Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor
Staff of Desiree's from left: Natalie, Junior, Mr. Rose, Miss Jean and Maxine. - PHOTOS BY ROSEMARY PARKINSON
Desiree's Delights
Reggae Master Plaza,
Salem, Portland
Open Monday to Saturday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday until 5 p.m.
Call: (876) 973 4836
A FEW weeks ago friends went to Mac's Chop House and found it delightful. Last week, whilst in Kingston, two people said they dined there and enjoyed. Well, I am more than elated to hear the good news. Kingston desperately needs more and more choices for dining and I really do not want this fine eatery to be another 'nine day wonder'. I have always maintained that Kingston should be bubbling with all manner of restaurants. In fact, I encourage anyone with the know-how to find a niche (and there are many) and go for it - but go for it ready. So Mac's - love the good reports especially after our review. Keep it up and good luck!
Secondly, I want to mention Jackie from Jackie's On The Reef, Negril. Miss 'Numero uno health freak' who always looks fabulous - a weekend at her retreat out there on the West End could have you looking like her! Madame has added a new product to her repertoire of health - real Jamaican Noni that's making waves! People are finding their bodies restored and her Noni is being hailed as the great-tasting miracle drug. I'm putting myself on it for its promise of restoring my memory - now that would be a miracle! Purchase at Jamaica Jane's Shop or IdleAWhile Hotel on the beach side.
PURE WICKEDNESS
Now for some sweet, sweet food in Runaway Bay - not far from my friend Winston's Ackee Tree (who is now selling his SeaMoss by the gallon). Yo - I am going to have to start charging a little percentage on sales here - his 'Irish Mosh' moving far and wide you see! Good for ya Win - keep it real!
At the Reggae Master Plaza in Salem, you will find a bright yellow restaurant with large signs on its roof - Desiree's Delights Restaurant & Bar. Inside is clean and comfortable but what you really, really want to go there for is Miss Jean's food - only to be described as pure wickedness. Her Sunday morning liver is second to none in the whole of Jamaica. Another day I had a mean, mi seh a mean, Brown Stew Pork. And yet again, there was occasion to taste her Oxtail - an Oxtail that could cause animals of the bovine kind to be found all over Jamaica sans tails again.
Desiree's Delights was bought over from previous owners by a young entrepreneur. Stavin Rose's fiancé pushed him (he claims) to pause education for a bit and grab the opportunity bull by the horns. He has not regretted one moment since his doors opened last February. Now, getting Miss Jean was a plus. "Nico Blanco, Jamaica's best entertainer, who I have known for a long time, used to have Miss Jean cook at his parties and it's he who sent her. She has been a blessing."
A SWEET HUMILITY
Hailing from the Chester District in Laughlands but living in Runaway Bay, Jean Edwards, was Head Cook at the Heart Academy in Runaway Bay until 2001 before going out on her own. "From the time I young, that was my aim. My mother was a great cook and I learned a lot from her. I found it easier to use a lot of artificial seasonings but then, suddenly, I remember about how she used to pound her black pepper in a mortar and pestle and use only natural things, and I decide the message was that I was to do the same," and with her hands hiding curry spots her pot-stirring had caused on her whites, my lady continued with a shy smile and a sweet humility: "Now I only cook with everything natural - all my herbs - like thyme, scallion, basil - all fresh - I even "thread" my garlic - that is put through a fine sieve so that my dishes get a real good essence." Well, they certainly do Miss Jean. They certainly do. And I doubt I can pass Desiree's without a stop to suck a little oxtail with you, trust me.
Now Miss Jean is training assistant Junior Anthony Cunningham to ensure nothing changes when she's not there and boy! - that has to be some responsibility. I must commend the waitresses - Misses Natalie, Maxine and Stacy. In fact let me give a special message to all of you - hard work, determination, a good team, excellent, tasty food at decent prices - and you have it made.
On the subject of prices, Stavin apologised saying: "Man, this high cost of electricity business has forced me to put up prices. I try to keep them low, it's hard for me and my customers - and don't let's talk about gas."
Desiree's Delights serves Jamaican breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Menu changes daily. Natural fruit juices such as June Plum (absolutely the tops), Carrot, Soursop, Beetroot and Lemonade sell out daily. Take-outs and catering are offered and look out for Sunday brunches coming soon to this spot. I hope I get an invite! I would drive to Runaway Bay just for that, trust me. Good luck Desiree's Delights and Stavin, keep the strength for everything is going to be all right. Blessings.
