By Rosemary Parkinson, Freelance WriterHAVE YOU ever taken the time to walk through Island Life Shopping Centre, New Kingston, before or after going to the movies at Island Cinema? I did and was pleasantly surprised.
The place is filled with the offices of doctors, dentists, opticians, and real estate agents. There is a beauty salon offering massage treatments (tired Kingston feet anyone?); a one-stop computer shop with all manner of services - copiers, binders, laminations, Internet and general computer services; a gym; shoes and clothing stores; even a pharmacy. A little bit of everything, actually, in quiet pleasant surroundings.
I also found food - a Chinese fast food outlet, a Portuguese Grill and a disaster. Now let me get rid of the disaster first.
THE DISASTER
StarApples. Pretty decor, very promising - not for long. I found two noisy schoolchildren lying across the seating with two employees playing better cricket with juice bottles than what we saw at Sabina Park recently. The moment I felt the leg of my pants sticking to my ankles I became 'soggily' aware that I was standing in a large pool of water. Remaining calm, I requested food above the din, which was enhanced by inappropriate dancehall-type music.
"One juice," cricketer shouted to the air. "Any food lef' in di back?"
THE DELIGHTS
With no response, for what seemed an eternity, from the wall, I walked out and went next door to the Shanghai Restaurant where, for $200 I got a pleasant combo of Malah Chicken, spicy wings (amazing) and fried rice. My Island Life food advisor, Julian Harris from One-Stop Computers, did inform me that although he eats the Chinese fast food almost every day, StarApples has good Jamaican food. Maybe one day I shall be able to taste it.
Next, I tried Carlito's Portuguese Chicken Grill -
two pieces of chicken and a Portuguese Salad for $210.
Not bad at all.
Whole red snapper, steamed or from the grill, with pumpkin rice is another of Carlito's specialty, along with fresh, no sugar added, juices like pineapple (delicious), orange, soursop, carrot, cucumber.
Portuguese Carlito Rodriguez, a gentle unassuming soul, also proudly told me: "No oil, no fat, no salt in cooking, just healthy." The self-serve olive oil for salads attests to that. There are no harsh seasonings in this food, every-thing is natural.
OTHER FOOD NEWS
Norma's at The Marina is up and running and making a mark on the Port Antonio 'foodie' map. Only a few hours away from Kingston through glorious mountains, spectacular rivers and the exciting north coast, it's well worth the trip.
I had some excellent nosh there.
Next week look out for my photographic tour and description of my experience.
A WORD ABOUT DEVON HOUSE
One last little something. Devon House, a wonderful historic building, is in dire need of funding for restoration. Anyone out there - hello Corporate Jamaica - help is desperately required.
An idea: Garden centres and landscapers - why not apply to maintain particular areas with appropriate signage as advertisement? This could become an exciting yearly competition as to who has the best garden, etc.
The grounds of Devon House should be awash in incredible flowering plants and trees. If you're interested, call Paco Kennedy, Devon House, for further information, and do try your best to support this wonderful property.
I recently wrote about the new Rum, Roast and Royals (liquors, coffee, cigars and related items) shop in The Courtyard, but there are many other shops filled with household items, souvenirs, clothing, books, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and much more. Foodwise, Norma's On The Terrace and Devon House I-Scream are no secret; the Patty Shoppe serves tasty snacks; the new Internet Café has wine and coffee; and the Grogg Shoppe has now re-opened.
The House is also open for tours (for a small fee) with the Port Royal Exhibition taking centre stage.
Laughter reduces stress, relieves tension, and soothes the angry heart. Simplify your life by learning to respond to stressful situations with laughter rather than frustration, or anger, or resentment.
- 'Simplify Your Life',
Elaine, St. James
