Thursday Food went in search of comfort food spot Henry’s in Falmouth last Thursday, but unfortunately, the age-old eatery was no longer in operation. All was not lost, however, as while venturing into the historic Water Square in the town’s centre, the team’s attention was drawn to the Rich & Wealthy cart. There we found Damian “Rich” Cole offering Ital sips.

Cole, a Falmouthian by birth, has been selling sips for the last seven years and has always been a lover of the kitchen from as early as he can remember.

“From a tender age we deh pon we ends a cook, as my mother introduce me to that. Till we forward a Bobo Hill a St Andrew, still inna the kitchen a cook but this time in a natural way, plus baking and making juices. We use honey, molasses, coconut water and milk in our cuisine and of course, we use a lot of natural seasonings like scallion and thyme. Cooking is about turning up the flavour and taste by using the best of natural spices and that gives our vegan dishes the best taste,” Cole explained.

“The sip varieties include a combination of dasheen, cocoa, breadfruit, red peas, broad beans, corn, pumpkin, peanut and what is commonly referred to as ‘jokoto’, a green plant resembling callaloo that grows on rocks in the hills. Our seasonings are marinated, pimento is added and of course, every dish is based with coconut milk,” Cole added.

He explained that through the Calabash Restaurant they offer catering services and have done set ups at Rebel Salute, Marcus Garvey celebrations, and other events. Meals for vegans who are strict about no meals prepared by fire and no inclusion of condiments like mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise are also accommodated

Thursday Food will revisit Cole for a more in-depth feature of his vegan dishes, baked offerings and juices.