Moose Jaw’s newest culinary option — and a break from some of the traditional Western-inspired dishes available locally — is now open for business and the second-year Moose Jaw resident and former Nigerian owner, Adeola (Dee) Afolayan is proud to finally be realizing her dream.

To celebrate its grand opening, the ribbon was officially cut to open DeeBesties Nigerian Restaurant & Bar at noon on Aug. 31.

“It’s been really, really busy,” Afolayan announced on her first day of business. At the time of the interview, she said she hasn’t had the chance to sit down since the restaurant opened earlier in the day.

“It’s crazy. Moose Jaw is very supportive,” she said. “Everyone is coming in trying to get food… so yeah, it’s really nice.”

DeeBesties is owned by Afolayan and managed by her husband, Ademola, who manages quality control in the kitchen. Her mission is to provide an authentic Nigerian experience in Moose Jaw and to achieve this she’s sourcing everything from the same suppliers who ship to restaurants and pubs back in Nigeria. Her recipes follow the same guidelines and instructions that were passed down from her mother.

“It’s exactly the same taste (as you would experience in Nigeria),” she said earlier. “We’re using all authentic ingredients that will make you feel at home away from home.”

The turnout was a bit slow at first, but once the first few customers came through the door Afolayan said it started to pick up in a hurry. The day’s turnout, she said, was “really, really great.”

There’s always good reason to keep coming back, she then added.

“We have different dishes and it’s different tastes for you to try,” she explained. “So, even if you decide to come here every week, you can’t finish every meal in a week.” Plus, she added, there are several different options and she’s always open to suggestions from her customers — from meal options down to the choice of music to help set the vibe as they dine.

For someone new to Nigerian cuisine, Afolayan said she would recommend starting with the Jollof rice. The small chops and shawarma would be her second- and third-place recommendations.

Now that the restaurant is open, Afolayan said she’s looking forward to ongoing program options set to be included at the location. The first of these will be an old-school event planned for Friday, Sept. 13.

“We’re going to have old school Friday where people can listen to old school songs, watch European football (soccer), and have a bit of a dance,” she said. The atmosphere she’s hoping to recreate will bear a striking resemblance to a typical restaurant venue back at her previous home in Nigeria.

After the first day, Afolayan said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People are saying the food is very nice,” she said on Aug. 31. “They’re like, ‘It’s really, really yummy.’”

Some of these menu items include her growingly popular Jollof rice dish featuring fried chicken, and for dessert she prepared a well-received ice cream treat with warm brownies and cookie chunks.

“I’m really grateful to the people of Moose Jaw,” Afolayan said. “They’ve blown my expectations. I am very, very grateful for them. Thank you very much.”

For more information and to learn about upcoming event announcements, visit ‘DeeBesties Food Range’ on Facebook and on Instagram. The restaurant can be reached at 306-556-0823.

DeeBesties Nigerian Restaurant & Bar is located at 20 Main Street North in the former home of the National Café in downtown Moose Jaw.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express