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My 2010 first impression: The online menu was merely a figment of the chef’s imagination. In reality, what was actually offered was similar to that of a homey restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica. I speak from experience. When I ate in Kingston where the Rastas of Kingston eat, there were only 3 dishes from which to choose. So here in Hartford we had only 4 from which to choose, and we ordered all 4, all which were fine examples of Jamaican cooking, in generous portions, and inexpensive at that. So the food was good, just not much variety. My 2017 second impression: No misleading online menu, because nothing online, so no false impressions from their website. But some cautioning first impressions. While the neighborhood is out of the way (read, ethnically black) from where most out-of-town (read, ethnically white) visitors to Hartford would venture, it is safe. It is the scant, street parking that is dangerous. Exiting on your driver’s side, you risk you and your door being clipped by cars speeding down this narrow street. Stepping onto their walkway leading to their front door puts you in further peril, as the steep cement walkway is caving under. Step past their front door, beware the missing floor tiles in the vestibule that might trip you up. Fortunately, if you persist past these sad signs of urban decay, once inside you will find a clean and welcoming interior. Food is served cafeteria-style, so not surprisingly the dining area, though small, is much like a dining hall. So don’t come here with a hot date. Do come here for a hot meal. The food is wholesome and all vegan, the choices are now plentiful, and the servings are large and inexpensive. This Jamaican-based cuisine has been Americanized, which for us honkies is a good thing. Spices are mild. The vegetables are familiar, nothing more exotic than okra. Several tofu dishes here for you, if you like tofu. The tempeh and tahini dish is especially good, and I prefer tempeh over tofu. From among the 3, 5, and 8 combo platters, choose the 8 combo platter, which costs only $13, and will surely fill you. If you pay by charge card, be sure to bring some cash with which to tip the very gracious server, as their charge card receipts do not enable adding tipping. As of this 2017 update, their website has been permanently down for over 6 months, and their Facebook page had not been updated for 18 months. So best to check on them via phone at 860-899-1389, which indeed is a working number.


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