By Rosemary Parkinson, Freelance Writer7 South Avenue, Kingston 6
Phone: 906-9058
Everything Fresh Restaurant & Green Grocery
Open: Monday to Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Special Sunday Brunch:
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.:$600
Everything Fresh
Jerk Centre & Bar
Open: Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. until...
Call in and take-out available
GOD IS good and He never gives you more than you can handle. I mean, after last week's review on 'that' fish place, I was pretty close to entering a silent retreat - (Easter) bun offering some 'addictive' respite. Overwhelmingly overwrought, was my condition.
Then, I saw a sign -- a large, bright sign on South Avenue (off Constant Spring Road) that said, "Open from 7:30 a.m. for Jamaican Breakfast". I was hungry as a fasting dog on bun detox and on my way to Suzie's Bakery and Café, but I followed that inner Godly voice and, before you could say nun, a door opened and there was Courtney Pullen, white hair like a halo, warm comforting Jamaican smile, his welcoming words heavenly music to my ears "My wife has run into the kitchen to put the coffee on."
And so it came to pass that in this metropolis called Kingston, I got involved in what I can only describe as a blessed journey - a journey of love, a journey of hope, a journey of togetherness, of family. A pre-Easter Special.
Courtney and Marjorie Pullen have 'retired' with one thing in mind -- enjoying their golden years. And what better way for these two wonderful people to 'retire' but to work. Seems strange, until you meet them.
A LONG COURTSHIP WITH FOOD
Mom and Dad (as they are called by all sundry) obviously take delight in work. Having had a long courtship with food in one way or another, they did the obvious after retiring -- married their love and followed their dream. It's now six months since that marriage. Mek mi a-tell story now.
Courtney 'Dad' Pullen has an 150-acre farm in Clarendon and in the next six months he plans to supply the Jamaican market with local produce, including his specialty - a variety of Chinese Greens. "I just love farming. Got enough licks as a child over it too. I used to disappear all the time to my cousin's farm. My darling of a mother finally just gave up and let me get involved," said this dashing man in his 70s. He continued with a whimsical look: "But I went into being an electrical contractor, spent time in Barbados, Grenada, and Miami. Now I am home for good and farming is the legacy I want to leave behind."
Marjorie 'Mom' Pullen loves cooking, so Everything Fresh Restaurant serves up Jamaican homecooked breakfast, lunches and dinners. I had lovely Ackee (picked by Dad) and saltfish, boiled banana and yam, callaloo (a tad bitter, with apologies) accompanied by johnny cakes and divine fresh homemade Strawberry Jam. Mango and Breadfruit and Breadfruit Yellow Blossom jams will soon be added to the menu
The menu for lunch that day was Stewed Peas, Fried/Curry Chicken/Stew Pork/Tripe and Beans/Rice and Gungo Peas changing every day. Through the restaurant there is the Everything Fresh Green Grocery with all manner of fruits and vegetables for sale. Mr. Pullen's farm produce will be sold from here as well.
Believe you me this is going to read like the Never-ending story!
The Pullen's daughter, Margo, and her partner Tyrrell Reid run the covered outdoor Everything Fresh Jerk Centre. Dad Courtney produced a green 'nook' where an existing Ackee tree holds centre court, a banana tree embraces a bunch of 'babies' proudly, and flourishing plants surround a tiny pond, giving the eating area a pleasant ambience. 'Twas here I partook in delicious, tender chunks of perfectly jerked pork dipped into a fiery hot, very tasty sauce (there are plans to bottle same).
'MR. B'
'Mr. B' (for Beason), a regular, was in deep concentration with a gungo peas soup (pig's tail included) taking time out between mouthfuls to make this declaration: "Here is the best place to eat. I come every day without fail." It looks so Mr. B - you better watch that waistline Sah.
The menu includes jerk pork, jerk chicken, jerk, roast and steamed fish (saw one being placed in front of Mr. B. too - it looked good) with side orders of roasted sweet potato, breadfruit, yam, festival, bammy and hard dough bread. There's Red Stripe Light and regular on tap as well as boxed juices and soft drinks. Oh! Tomorrow night, Friday April 2. There is an Afterwork Bacchanal Jump Up from 5 to midnight - bar solid.
T'ink mi done? Oh no, Courtney Lancelot Pullen and his brother, Christopher, import/distribute foreign fruits and vegetables - C. L. Pullen Ltd. on Marcus Garvey Drive. They will be handling the distributorship of their father's farm produce. Courtney Jr. has mapped out a spot in the Everything Fresh Centre. "We want to do first class steaks. I mean top of the line," said Father Pullen proudly. "My son wants a Steak Grill but also wants me to run it," giggled Mother with that Pullen warmth the family seem to have perfected.
I am definitely not 'pullen' your leg, this is a family that is 'pullen' together. I left the Everything Fresh Centre with a glad heart -- refreshed, rejuvenated and with enough jerk pork bits 'pullen' me away from that bun. God is certainly good.
Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. Taken from a sign at the door of Everything Fresh Restaurant.
