BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS I travel, I know which places to dine judging by the amount of locals I see eating there. Upon arrival at Shekina Glory, I am greeted by smiling faces. Agnes immediately offers me some juice; it’s fresh passion fruit juice. I notice three locals, who appear to be returning customers, picking up their orders, and then they leave. It’s clearly mama’s cooking, made fresh everyday.
I decide to talk to the chef and she wants me to understand that cooking food with love is the most important part of a meal “because if you don’t make it with love, the food will do you no good”. Smiling, she says she always has to make what the customers like to eat because, “if not they’ll stone me”. We share a laugh. Soon after I am served a whopping plate of a little bit of everything, and I mean everything! Pork, chicken, fish, rice, cheesy breadfruit pie, corn, veggies and even variations of the same thing, just spiced differently.
While seated, I begin chatting with guests eating at the next table. We share stories and laughs. They tell me how they eat here several days a week. It’s food you have to experience yourself to understand. It’s what I like to call elevated Soul food!
Shemomedjamo. The best single word I can use to describe this experience. It’s Georgian for “I accidentally ate the whole thing”. Halfway through my food, hunger satisfied, I realize my plate is empty! Simply delicious!
Let’s talk taste. I’m a fan of the cheesy breadfruit pie and suggest you make sure to order the spiced chicken with extra sauce. Offered two ways, you’ll love both. The chicken falls right off the bone and, manners aside, you’ll have to resist the urge to lick your fingers afterwards. Let’s talk pork…the pork is so good it feels like a sin! Buttery, ever so slightly sweet, stewed in its own juices, and carries a slight kick to the back of your mouth. To top this off, the dish is paired with seasoned veggies, rice and beans.
The coup de grâce? Freshly squeezed soursop drink that’s like liquid custard ice-cream; pure euphoria.
I decide to engage Agnes in some conversation. Check out the video below to hear her passion about cooking. If you are looking for local experience with mama’s cooking, this is the place to go. So if you’re at Key’s Village, stop by Shekina Glory and ask for Agnes; she’ll be standing there with a ladle, a plate, and a big ol’ smile, ready to serve up authentic local cuisine.
