Mother And Daughter Bring Jamaican Family Cooking To Vernon

VERNON, CT — A mother-daughter team has brought the taste of Jamaica to the Rockville section of Vernon.

Welcome to Ocho Rios Grill, located on Union Street near the intersection with Ward Street. Ocho Rios is the creation of daughter Shelly-Ann Wright and mother Joy Falconer.

"Mom is basically the Number One chef in the family," Wright said.

"And I do love to cook," Falconer added.

The family is originally from Jamaica and the recipes are from the family.

"My mom was always told her food is very good," Wright said. "So it's always been a dream to open a place up. This has been a lot of hard work, but it's our chance to share our food with the community."

The menu changes every day, Wright said. On Tuesday, the board featured jerk, stewed, curry fried and barbecue chicken; red rice and peas; fried and steamed fish; curry goat; and stewed oxtail. Sides included fried plantains.

Jamaican sodas include ginger and pineapple.

And of course, there were Jamaican Patties on the board.

And oh are they patties. The meat was not overwhelmed by the spice but the spice is just enough to keep one honest. The shell is light and flaky but does not fall apart.

The restaurant is open every day but Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.