GOOD EATS
W e at Radiantly Black believe in many ways, food is the tie that binds us. The range of foods cooked and enjoyed by Black people is as diverse as the routes taken to arrive in this country. Wherever our ancestors settled, they started a style of food: soul food, Cajun, low country, Caribbean, dry rub barbeque, wet barbeque, etc. In each issue of Radiantly Black Orlando, we will feature restaurants representing the different cuisines of the Black diaspora, here in greater Orlando. This time we are highlighting Caribbean
OUR RATING SYSTEM * If you’re in the area stop
restaurants that we sampled. We readily admit to not being aware of all African American-owned restaurants in greater Orlando. So, we will rely on you to tell us about restaurants you recommend we visit. (info@www.radiantlyblack.com)
by and have a meal ** It’s worth a drive across town *** Get in your car now and get there!
JONAE’S ISLAND TWIST*
4775 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Orlando, FL 34746
We were recently out on a leisurely drive with friends and decided to pop in and try their cuisine. It was a Saturday, and the restaurant was rather busy. We recommend calling ahead to place your order and
REGGAE RIDDIM JAMAICAN RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE*** 819 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL 32703 We attended a birthday party at the venue. There was sufficient space to accommodate a live band, the birthday party, and a steady stream of people picking up takeout orders. We had a great time enjoying the wonderful Riddim Dreamz Band playing a mixture of island music and R&B. The
NEGRIL JAMAICAN RESTAURANT** 1/2 6301 Silver Star Rd, Orlando, FL 32818 Several friends recommended that we try this restaurant on the west side of Orlando. Members of the Radiantly Black staff ventured there to taste their cuisine. We visited on a holiday, expecting no one else to be there. Boy, were we wrong! Other guests waited patiently in line, which is always a good sign. The walls were lined with awards. The menu was extensive, and the servings were huge. There were several seafood options. I didn’t see oxtails at the first stage of the serving station, so I asked if they had them. The lady who served us said “We have everything.” We sampled jerk chicken, oxtails, plantains, and rice with peas. Food was flavorful, as expected. Oxtails were tender and well-seasoned, served with lots minimize your wait. We each ordered a different type of dinner: oxtails, curry chicken, jerk chicken, and fried fish. We thought the dishes were plentiful and tasty. The spices and flavoring definitely reminded us of visits to the Caribbean islands. If you order the fish, be aware that you get a whole fish, head and all. If you happen to be in Kissimmee, stop by and check them out.
restaurant provided an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. We were immediately immersed in a rich cultural experience. The interior décor was tastefully done, featuring colorful tropical motifs that transported us to the islands. The menu presented a delightful array of Caribbean dishes, each bursting with authentic flavors and spices. Every item on the birthday buffet was delicious: jerk chicken, plantains, rice and peas, steamed fish, and curried dishes. The mango lemonade will make you want to go home, get your belongings, and move into the restaurant. Get there as fast as you can!
of gravy. The establishment has limited seating, so we recommend doing carry- out. Definitely worth a drive across town!
RADIANTLY BLACK
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VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 1
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