Rosemary Parkinson, Gleaner Writer
Eric Black gives a huge smile, obviously proud of his good work! - PHOTOS BY ROSEMARY PARKINSON
DO YOURSELF a favour and halt that car at Island Village, Ocho Rios. Within this enclave whose Caribbean architecture comes straight from Jamaica's Anne Hodges screaming tropical, island, colour is Blue Runnings - a definite must.
Ronne and Kathryn Kendall are both from very geographically opposite sides of the United States. They met in Germany and wed. Ronne has Jamaican roots (his mother's grandfather); Kathryn's uncle had been around in the Virgin Islands. Both dreamed of somewhere tropical to live - somewhere that could benefit from the development of their ideas, somewhere their lives could make a difference to their community. To cut a short story short - Jamaica.
JAMAICAPHILES
Now we all know what happens to those whose 'foot-bahttam' hits this here land - they become enamoured but mostly they become, Jamaicaphiles. The Kendalls and I have this in common. Something about Jamaica just clamps you in, never letting you go. So next step - being lovers of great cuisine, knowing the business and finding the perfect spot - these two opened Blue Runnings. Set in a forest-like atmosphere, fronted by a little river where fish and ducks live in perfect harmony, Blue Runnings screams "Relax with us". There are lovely gift items to be found but peruse the catalogue of Ronne's photography of hidden places in Jamaica - a 'working' hobby that keeps him 'irie'.
Community work has the Kendall's feet firmly entrenched in youth football. Sport gladdens the heart and keeps kids out of trouble. In order for the Jamaica/California culture 'thingie' to build and earn those extra dollars required to spread the wings of love through the land, there are plans to franchise the business. Blue Runnings' Jamaica/California cuisine will be shortly making waves throughout the Caribbean.
Sitting outdoors, a tall young man came to the table. With a big smile on his face, he welcomed us to Blue Runnings, handing over the menu. We were in a hurry and told him so. "No problem". His recommendation: Fried Fish Sandwich with multigrain bread. So said so done and, in no time at all, out came a very delicious-looking platter. "This better be good young man because I am in no mood. By the way, what's your name?" said I. "My name is Eric Black," he replied, followed by a good, healthy Jamaican laugh. Too funny. Turns out Eric was also the chef. Love it. And guess what? That was the best fish sandwich I have had in this country. Eric Black obviously takes pride in his cooking. Trained at Adam's Catering and Commercial School in Ochi, he worked the resort's strip before landing himself a position at Blue Runnings - a position he loves and takes seriously. Way to go.
ARE WE IN JAMAICA?
As the ducks waddled by and I was drooling over my sandwich of tender bits of jerk fish, lettuce and tomato, I took the opportunity to peruse the menu properly. Prices in Jamaican dollars? Fantastic. 'Are we in Jamaica?' would never be a question I would have to ask here. There are coffees 'brewed from quality beans, hand-picked and processed with care in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica' - Blue Mocha, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Iced Coffee and Mochaccino (coffee and chocolate blended with ice). Cold beverages range from coconut water to Red Stripe and Guinness. Keeping it local. Smoothies include their specialty - a Rum Cream Banana Ice Cream. The children's menu for those under 10 has a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich - my absolute favourite. Why can't I be 10? Not fair.
VEGETARIAN AVAILABLE
Vegetarian meals are also available. There's fish and chicken served with rice and peas and vegetables; Blackened or Jerked Salmon; and Tropical Chicken - one of the sandwiches offered with a choice of baguette or multigrain. One can add cheese, lettuce and tomato, turkey and bacon to any of them! If you can spare 20 minutes, delve into Brown Stew Chicken, Curry Goat or go for a light Caesar Salad with Jerk Chicken or Salmon. Side dishes include Garlic Roast Potatoes, Garlic French Fries or Bok Choy. Festivals have a flair. They are offered in normal, cheese or cinnamon. Interesting. Ronne's recommendation 'though not on the menu - Cornmeal Deep Fried Salmon on a French Baguette. Nex' time that's for me.
So there you go. Easy parking. Great atmosphere. Fabulous staff. Reasonable prices. Great food. Definitely worth a cool stop before the heat of the jazz in Montego Bay.
For the master spirit of the earth shall not sleep peacefully upon the wind till the needs of the least of you are satisfied. - The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran
