Countdown to the 27th staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards
Lunch Crawl: A Taste of Rural JA in the Heart of Kingston
British solo travel vlogger Zoe “@travelwithzoe_” Reeve, with her viral posts of downtown Kingston, Jamaica, introduced us to multiple vegan restaurants around the city. Veggie Campus was one of them! I made a mental note, then, to check out this spot. Two Fridays ago, I did just that!
The wooden building that houses the three eateries (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
Veggie Campus (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
Veggie Campus is located at Dubwise Jamaica Courtyard, 82 Lady Musgrave Road. In a city that rarely slows down, I stepped in and the spot instantly transported me to rural Jamaica. The vibrant courtyard at the rear of Dubwise feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Kingston. With colourful red, green and gold furniture scattered beneath shady trees, the space captures the easy charm of a country gathering place where conversations flow as freely as the breeze.
Veggie Campus’s décor (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
The venue is home to three food establishments sharing one inviting outdoor common area, creating the perfect setting for a lunch crawl that I didn’t think about before! Let’s make it a 3-in-1, I thought! It wasn’t yet noon and I had 45 minutes before my next appointment
Veggie Campus menu board (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
TriniYaad
I began with an appetiser from TriniYaad. Their doubles delivered everything you want from the Trinidadian street-food classic with two soft baras, well-seasoned chickpeas, tamarind chutney, cucumber salad and just enough pepper to awaken the palate without overwhelming it. It was a bright, flavourful start that set the tone for the meal.
The meal ended on a sweet note with vegan ice-cream in hand for Patricia Henry-Brown. (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
Lunch was served, and Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Patricia Henry-Brown was ready to dig in.(Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
The Sweet Life Ja Vegan Ice-Cream (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
Veggies Campus’ noodles, sauté veggies, barbeqye circle black beans, cauliflower wings and plaintains (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
By the looks of it, Veggie Campus first-timer Shanese Henry Gallimore was pleased with her meal. (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
Veggie Campus server Shamel Shaw (Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
Veggie Campus Chef Mikey Cushnie took a break from the kitchen to share a few words with Food Awards judge Patricia Henry-Brown.(Photo: Courtesy of Patricia Henry-Brown)
