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.
Explore New York like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
By
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
By
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
By
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
By
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
By
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
By
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
By
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
By
"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
By
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
By
"Sal & Carmine's" makes real New York pizza. It's a small place, the pizza boxes are stacked 15 high, the lineup look like locals - all good signs.
By
299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters