Top Ital Eateries to Visit In Kingston

In the Jamaican Rastafarian Culture, Ital is organically grown vegetarian food, cooked without salt. Ital is a variation on the word vital, (Removing the letter V) signifying the Rastafarian belief that  a healthy diet is essential to human health and well-being. Ital dining and the jamaican atmosphere are a perfect pair and here are five of the top Kingston Ital Eateries to try from a local’s perspective.

Veggie Meals on Wheels- Smacked between Cross-Roads and New #Kingston, Veggie Meals on Wheels attracts some of Kingston’s most buzzing #Hipsters, Yuppies, Creatives and Health Enthusiasts. The smell of freshly prepared vegan dishes beckonsto the appetite of hungry nearby  eaters for a good wholesome dish, and before you know it there is a line of hungry people waiting for  the taste of some of that ital goodness.

Kushites. Located at Pheonix Avenue, Kushites offers foodies a natural authentic dining atmosphere, at any given moment you eill be completely enveloped by the sounds of authentic reggae  music playing in this natural outdoor atmosphere. They have some of the most eclectic vegan food combinations you will ever find anywhere in Jamaica. Kushites is a local favourite with a truly  authentic Jamaican atmosphere.

Mi Hungry Wholesome Food- Located in Kingston and  recently in Mandeville, This raw-food restaurant, aims to supply the hungry eaters with sun-cooked vegetarian dishes prepared without any  use of water (only coconut water),  no flour, sugar, preservatives, or fire. Most of their #food is prepared by the sun and keeps locals and visitors to our island keep coming back for more. This restaurant not only serves raw dishes, but also does gourmet meals and offers delivery. Mi Hungry is considered by many locals to be the leader in Vegan style dishes.

Natural Touch #Vegatarian Cafe-   Located in Orchid Village Plaza,   Natural Touch has developed a very large following of both locals and island visitors.  They offer a wide variety of items at #affordable prices. If you are on the go and need a healthy snack, Natural Touch is considered ideal due to their quick and efficient service.

If you would like for us to review your service please do not hesitate to contact us at jamaicaonabudget@gmail.com

Ital is Vital.

TOP FIVE UNKNOWN WATERFALLS IN JAMAICA

Reggae Falls

Located on The South-Eastern section of the island, neatly tucked away in a small village call “Hillside” St Thomas, you will find the Beautiful #Reggae Falls ( also known as Damhead).   Reggae Falls is not today what it originally was, for, in fact, the water from the Johnson River was dammed many, many years ago to make a hydro-electric station however it is no less spectacular than any other waterfalls on this beautiful island.

Cane River Falls

Just  nine miles outside Kingston you will find Bull Bay -an energetic, close-knit community, and at night, the coastline pulsates with rhythms from the various nightclubs that line the beach.

Cane River falls is hidden  in this eclectic community. It is a a local favourite and where Reggae legend Bob #Marley used to washed his beautiful locks.

Scatter Water Falls

Scatter waterfalls is one of the most unheard of jewels of Eastern Jamaica. Located in the small rural community of #Berrydale in the Rio Grande valley, you will this beautiful #ecotourism attraction.  At Berrydale you will meet a very friendly tour guide that will take you across the Rio Grande on a Bamboo raft to your destination.  Most of the visitors you will find at this location are locals, and #backpackers.

Tacky Falls

Located in the eastern parish of St. Mary you will find tacky falls. This is the most non commercialize falls on the entire island and if you visit chances are you will be there alone all day. The  falls is named after the #Coromantee slave Tacky, who lead the slave rebellion in 1760. There are no signs, no formal path, and plenty of hazards on the way to even reach the pretty obscure 60m tall (or higher) waterfall. If you are interested in visiting this falls then it is best to hike with a local guide.

Reach Falls

Reach Falls is located approximately 45 minutes east of Port Antonio, Portland and is named one of the most beautiful attractions in Jamaica. It  was first discovered by runaway slaves from plantations in the neighbouring parish of St Thomas who sought refuge in the hills of the John Crow Mountains

  It features a natural heart-shaped #Jacuzzi which careress every inch of your body with its cascading waters . While it is getting more and more popular, it is still relatively unknown, therefore, you can still find your escape at this magical waterfall neatly tucked away beneath the tall mystical trees of a beautiful #rainforest.

