LIFESTYLE: Montego Bay Is Buzzing About Its New Mystic Thai Restaurant

It is often said that if you fail you should pick yourself up and get going again,  but not many people talk about what to do if you succeed.  The answer to that second question is very similar to the first solution - get going again.  This is because the reality of life is that the race never ends.  Growth is continuous, it must always be continuous, and successful people recognize this.

Kareena Mahbubani, owner of the new Mystic Thai restaurant in Fairview, Montego Bay is a shining example of this philosophy.  She has watched her other restaurant, Mystic India, grow into one of the most successful restaurants in the second city.  It took a lot of hard work, innovative promotion and learning from various mistakes to bring it to what it is now.  Not content to just sit back and enjoy the fruits of her labour Kareena embarked on her second project, Mystic Thai.

But it wasn’t just a burning desire to move on to a new challenge that spawned the idea.  “My husband and I are absolute foodies,” she declares. “We travel a lot, and from our experiences we realized that a city the size of Montego Bay should have more quality restaurants.”

Owner of Mystic Thai, Kareena Mahbubani
and her husband Arun.

What materialized from this thought process was a dining experience of Thai cuisine.  The location was selected in Fairview, a popular commercial centre in the western part of the city.  Naturally, word started getting around the various social circles of the town that the aromatic, spicy dishes of Thailand were soon to have a home in Montego Bay.

With most of the restaurant-going crowd already familiar with Mystic India, a restaurant that has become one of the premiere dining experiences in Montego Bay, it was only natural that expectations were high for Mystic Thai.  In the months that followed, Mystic Thai became the most anticipated restaurant in Montego Bay evidenced by the incredible turn-out at its recent opening.

The Mystic Thai Tom Kha Soup

“The response was overwhelming,”  Kareena says with pride but also a sense of gratitude. “We had to turn away so many people, last night, who we simply couldn’t fit inside.  We are so pleased and appreciative of those who came.”

The Thai Green Chicken Curry gets its colour
from green chili peppers

As the days and weeks progress we're sure everybody who didn't get in on the opening night will get their turn.  Diners can look forward to a menu featuring traditional Thai delights such as the spicy and sour hot Tom Kha Soup as well as the Satay Chicken, which features strips of grilled and skewered chicken.  Of course, the Chicken Pad Thai, a popular Thai dish in every corner of the world is one of the restaurants many offerings.  

The Thai Green Chicken Curry is also a must.  In case you're wondering, the curry gets its green colour from green chili peppers.  While you’re at it, you may want to try the Herb Crusted Shrimp and compliment your dining experience with a Lavender or Lychee Martini.    

Mystic Thai's decor features Thai silk lanterns and hand-carved wooden artifacts that bring life to the ceiling.  A water fountain with the Mystic Thai logo of a tree was actually custom-built in Thailand and metal drapes are used to give the dining booths more privacy.  We could go on about the ambiance, the menu and the whole dining experience but the best way to assimilate it all is to dine their yourself.

One can't help but get excited about this new offering in Montego Bay.  It's a breath of fresh air and you can expect the same level of service for which Mystic India has been known over the past few years.  Montego Bay is not just the nation's second city, it is our country's tourism capital, and it is always pleasing to see an expansion of our restaurant scene.  And that brings us back to the topic of growth.  Let's hope more restaurant and bar owners in the city won't just stop at one experience of success but move on to the next challenge, as Kareena has done.  We all stand to benefit from that.

POLITICS: It's Not So Much Trump We Should Fear. It's The People He Empowers And The Climate He Creates.

In the same way that Brexit empowered racists in England which has resulted in an upswing in racism-related incidents, a Donald Trump victory will empower racists in America, it will empower corrupt cops who shoot black men, it will empower bigotry against gays and women.  You see, it doesn't matter if Donald Trump is more racist or less racist than we think he is. I have enough trust in the checks and balances of the United States' system of government to believe that it would prevent him from enacting racist policies or at least extreme racist policies.

What is disturbing for the future of the United States, however, is that by vesting the ultimate position of leadership to a man who has made callous, disrespectful insults and remarks aimed at various ethnic groups and cross-sections of the society, more citizens will feel they have carte blanche to do the same.That is the real danger and it has been made even worse by the clever use and twisting of particular causes and ideas that the more ignorant people, the ones who represent "the least common denominator" of American society are using to justify their racism and intolerance.

We see the Trump supporters championing a fight against "political correctness". Trumps racist remarks are explained away as a defiance of political correctness. We see the Black Lives Matter movement being redefined by Trump supporters as a racist movement, not a movement that is seeking to advance human rights for black people in an area where it is lacking.  The far right redefinition of the Black Lives Matter movement, in particular, is frightening not just for its brazen ignorance but for its potential to aggravate and intensify an already explosive situation. There are many on the far right pushing the idea that the sole intention of the movement is to start a race war.

We have seen Donald Trump, the candidate, insult women, insult a journalist with disabilities, insult the Mexicans and make xenophobic statements about Muslims. These actions of Trump, the candidate, have empowered his supporters to do the same. You only have to go on Twitter or Facebook to see the overwhelming evidence of this.

It begs the question, how much further will America go in this scary new direction if Donald Trump moves from being candidate to becoming president. What will it mean for the Black Lives Matter movement and other human rights activists when they move from at least having the quiet understanding of the government to being seen as an enemy of the new status quo.

What will it mean when Mexicans and other Latin American people can say that they have been disrespected in an obviously racist manner by a man who is now the president of the United States and leader of the free world. What will it mean for Muslims in America and around the world that the man in charge of the country that has always held the keys to their fate for decades is afraid of them and contemptuous of their religion.

Let's go back to Brexit for a second. There were many valid and genuine reasons why people within the UK wanted to leave the European Union. These positions have been totally eclipsed by the racism that has become so evident during and since Brexit.  The use of xenophobia to motivate people to vote for Brexit empowered the racists within the United Kingdom. It might not have been the reason most people wanted to see a change but legitimising the argument gave more prominence to racists and xenophobes than they should ever have in any political process, and it allowed them to advance their agenda of hate in a movement that for others was well-intentioned.

Brexit is the template for what Americans can expect from the election of Donald Trump, except it will be much, much worse. It will see racists emboldened, it will see more disregard for the so-called "misfits" of American society, contempt for feminist causes, contempt for environmental causes and it will see more intolerance towards liberal agendas by conservative christians.

The undecided voters need to look at the changes in the social and political climate that have come about so far as a result of this presidential campaign and see how much worse it can actually become if the wrong decision is made in November. The Bernie supporters will have to face the cold hard reality that now that Hillary has won the nomination they have no choice but to support her against Trump, because it might make their own lives and the life of their movement so much more difficult if their political enemies have the presidency on their side. Those of us, like myself, on the outside of the United States looking in, can only cross our fingers and hope that the majority of Americans do the right thing.

LIFESTYLE: PVS Sky Bar & Grill: A Little Hideaway Overlooking The City

While he does host private events at the PVS Sky Bar & Grill, Vijay Sadarangani, the owner of this little gem of a hideaway in the heart Montego Bay, does not encourage outside promoters to consider his venue for their parties.  The reason is that in a few short months the bar has developed a unique charm as a quiet spot for close friends to get together for good conversations and laid back social intercourse.  He doesn't want to spoil that.

Twilight view of the Mobay coastline from the PVS Sky Bar & Grill

At first glance, it's not hard to understand why the bar is doing so well as a hangout spot.  It sits atop Queens Drive overlooking the coastline, the international airport and the azure Caribbean Sea.  It's an area that was always a famous "look-out point" for tourists and visitors to the city.  The only thing missing was a place to sit down, take it all in and enjoy it with a few drinks and a tasty dish.  That all changed a few months ago.

The PVS Sky Bar & Grill sits atop the roof of Mr. Sadarangani's gift shop which caters to the tourist market selling souvenirs, clothes and a host of other items.  Upon taking the location for the shop he immediately saw the potential for a restaurant and bar on the rooftop.  When he opened it, he was approached by several promoters about holding parties and events there, but instead of aiming big he felt it would be to his advantage to aim small.

Friends gather for Karaoke on a Friday night

Hard economic times have seen Montegonians shying away from parties with cover charges and events that charge premium prices for drinks.  Many have opted to get together at each other's homes instead resulting in a surge of private dinners and house parties replacing many "pay parties" and nightclub events.

PVS Sky Bar & Grill offers the type of intimate ambiance people in the city have been gravitating towards, complimenting it with reasonable food and drink prices and the amazing panorama of the city's coastline.  "It's a little something extra," Sadarangani explains. "Something worthwhile to pull people from the comfort of their homes without putting a burden on their wallets."

Jerk Chicken Sushi - the latest exotic addition to the menu

Working professionals of all ages have adopted it the bar as an after-work destination.  A Karaoke night on Fridays has added a little touch of spice.  Small groups of friends who want to spend some quality time together free of loud music and big crowds have become regular guests.  This is what Vijay Sadarangani saw as aiming small instead of aiming big, and it has worked.

The cuisine at PVS Sky Bar & Grill includes a variety of local and international dishes.  One interesting new item is the Jerk Chicken Sushi which proved to be a popular addition especially on the Sushi and Tapas Night held every Saturday.  It's worth a trip to this venue to try the food and take in the ambiance.  If a little rest and relaxation is what you need, this is the spot.

LIFESTYLE: MVP Smokehouse: Where Montegonians Enjoy Their Favourite Jamaican Food

The rustic charm of Montego Bay's MVP Smokehouse

Montego Bay’s MVP Smokehouse recently celebrated three years of existence in which it has become more than just a restaurant to its regular diners. One loyal guest described it as “a pleasant break from the world” and that perhaps sums up the magic of the little eatery’s success. Of course, the traditional Jerk and Jamaican cooking they are famous for has something to do with it but it is the combination of great food with an intimate, family and friends ambiance that defines their achievement in the end.

Three years ago the sibling team of Boris and Michelle Reid opened MVP’s doors to Montego Bay. The rustic tent covered dining area combined with the Reid’s professional but laid back style made the restaurant a pleasant retreat for relaxing with friends.

It’s not surprising to sit at a table and see new arrivals greeting friends already dining in the establishment. “Wait, you’re here again? Do you live here?” one guest asks. “I could ask you the same thing” the other fires back. The laughter and conversation that follows is intimate and friendly. There’s always a feeling of family in the dining area. Even if one is a newcomer that feeling of being at home is present.

Sibling team, Michelle and Boris Reid

Boris and Michelle casually walk out of the kitchen from time to time. There’s always a smile, a nod, a pleasant hello. The Reids recall the early days of the start-up. Being former owners of another successful restaurant in the city they were well known in the community but opening a new restaurant was like beginning from scratch. A new loca

tion outside of the popular centre of the town, a new name, a new style all meant rebuilding their clientele.

Michelle explains that there was a void begging to be filled by traditional Jamaican cuisine and so their menu goes way beyond their tasty Jerk treats that Jamaicans love. “We offer the stuff that locals love to eat at home” she says “but sometimes they would love someone else to cook it for them in a nice, comfortable environment away from home. That’s where we come in.”

Indeed, there is a range of choice on the menu that is guaranteed to water the mouth of anyone who loves the island’s traditional dishes. Escoveitched and Steamed Fish are big sellers. Oxtail and Beans is another favourite. Every Tuesday brings Stew Peas to the menu while Curry Chicken and Roti is offered on Wednesdays. These are just some of the wide variety of dishes which also include vegetarian options and natural juices for the health conscious.

The growth has been steady over the past three years. Old friends and clients re-discovered Boris and Michelle so to speak. It is remarkable that despite the stiff competition in a city famous for Jerk joints MVP Smokehouse rapidly established a reputation for some of the best Jerk pork and chicken in town.

MVP Smokehouse has required very little in the way of professional advertising because their broad selection of local dishes resulted in organic promotion through word of mouth and social media. Friends shared information with friends. Families told other families and the establishment’s reputation grew among familiar circles. Sundays in particular became the day of escape for those wanting an alternative to dining at home but with the same great food they are accustomed to at the family table.

MVP Smokehouse Barbecued Spare Ribs

It has become commonplace now to see local and even foreign celebrities and well-known figures stopping by for a bite and a drink. Still, the Reids take their success in stride. They are pleased to see the glowing reviews in local newspapers and international travel guides but the real reward for them is seeing their guests’ empty plates at the end of a meal and hearing the laughter of their conversations.

As things slow down towards the end of the day Boris and Michelle sit with the folks at the bar or pull up a couple of chairs to a dining table where they join a group of friends. This welcoming vibe is the most important part of their menu. MVP Smokehouse is more than just Jamaican food. It is the happy, easy-going way of life Jamaicans enjoy.