Maroon; more then just a color.

I went out to dinner with my Mom tonight. She's visiting from Miami this week, and while she's a great cook, this is a mini vaca of sorts, so I decided to take her out for eats. Momma Dukes' is from Jamaica, so what do I do? Take her to a Jamaican restaurant. I know, so original. I've heard the girls in the hair shop talk about this new Jamaican restaurant in the city named Maroon's. And if you make it you on a good night, there's jazz, cute brothas with good credit, and a "Southern Comfort" side of the menu, as well as Jamaican. Interested? Thought so. Gets better - As we're approaching the joint, Mom asks me what side of the rue the restraurant is on. I'm all, "Hello? The maroon awning for MAROON?" Then she broke down the meaning of the word "Maroon" in Jamaica. "Maroon" is a generic term to describe fugitive slaves from plantations under the British rule. They fled to the mountains, created their own tribes, and later befriended mulattoes to gain equality. Wow. And I was just out for some jerk chicken and some pepper shrimp. The 411; The ambiance was charming, for Chelsea. Although the tables were a bit on top of each other, everyone respected your personal space and the staff was more then accommodating. Mom & I had the codfish fritters and pepper shrimp for appetizers, the ox tail and jerk chicken for dinner, and bread pudding a la mode with rum raisin for dessert. Everything was gawd damn tatsy, and came out the kitchen (which had all Mexican chefs) promptly. And anyone who's been to a Caribbean restaurant knows that's a plus. While Maroon's might make a good date place, I don't recommend it for large parties. Was a good night. Had good food, and learned a little something too. Maroon is so much more then just a color, then again, so is Black. 244 W. 16th St. between Seventh and Eighth Aves. 212-206-8640

Mitra! (Hindi for friend)

One of my best friends, Sonal got married. MARRIED. Jesus, I can't find anyone I like past 3 weeks! I gotta admit, I'm happy for the bitch! Although she lives in London with her new husband, as he's British, she had a traditional Indian wedding (in Edison, NJ - long story) with non-traditional parts, like bride's maids! (From left: Boston Michelle/Lex/Sonal/Moi) It was a 3 day long celebration with 6 ceremonies complete with 6 Indian outfits. (My favorite part) There was family from all over the world - India, England, Africa, and the west coast. There was a crazy amount of food, drums, dancing, laughing, crying, shouting, picture taking, safety pin saving, "damnit my cell phone is dead!" bridezilla having moments that I wouldn't trade for anything! By the end of the weekend, I was ready to go on my first Bollywood audition! Somebody stop me. No, please, STOP ME. Congrats Sonal & Gavin!! I "love ya to bits"!