Photo Credits:

Reggae Falls by Dean Griffiths

Cane River Falls by Owen Soft

Scatter waterfalls by Jamaipanese

Tacky falls by world of waterfalls.com

Reach Falls by Jamaica Tourist Board

Kingston Jamaica- Things you need to Know

Jamaica is one of the most popular #Caribbean #destination, possessing some of the most beautiful #Beaches, Rivers #Mountains and #waterfalls. Jamaica is often referred to as one of the most picturesque islands in the world that comes with a culture you cannot find anywhere else on this planet. Nothing beats enjoying a day of Sea, Sand and Sun and of course, some good ol #Reggae music from its land or origin.

If you want to know Kingston’s best #Travel secrets, The Best way to get around the island and what are some of the traditional #festivals then you come to the right place. Here are five things you need to know about Kingston.

How to Get Around Kingston

The easiest way to get around Kingston is by #Buses, Route #Taxis,  or Car #Rentals. If you are planning a trek around the island of Jamaica opt for renting a four wheel drive SUV to battle the bumpy and winding roads of this island. There are lots of places in Jamaica for you to find your ideal #transportation of choice.

Emancipation Park

Jamaica’s most famous park is the Emancipation Park in Kingston Jamaica. It was built in 2002 and signifies the strength and resilience of the Jamaican People. If you are looking for a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city, the #Emancipation Park is a wonderful place to be.

Shopping

If you are staying in Jamaica on a long term vacation and looking for spots to shop in Kingston, there are many Supermarkets, Shops and Vendors in close proximity of everything.  Fresh Fruits and #Vegetables are  sold by street-side vendors at very low prices.

See the Non-Tourist Spots

Too many people who visit Jamaica often see the tourist areas such as #Negril, Montego bay and Ocho Rios but Jamaica has so much more to offer. Kingston is Jamaica’s capital city and the spot where the intensity of the Jamaican culture can be most felt.  Get in the vibe for some of the wildest street parties you will ever see in your entire life. Learn about the Jamaican, History and Culture from our Galleries and #Museums, then grab a friend or two for few red stripe beers in one of our bars. If you prefer a more laid back atmosphere you can cool off in the crystal clear blue waters of on Kingston’s offshore island Lime Cay just 15 minutes by boat off the coat of #Kingston.

Restaurants

There are hundreds of Fast food  Joints, #Restaurants, and Cook Shops in the capital city ranging from  our local dishes to Greek; whatever you choose please ensure you get a taste of Jamaica’s national dish “Ackee and Salt Fish”

If you haven’tplaneed your #Jamaica #vacation as yet , hopefully this article gave you few hints and tips for your next vacation.

ELLE MAGAZINE BRINGS JAMAICAN DANCEHALL TO LIFE THROUGH FASHION

Elle’s Fashion director Samira Nasr conceptualized the idea of bringing  Jamaican Dancehall to life through Fashion  for their March Issue. The team flew to Kingston Jamaica- The Hub of Jamaica’s Dancehall  Culture where they had a blast. Here are some photos of the moments they shared on our beautiful island.

‘It was pretty much impossible not to fall in love with the place”

-Samira Nasr -Fashion Director ELLE

For more photos visit their website here http://www.elle.com/culture/travel-food/news/g25913/behind-the-scenes-kingston/

Top Five Events To Visit In Jamaica

Welcome to Paradise!

Jamaica has some of the best beaches and is reputed to have the most unique cultures in the world. Jamaica offers hundreds of Music, Cultural, Food and Music festivals for you and the entire family. Below you will find the Top 5 Events To Visit in Jamaica.

Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival

 

Up to 30,000 people flock to Montego Bay each year for the annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, which features dozens of local and international acts performing over three days. The venue includes a special Art of Music stage where emerging stars are spotlighted. Over the years, the festival has moved from the lawn of the Rose Hall Plantation House, to James Bond Beach, to the Aqueduct at Rose Hall, and now the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny. Headliners have ranged from Kenny Rogers to Maroon 5 to Celine Dion and John Legend.

Jamaica Carnival

The year 2015 marks the 27th anniversary of carnival in Jamaica. The lead activities called Bacchanal Jamaica have “Mas Camp”, located at Stadium North, as its home.

All roads lead to Mas camp during the carnival season as revelers gather on Bacchanal Fridays to dance, chip, wine, and get on bad all in the build up for the non-stop partying of carnival week.

The Mas Camp offers “soca-cise” sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays as well as the staple Friday afternoon lime for carnival and soca lovers. Here persons are able to view and purchase costumes and enjoy prime entertainment featuring popular carnival bands and top DJs.. This is the place where soca fans come to learn the music of the year and to start the process of “letting go”, in preparation for the grand finale of the Road Parade.

Portland Jerk Festival

July TBA

Jerk Lobster, Jerk Conch, Jerk Sausage, Jerk and Jerk Chicken are some of the spicy variants on traditional Jamaican cooking that you can enjoy at the annual Portland Jerk Festival, served alongside traditional side dishes such as rice and peas, festival, breadfruit and yams. Held in the Port Antonio resort area, the festival includes a Kiddies Fun Village, live music (including a big concert at the Folly Mansion ruins), and dozens of stalls selling jerk food (seasoned meat spiced with pepper and smoked on pimento sticks).

 

Little Ochi Seafood Carnival

JULY TBA

Manchester is home to one of the biggest seafood carnivals in Jamaica. This three-day event is a showcase of all the seafood that the southern part of the island has to offer.

Shrimp, lobster, fish, and conch are the favourites among the thousands that attend.

Non-stop entertainment from some of Jamaica’s best dancehall and reggae artistes will keep you entertained for the weekend.

Jamaica Reggae Sumfest

July TBA

Reggae Sumfest is truly the greatest reggae show on earth. Will you be one of thousands that will be in Jamaica for Reggae Sumfest?

Thousands of tourists visit Jamaica during the last week of July for at least one event during the week long of performances, beach party, and concerts.

Along with the top dancehall and reggae artistes in Jamaica, you can expect a few international artistes. This year RnB coroner Miguel has been confirmed with a few more guest artistes to be named soon.

RAFTING ON THE RIO GRANDE

The Rio Grande is nestled in the bosom of the cool-cool hills of the Blue Mountains where it begins and is released into the open seas at St. Margaret’s Bay, Portland.

Rafting on this majestic water body is an exhilarating activity that is enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike. It allows one to relax and enjoy the exotic flora and fauna of the tropical island Jamaica.

 The beautiful hand crafted rafts are driven by experts so one can exult in the warmth of the golden rays of the sun lovingly caress one’s skin, the cool breeze off the water would whisper over the skin like a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day while watching the mesmerizing play of the sun flirt with the dashing, iridescent water.

- By Shanieka King

 https://www.facebook.com/shaneika.king.5?fref=ts

Escovitch Fish recipe (Jamaican)

 Love Jamaican food?
Here is how to make one of Jamaica's Favourite dishes.

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs. fish cleaned and gutted (preferably red snapper...can also use porgies or mullets)
3 onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. salt
1 cup cooking oil
1 Sweet Pepper
2 Tomatoes 1/4 lb. Scotch bonnet pepper, sliced (no seeds please very hot!)
1 tbsp. ground black pepper
1 cup. white vinegar


DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash and dry fish. 2. Mix salt and pepper in a small container and use it to Season the inner part of the fish.
3. Heat frying pan (preferably a heavy one) then pour oil into pan and heat very well.
4. Place fish in oil when very hot.
5. Turn on the other side is done when first side is done (will be nice, brown, and easy to turn).
6. Place fried fish in flat casserole dish.
7. Add a small amount of water to the oil left from frying the fish.
8. Pour in the onions and pepper, let it boil for about a minute, then pour in vinegar and continue boiling until onions and pepper are nice and saute (in about a minute or two).
9. Pour this gravy mixture over all fishes and serve either hot or cold.
10. optional: To add a little zing to the flavor, I like to add a little tomato ketchup to the gravy while it's being cooked and then pour it on the fish. (Try it, you may like it!)
11. enjoy!

DEHYA (Coming Soon)

Let's Discover Jamaica Together.



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Ackee and Saltfish Recipe

Ingredients

2 dozen ackees, or 2 20oz cans ackee
1 tsp salt
1/2 lb saltfish (salted cod)
1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 sweet pepper (bell pepper) chopped
1 large onion, chopped or in rings
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 hot pepper, diced (optional)
1/4 tsp ground pimento (allspice) or a few whole pimento grains
black pepper

Remove ackees from pods. Clean, wash and drain. Place ackees in boiling water (enough water to cover ackees) with salt, and boil for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside. If using canned ackees, there is no need to boil them. Simply drain off the liquid.

Wash saltfish thoroughly. Place in a pot with enough cold water to cover saltfish. Boil uncovered for 15 minutes. Throw off the water. When cool enough, separate the saltfish into small pieces, discarding skin and bones. If fish tastes too salty, wash it again.

Heat the oil over medium heat and add tomatoes, sweet pepper, onion, hot pepper, garlic and pimento. Add saltfish and ackee, and stir lightly. Heat thoroughly, especially if using canned or frozen ackees. Add black pepper to taste.

Variation: Use crispy bite sized pieces of bacon or corned pork as a substitute for, or in addition to saltfish.

You can be flexible with this ackee and saltfish recipe. Use whatever vegetables and seasonings you have on hand, that you think might go well with the two main ingredients.

Serve with boiled green bananas, dumplings (fried or boiled), roast breadfruit, bammy, bread, or even white rice. Endless possibilities!

Tainos of Jamaica (Arawaks)

Jamaica was originally inhabited by the Arawak Indians and possible the Taino from South America. The Arawak Indians were a gentle peace loving farming and fishing race. They survive mainly on a diet of maze, cassava, vegetables and fish. They grew cassava (yaca) and maize which were their main staple food which flourish in the humid, wet tropical climate.

From evidence uncovered by Jamaican National Heritage Trust we know that the Arawak Indians were great crafts men. They created intricate basket weaving, pottery, cotton weaving, stone tools, wooden and stone sculpture. There is also evidence that they grew tobacco which they made into cigars that they smoke and trade. Also produce alcohol from fermented corn which they then drank at ritual ceremonies. Jewellery was found that were made of gold, shell, bones and shell.

The demise of the Arawak Indians came shortly after Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica from Spain 1494. They were not accustom to hard labour and were force to work by the Spaniards. They were never exposed to the European disease such as smallpox and constant attack from the Carib tribe lead to their extinction.

Taken from jamaicascene.com (I do not own the rights to this image)

Why You Should Visit Jamaica

A lot of people have claimed that Jamaica would be the best  Caribbean  island to visit, hands down. Jamaica vacations are jam-packed  with  beautiful attractions and the warmest people. This is why most   travellers and jet-setters would list Jamaica as one of the best   Caribbean travel destinations. If you’re still not convinced, here are   the top five reasons why Jamaica has been dubbed as the best Caribbean   island to visit:

1. Welcoming people. As soon as you land from the  airport, you will immediately be greeted by local Jamaican people   excited to provide you the best Caribbean vacation. The people in   Jamaica are some of the most warm, friendly and hospitable people that   you will ever meet, and because they are used to their island being a   favorite tourist spot, they are more than willing to give you a tour of   the area and show you around.

2. Laid back atmosphere. Jamaica  vacations are not  only popular because of the place; Jamaicans are very  laid-back and  really know how to have a good time. They are very much  into dancing  and music, and even if you have never tried to do any of  those in your  life, you would find all your inhibitions melting away as  you hear the  music playing. I am sure you’ve heard the saying “No  Problem, Mon” –  well it is true, anything you ask for they will respond  with “No  problem”.

3. Great food. In Jamaica you will have some  of the  freshest seafood and meat, and that is because it is coming  directly  from the sea or directly from local farmers. You will see  fishermen  walking along the road with fish that they just caught, you  will see a  farmer bringing in fresh eggs from the farm in the mornings.  You will  see the market overflowing the fruits and vegetables from local  farms.  The spicy curry and jerk seasoning is something that I guarantee  you  will want to take home and make for your family well after your   Jamaican vacation.

4. White sandy beaches. Pristine and exotic  white  beaches are probably one of the most important recipes to the best   Caribbean travel, and a vacation to Jamaica is the place to be. The   water is crystal blue and the beach sand is clean and white. One of the   most beautiful beach areas you can imagine.

5. Great Culture. When you take your vacation in  Jamaica, it is highly recommended to hire  a local tour guide that can  take you around the island to show you the  culture of local Jamaicans.  Learn how they shop for their meat, or buy  their fresh fish. Drink a  coconut by the side of the road. Learn more  about the Rastafarians or  old traditional healing. Make sure to soak in  the culture as well as  the great food.

(Courtesy of http://www.travelmagma.com/jamaica-travel-forum/the-top-5-reasons-why-you-should-visit-jamaica/#.UnJ4E_WqtrM ) 

The Curse of Nancy Davis (Jamaica)

While most people enjoy rafting on the beautiful Rio Grande, many are unaware of its curse. Just a few kilometers from the beautiful rafters stand in Berrydale Portland is a small section of the river known as “Nancy Davis” (Nasty Davis?). Its beautiful and rocky shores attract visitors from all over, however this pristine beauty has a very dark and eerie secret. Legend has it that section of the river is not particularly fond of strangers and if a stranger would like to get familiar with the spirits of the particular section of the river, they will have to visit with someone from the community.  Those who fail to abide by this one rule will drown.