MILWAUKEE — A Wisconsin woman, born and raised in the country of Cameroon in central Africa, has made it her mission to showcase African culture and cuisine in the state.
Yolande Tchouapi moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University. She is now an executive leader at Johnson Controls.
For years, she developed and sold her own line of African sauces and spices called Afro Fusion Cuisine and opened her own African restaurant in Wauwatosa called Irie Zulu. She said it’s a way for her to pay homage to her roots.
“Sharing with people in Wisconsin, my heritage, my culture, is just very emotional and it fills a void of not being home," Tchouapi said. “I come from a tribe of farmers. I grew up on a farm. Both of my parents are teachers, and part of what my mom did, she ran a couple of restaurants. Actually, she had one of the best joints in the local village.”
She found commonality in the way food can bring people together.
“We are in a time where unity is more important than ever, and elevating different cultures, and creating a culture of care and belonging for all, is important,” Tchouapi said.
That’s why she started a series of events in the Milwaukea area to encourage a deeper exploration of different world cuisines and cultures. The events are centered around sharing meals, while also connecting with people of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and creating meaningful dialogue to combat racial disparities and lack of inclusion.
It’s part of Tchouapi’s larger-scale initiative called Ubuntu MKE, a cross-cultural incubator lab designed to elevate and create access to African food culture in Wisconisn, and across the country.
The finale of the event series will be a black tie gala and fundraiser called Flavors of Africa & Diaspora: Best Chefs Wisconsin. Tchouapi is bringing together 40 of the best chefs in the area to participate in a culinary competition featuring African dishes.
Tickets are still available for the event which will held at the Milwaukee Athletic Club on Nov. 10, from 3 to 7 p.m. A VIP reception will take place beforehand from 2 to 3 p.m.
Justin Aprahamian is one of the Milwaukee chefs participating in the competition. The James Beard award-winner owns the restaurant Sanford. He said he connects with this mission.
“It’s always been important to the restaurant to highlight and showcase flavors from across the world, and I think that really opens people’s eyes up to what’s out there,” Aprahamian said. “Learn about a culture. Learn about a cuisine and really kind of embrace those things.”
