Jamaica is my playground. I stay in 'West End' near Negril, slightly up the hill in a small cabin; I cook for myself and I walk to a tiny beach. I drink Sorrel, eat Sweet Sop, Sour Sop, Aki, Starapple, Mango, Guava and Tamarind, but I rarely seek a fancy Jamaican restaurant; i save that for the city.
Here’s why: Sisters Caribbean Cuisine in Harlem will serve me more sophisticated food, and still give me a nice, tall glass of icy Sorrel, the thing I most crave. It’s made from flower petals for God’s sake---how can one resist? It’s tart, sweet, dark purple, quenches and dries my slippery, hot mouth on first gulp.
In New York most of my getting to Harlem is done via CitiBike so by the time I get there I’m thirsty. Outside, Sisters has a bench, Marcus Garvey Park (with its SummerStage concert series) kitty-corner, and a hot breeze in the summer. Sorrell in hand, I’m in ‘Jamaica’, but only 25 minutes from home.
Inside, there’s Trinidadian chicken, curry flavoured rotis, jerk chicken (which everywhere is only an imitation of the Jamaican thing), salt cod, dirty rice, yams, greens with okra and many other, west African temptations, very reasonably priced. Highly recommended: oxtail stew. My sorrell costs about the same as coffee in my neighbourhood.
While you’re reading, please read further---this charming, prize-winning, sweet short story about sweet sop. You’ll smile, which is very, very good for you.
You may bring your own wine.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
by
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
by
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips