Speaknvegan for Lunch!

Have you tried Speaknvegan for lunch yet? I had the refreshing experience 2 weeks ago. I regret taking so long to do so. Speaknvegan was trademarked and featured on Smile Jamaica TVJ just a few months ago, but has been in operation for about a year. The business may be familiar to some as ‘Salads and Shakes by Stace’, but has evolved greatly. Stacy Doughlasingh, the chef responsible for the tasty, Vegan food offered, graduated from UTECH with a degree in Hotel and Tourism a Management not too long ago. It is always pleasing to see young, talented persons go after their dream and actually enjoying what they do for a living.

I think she is off to a great start with a menu that keeps changing, is so creative and also inviting to the eyes. The day I ordered for pick up, I had difficulty choosing amongst Plantain and Hummus Tacos, Black Bean Fajitas and a Chick’n Chutney Burger. I went with the Black Bean Fajitas that consisted of Black beans sauteed in a chilli sauce, along with avocado, diced tomatoes, vegan cream cheese and parsley. My order was ready on time and it was evident that effort was made for its presentation, a crucial element lacking from a lot of lunch establishments. The ingredients complemented each other well and it was quite tasty. The portion size may be small for some though, perhaps a small soup or shake could be added as a combo.

The instagram account, SPEAKNVEGAN is quite active and gives customers an idea of various selections available for order or special request. There are soup and shake options such as Curried Sweet Potato soup, Thai Coconut Corn soup and Kale and Pumpkin soup. Other interesting options are the spicy medium Ackee Pizza with beet root, okra, tomato and vegetables, the Chilli Sub (a favourite amongst customers) and the Burrito bowl with chopped Veggie Steak just to name a few. Mouth-watering Dessert options are available as well.

So check out Speaknvegan on instagram and order some of those affordable, delightful vegan dishes, whether it’s for lunch, a Wedding, Live event, Family event or just Personal catering. Vegan lunches are available for Pick-up or Delivery on Tuesday to Friday from 10 to 3pm. Orders should be made the day before or by 11am latest by calling 876-378-5094. 

Blow Fyah Sauce from Stush in the Bush

Stush in the Bush with Lisa Binns

Blow Fyah Sauce from Stush in the Bush

Which bush brings out the stush?! Nestled in Free Hill, Bamboo St. Ann you will find it. An Organic Farm, a Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant, Tours and Sightseeing all in one!

I am yet to visit the farm but I have tasted some of their products and been privileged to hear from the vibrant and eloquent, Lisa Binns, the lady in charge on the farm, as well as her husband, Chris, a bit on the quiet side but still brings a lot of personality to the table.

They produce sauces, preserves, dressings, breads and organic veggies. I had the pleasure of tasting their Vegan Basil Pesto, Chimichurri Sauce, Sweetie Cherry Tomato Marmalade, Limited Edition Lemon Curd and their Blow Fyah pepper sauce. The Blow Fyah pepper sauce blew my mind. The Lemon Curd was decent, but everything else was certainly delightful.

The Vegan Basil Pesto with arugula on pizza is a good combination. Their Chimichurri Sauce complemented fried green seasoned plantain chips well and it has been recommended to add it to steak and pork chops. The Sweetie Cherry Tomato Marmalade and Blow Fyah pepper sauce can be eaten with just about everything. For instance, the Marmalade can be eaten on burgers and cheese on bread, while I tried the Blow Fyah sauce with roasted potatoes and grilled chicken sausages topped with cheese and tomatoes. I had some water close by to cool me down a bit because it really was ‘fyah’ but so tasty and rich in flavourful herbs and spices.

Stush in the Bush is surely on a growing path and may one day even be a Bed and Breakfast. They are Observer Food Awards’ nominees for Best New Food Item and Best Producer. Good luck to them.

Visit their Facebook page, STUSH in the BUSH for more information and for booking tours and lunch. Their products can currently be found at CPJ Market in Courtyard 71 and Uncorked in Sovereign North.