A first generation American of Liberian & Guyanese descent, CC Peán literally grew up in the kitchen. “My mom MADE me sit in the kitchen and watch her cook. At the time it felt like punishment, but it turned out to be a gift.” Every night CC’s mother would fix a delicious fresh meal that incorporated the African, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, and English flavors of her native Guyana. “I grew up in a vegetarian home eating foods like roti (a West Indian flatbread) curry, Chinese long beans, and eggplant.” Her mother was planting the deep culinary traditions of Guyana and Liberia, that would sprout many years later. What was once solely for enjoyment, became an avocation and passion.

The name “Afcavé” comes from the African, Caribbean, and vegan inspiration of CC’s background and the spices of the Afcavé collection reflect CC’s childhood, her culinary training, and her travels.