The Cuddy'z Hat Trick -- jerk wings, chicken quesadillas, ackee and saltfish on bammy. Cuddy'z meal. - PHOTOS BY ROSEMARY PARKINSONShop 10B to E
New Kingston Shopping Centre, New Kingston
Open: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays,
and to 2:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Happy Hour: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday Nights Live OJ 10
Phone: 920-8956
By
Rosemary Parkinson, Freelance Writer
COURTNEY ANDREW Walsh was born in Kingston on the October 30, 1962, under the astrological sign Scorpio. Water is the element for Scorpio. The male Scorpio's personality is described as "intense, strong willed, determined and secretive with nothing escaping his attention. Forceful and courageous."
For this week (for those who have astrological interests) Mr. Walsh's horoscope reads like this: "This is an excellent time to experiment with cosmetics, scents, clothing and jewellery. This is also a time when you could meet someone very interesting who will ask you for a date. Be sure to say yes and you will find that you have a good time. Inventive abilities come to the surface now and you surprise yourself and everyone else with your ingenuity."
LEOS AND SCORPIOS
Hmmm. So where were you sah when I came to your restaurant to partake of some crickety food, eh? All now so I could be cosmetised, scentised, clothingnised and covered in jewellery. On the other hand, come to think of it, if you are so inventive with ability this week, there's still time to use your ingenuity and make my dreams a reality. Truth be known, however, Leos and Scorpios are a real no-no but when it comes to this Cricket God, anything is worth a try.
Now, I happen to know that Courtney Walsh (former member of the West Indies cricket team and one of the world's best bowlers) is not the only one involved in Cuddy'z there are partners but what in the name of heaven would make this larger-than-life cricketer go into the restaurant business? I mean, having a restaurant ain't easy and at this stage in his life, having given so much to this Caribbean sport of ours, one would think that Mr. Walsh would purchase a sweet house up in the mountains somewhere, away from the madding crowd, settle down and rest 'heself'.
'NET REVIEWS OF
COURTNEY WALSH
Logging onto the 'Net to research this gentleman, however, taught me so much that opening a restaurant seemed quite appropriate after all. I mean, read this from Shenda Murray, Trinidad Guardian, March 1, 2000: "Walsh clearly enjoys the celebrity status, the accolades and the fans it brings. He seems relaxed among the public and if cricket needs a star poster boy, he is a good candidate. He even takes the heckling about his batting skills or lack thereof in stride, having so far accumulated the most ducks in Test cricket along with his wickets. Children seem naturally drawn to him--underneath the gentleman's demeanour, he has the ego of any modern day warrior--all long legs and tireless lungs, has proved beyond a doubt that perseverance can lead to greatness."
Then I read Colin Croft, April 26, 2001: "Allowing for a bowling approach/run-up of about 20 meters, simple mathematics would tell you that Courtney Walsh must have run about 600,000 meters, or 600 kilometres, at a good canter, bowling for the West Indies in Tests alone. There are many bicycles these days that never get that far without needing repair--what kept this guy going is probably a miracle. Perhaps he could now bottle it and sell it, though determination and pride of performance can never be bottled or duplicated. One simply has to be born with the right attitude!"
Précis: Mr. Walsh loves people including children. He's a warrior with tireless long legs and lungs. He has perseverance, a good canter, does not need repair, is determined with pride of performance and right attitude. Me res' mi case, but ah still vex sey mi nuh see him dere at wuk.
LEAVE YOUR HIGH AND MIGHTY WAYS AT THE DOOR
Cuddy'z, a comfortable state of the art sports bar, is set in the New Kingston Shopping Centre. We had no problem parking and certainly no problem finding the place. The moment I walked in I thought, 'simple, unassuming but with clean colours and an inviting atmosphere'. The large room tells you leave your 'high and mighty' ways at the door, relax, put your feet up and have a good time.
Much like a cricket stand. The attractive bar was my first choice, being a barfly myself. However, on the advice of my companion, we went for a booth. "There's fun communication," she said, and knowing her love for computers and buttons, I followed to see what all the excitement was about. The moment we sat down, di lady's fingers went to the computer on the side of the booth. Pressing lightly on various parts of the screen, she suddenly screamed, "Pose, you're on candid camera." Before I knew what had hit me there was a flash and my photo was taken by Web Cam (yep! even I know a little about 'techy' terms) and sent off to various friends here and abroad with the message: "Here at Cuddy'z having lunch."
This stuff does not stop at letting the world know where you are and with whom. By the way, you can also send messages to other booths, check out the news, sports and God knows what else. I had come here to eat and quite frankly did not wish to have that man in a hard-coat, Mr. Computer, rule my day any further, so I delved straight into the menu.
THE CALLALOO DUNK
IS WORTH A SIX
Not being able to make up my mind from the Sportzy's Appetiser's Section, I chose the Cuddy'z Hat Trick which includes Jerk Wings (my choice from four different types), Chicken Quesadillas and Ackee & Saltfish served on miniature Bammies. Callaloo Dunk was Karen's, my friend, choice.
My Jerk Wings were not jerk - I'm sure that was an out and I was given BBQ but, nevertheless, they were delicious. The bammies were a tad too oily - just a tad. All in all I enjoyed this dish but, hello, now I know what I am going to Cuddy'z for (any time I find myself hungry and in New Kingston) -- that Callaloo Dunk. Man, that was some ball and I just could not keep my bat off it. In the world of cricket, it's worth a six. My, oh my. Is that a Walsh or what?
Next, my friend had a Substitutes "Fowl Play" -- Herb Grilled Chicken Breast served on toasted garlic bread with roasted red pepper, mayonnaise, caramelised onions and pickles. I made a run for the Record Breaking Jerk Chicken Pasta -a 'hot' pasta dish with pieces of grilled jerk chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms and onions in a callaloo cream sauce. I test-tasted the 'Fowl Play' and the referee was wrong it should have been not out for it was perfect.
As far as my dish was concerned, I can understand why Italians don't play cricket, dem could never make a pasta so. A whisper: Both drinks were worth the 'water break'. We had a Frosty Fruit Punch and a Frozen Lime that helped us to get through the tension of cricket more than well played.
We both want to thank Jackie Calvert, our waitress, for being so attentive during our Man of The Match Presentation - her photograph. What a wicket. What an innings. What a Test Match. Sabina Park and The Mound you've met your 'friendly' at Cuddy'z.
By the way, Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate this festivity.
Live every day as though it is your first. Give at least one smile a day as if it is your first. Love someone every day as if it is your first and every day will be renewed.
