Rotty outside his cookshop in Stony Hill, St. Andrew. At right Morice Lewis makes his Rasta Pasta dish.
-Rosemary Parkinson photos
Rosemary Parkinson, Freelance Writer
WOW! WONDERFUL! Whoopee! Had a great 'snack' on a recent return flight from Barbados to Jamaica -- delicious potato salad garnished with a whole juicy cherry tomato on a bed of crispy lettuce, cookies, and an excellent sponge cake with a very Caribbean 'cinnamony-raisiny-marmalady' covering for dessert. It was a delightful surprise. Air J, you are the best -- great service in the air and great service on the ground.
THINK JAMAICA IS EXPENSIVE? TRY BARBADOS
Bwoy! We complain in Jamaica about prices? And service? You want to try little Bim. Two hamburgers and milkshakes cost me US$20 at a fast food restaurant. Five pieces Kentucky, two ears of corn (if I remember rightly) and me 'ad to fork out some US$35.
Went to the grocery -- two little 'scandal bag' of nothing and US$200 flew out mi pocket. Mi near dead and haffi now empty out my accounts and play Santa wid a sack o' money just to enjoy a turkey with de family over dey fi dis Christmas. Even shoes made in China -- the kind that cost US$20 in downtown Kingston cost double that amount. No wonder Barbados is deemed the home of the rich and famous -- dem is de only crowd can afford the island now.
GREAT EATING SPOTS
IN BARBADOS
But you know me, I find the little spots with the good prices. So if you travelling to Bimshire:
Soup and sandwiches on Hincks Street, Bridgetown, has delicious soups daily and a Panini to die for.
Cheapside Market's Miss Harriett still has great wholesome meals from US$4 -- pudding and souse (pig features, as my brother calls this dish) on a Saturday morn remains at US$5 for a big set.
Bellini's, St. Lawrence Gap (the Party Gap, the Hip Strip of the South Coast of Barbados), overlooking one of the prettiest bays lit up at night by Pisces Restaurant across the way, is a sweet delight. The service is friendly and welcoming -- something I found often lacking on my recent visit. Surliness and silliness have taken over paradise. For example, 10 minutes into getting some attention at a supermarket counter I asked: "Do you sell Digicel cards?"
"What kind of Digicel card you want?" came the question.
Perplexed, I enquired, "How many types of Digicel cards you have?"
"Only one," came the reply, sans smile.
Okay, then. "May I have a BDS$100 card please?" said I.
"We don't have any left," came the grouch.
"Well, what do you have?" I ventured as politely as possible.
"BDS$10, 20, 40 and 50s."
I could not help myself: "Well, my dear," said I, "the last time I knew, two 50s made 100."
"Fuh true," shouted the nearby cashier as the 'Einstein' of Barbados removed and handed over two $50 cards with nary a look at my face. Oh, by the way, don't bother trying to purchase a Digicel phone or even a SIM card while in Barbados. You have to have a 'Buhbayduss' ID or you can't get one and dat is company policy.
Hmmm.
Charlie's Bar off Worthing Main Road is still special -- great drinks, good nosh, fabulous music. The bar remains undaunted 'though there's horrid construction going on almost on top of this historic building.
Mark Luckhoo at Mojo's continues to have decent food and prices, with music to die for. A word of gracious thanks to Nick Parker, Silver Moon Catamaran, for the beautiful cruise along the coast of Barbados. Now this is the boat to charter for sure, the rum punches and the beastly cold beer are grrrreat. Hope the Parkinson Rum Cocktail I taught the crew to make will continue to live on. It's a family tradition at sunset -- a specialty of my wonderful artist father, Gordon Parkinson who, bless his soul, suddenly left this mortal soil two weeks ago with pen, sketch pad and a cocktail in his hand.
This is the recipe: A cocktail shaker with ice, add rum half way up, splash a dash of water and 10 dashes of Angostura Bitters. Shake to perdition and serve in shot glasses. Bottoms up for the first one and sippings for the rest. This will put hair on your chest for Christmas.
If you want a good laugh and to understand Bajans, Jeanette Layne-Clarke's book is a must. Another Bajan Badinage got them down pat. Hilarious.
JAMAICAN NEWS: THE GAP
Some 'Jamaiky' news. The Gap, in the beautiful Blue Mountains, has re-opened with a new holiday menu. The roads are fixed (even re-surfaced in places) and Manager Cherly Smile will welcome family and friends with, yep, you got it -- a smile. Enjoy the view on the outdoor verandah or dine inside. The cool air now enveloping the mountains is, to say the least, a breath of fresh air after Kingston and its mad Christmas traffic.
ROTTY'S IN STONY HILL
Had some great cookshop fare up at Rotty's in Stony Hill (St. Andrew), corner of Airy Castle and Sea View Road -- a mean Brown Stew Beef, a Curry Goat to die for and fried chicken at its best. And, of course, there was Rotty himself -- Chiney hat that never leaves his head and all. We ate heartily for under J$500. Joyous.
LA BELLA ITALIA
Congratulations to La Bella Italia Ice Cream on its expansion -- premises now at Sunshine Mall in Negril, and another franchise at Sangster's Airport to be opened before Christmas. Dr. Valerio Ferrari, your La Bella Ice Cream is great.
NORMA'S
Norma On The Terrace has a new look. Voile draped everywhere gives the eating area the feeling of a whimsical tropical paradise. For excellent service and great nosh, Christmas at Norma's is a must.
Norma's At The Marina, Port Antonio, is not to be left out. It is certainly making waves on that side of the island.
THE BEST PASTA PARTY
Things missed but here's the report.
Congratulations to Grand Lido Braco on its seventh anniversary. I will be visiting in the new year.
Another great Reggae Marathon took place in Negril on December 4. Heard that their renowned Pasta Party, the night before, was a huge success with Chef Morice Lewis' Rasta Pasta being the hit of the night -- different coloured pasta, onion, scallion, garlic, callaloo, cabbage, pak choy, carrots and ackee. Delish. Next year, the place to be in December is Negril. The Reggae Marathon Pasta Party, a combined effort of the top hotels in Negril, has the reputation of being the world's best pasta party.
SWEETNESS AT DEVON HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Met Sonya Dunstan at the Christmas Fair at Devon House last weekend. She is making the most wonderful old time products that can make perfect gifts -- chocolate fudge, old Jamaican mint balls, rum fudge, a Jamaican goodies pack and, the best of the best, a nutty fudge Christmas pack.
Now, I just want to wish each and everyone of you a most joyous holiday season. Be careful on the roads. Be blessed in your homes. I do hope Santa Claus brings you everything you desire but remember, he sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.
One Love Jamaica. Respect.
