her native Nigeria to Lasgidi Café — the bright orange, gold and green food truck she started in 2023 and painted with the motto “life tastes good.” If Chef Patty is doing the cooking, it surely does. From her tiny kitchen, she turns out West African classics such as jollof rice and puff-puff (crispy deep-fried dough balls), Nigerian egusi (a delicious stew composed of green vegetables and melon seeds) and fusion-y dishes such as tacos and fries, filled or covered with Nigeria’s spicy, kebab-like suya. Here’s her take on jollof rice and Dish Fest.
What is the origin story of your Best Dish?
Jollof rice is the heartbeat of West Africa, specifically Nigeria. It’s the one dish that was found at the center of every celebration when I was growing up. Although jollof doesn’t originate in Nigeria (it has roots in Senegal), we certainly do lay claims to having the best jollof!
What makes this dish a Best Dish?
With its seductive aroma, deep-red color and spicy flavor, jollof rice is the undisputed queen of West African kitchens. It’s our beloved culinary treasure and a dish from our very heart and soul. But just whisper the word “jollof” in West Africa and you could easily start a fiery feud of passion!
What is one of your favorite food memories?
Wow! One of my favorite food memories has to be cooking the perfect jollof dish for my dad after he had a major surgery. After practicing for days, I snuck the bowl of jollof rice into the hospital room while he was recovering and surprised him. He ate the entire bowl and by his reaction, I knew he was so proud!
Name a fellow chef or restaurant you admire and explain why.
Anthony Bourdain, hands down! He made everyone in the world (including me) feel like they knew him. It was like you could trust him! Most importantly, he introduced us to so many people and places through food. His willingness to explore was so admirable. He’s sorely missed.
What are you most looking forward to about Dish Fest?
All the different dishes by the various chefs and the attendees who are eager to sample Phoenix’s finest!
