Sherize "Goddess" K.'s Profile

It's Sunday afternoon and I've been editing & writing since Saturday.  My daughters are both at their school's performance (thank God for Charter Schools...keeps them productively busy), and I am famished beyond reason (could be because I spent the healing hours...10 pm - 6 am the human body repairs & recuperates from previous day's stresses....puking out my dinner and molesting my toilet bowl :( ).
As my remaining Qi (vital bio-energy) warns..."get your shite together & refuel or you going down...YOU HEAR ME? U GOES DOWN".  At this point, it only makes sense to want to be able to enjoy the fuel, as much as possible.  In fact, I contemplated cooking, only go get slapped by Qi ..."Look what U mek me do...now why u want to cook, huh? U need energy, chica..." I realized that my soul (Shen) craved uniqueness; it lavishes comfort, exquisiteness, intimacy & reminiscence of home or happier times (only this would quench the beast.  The Islands...The West Indies..."Yeah Mon, No Problem"...  Ahh, the good life!

My desire kicks into overdrive and now I am in desperate need of bliss.  I immediately contact my critic in crime (mainly because I don't eat meat & let's just say they eat EVERYTHING *smh*) and we agreed on Henrica's, formerly Nakisaki.

The setting was very mellow...it felt homey.  The patrons were very family oriented (Sunday? Hmmm...Church, doh!), moms, dads, babies, toddlers to teens, yet it wasn't crowded...

The rapid response of the host - to seat you & introduce the ambiance Henrica's hope to deliver, was comforting, especially since Qi had me by the throat...  

"Buffet or Menu?" speaks our host.  "Menus would be appreciated, but buffet you say?" Where, I continue to ask...as we are then directed to a room set in the back of the restaurant... scented with Caribbean delights.  And that's when it happened. Without any warnings, Qi & Shen both froze.  The glee in my innocent child-like eyes glimmered blindingly.  As the serenade I have somehow come to visualize wound down in my head, I flashed back to reality (my host was no longer propelling my raft down the river, in Jamaica, in a loin cloth). I watched in invigorated amazement as to what laid before me.  It was like a menu sample sale.

The selections literally encompassed the menu choices.  This Greatness is available on Friday's & Sunday's for only $13.50 per person, "all you can eat (nyam)".  And boy did my partner nyam...from curry goat, oxtail, stew fish/chicken, Baked Mac & Cheese (Qi fave so I killed it), Lo Mein, fruit salad, potato/macaroni salads, pepper shrimp (he was very barbaric at this point, "like baby"...), jerk chicken/pork, even cow foot (which he claims is "Gum-Nyummy") - I can go on, but let's be serious...they had it.  As we piled on our selections & returned to our booth...my first taste led me back to Nah Lingah by the Sea, in Jamaica - a cozy shack set along Negril 7 mile beaches.  I felt the same quaintness...and again, I sat before that beautifully blue ocean...Oh, yes...it existed again! Ahh...Mission Bliss, a huge success!

Well ladies, I must say, this spot is a definite mood enhancer.  The ambiance is bumping, the DJ is jumping, and the staff is fun loving!  The food was exceptional.  I had the pasta in garlic alfredo, I sampled the rice and the salmon was slammin...Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays are the don't miss days.  I have it on good advice from the 'Verizon Crew' (actual VZ workers), that this is an excellent after work joint.  And the eye candy isn't that bad either!

Now it seems like I am totally stuck in the Caribbean realm.  I blame this mostly on the fact that "mama ain't making dem again".  So it forces me to patrol the streets in search of her delicious memories.  

Bamboo Garden is a Guyanese restaurant, which shocked me to bits because the food is edible.  I have come across many Guyanese dishes and for some reason, they are light on salt & flavor (Ital at it's best), however I am raving about the Broccoli-n-Garlic sauce.  I believe the Asians can learn from this recipe.  The flavor is a bit sweet, but let's just say that I have a thing for the sweeter things in life.  

Just note that the chef plays a major role, and I have had many disappointing dishes from here as well (as a pasta lover, they tend to overcook the pasta into a mush for the lo mein/chow mein), but never the Broccoli-n-Garlic sauce! As a budding chef/critic....I enjoy my job!

P.S. Try the Dhal Puri (Roti skin)....it melts in your mouth.

Got some really cute items.  This setting goes beyond my average shopping environment.  I crave comfort, and availability, as well as quality.  When shopping in an outlet or warehouse/wholesale setting, it's more of a game of chance.  You are guaranteed to find things you like, but not in your size or color (preference).  Many of the items risk being irregular, and the staff aren't the friendliest of people in existence.  It has a dressing room which is cool though.  Not bad at all - designers include: Timberland, Sean John, Baby Phat, Deron, Apple Bottom, Roca Wear, and XOXO just to name a few.  Items were unbelievably affordable.  I am satisfied with my weekend in Mt. Laurel and it's vicinities (Maple Shade, Cherry Hill, Pennsauken).

P.S Make sure you check your items...for accurate size info on all pieces.  Don't go by just the price tag.  Verify against items inner tag as well.  Also check that all security clamps are removed.  It's a b!tch to self remove later!

Very pleasant environment.  The staff was calm and kind.  Smiles graced their faces during constant communications.  The service was reasonable in timing, food was hot and fresh.  I definitely recommend the Cherry Cherry Lemonade.  It's very quenching.  Nice setting for the entire family.

The staff appeared happy, but you could tell they were tired or just didn't want to work.  The waitress was pleasant yet unbelievably slow.  The food was salty and not hot or even warm for that matter.  The staff seemed to gather around each other as if they were hanging out.  Not pleased at all and couldn't wait to leave.

I went to Freight Fest last night (10/31/08) and I must say I was not impressed.  I was so excited and hyped to go because I've never went before. Please...could have skipped it.  Aside from the few staff that looked superb in their make-up and costume, the available rides were crap, especially the Dark Knight.  You have to excuse me, the last time I went Great Adventures, I was about 12.  I enjoy the water parks more.  The park has changed a lot obviously.  Yet, the scream machine shook the be-Jesus out of me.  I screamed the entire 3 minutes.  I would have enjoyed a movie more.

Very quiet town.  Clean exterior and parking area.  The lobby is very modern decor, and very pleasant front desk staff.  However, the room was supposed to be non smoking, yet upon entrance, the room wreaked of stale cigarettes.  I immediately noticed the smoke detector, and saw it was on and working.  

The deal was for complete suite with fridge, microwave, etc....which wasn't available we we got there, ice machine constantly out of ice, which forces you to purchase a beverage which cost $2.00 by the way. Not even $1.50...$2.00. The available channels were decent since I am a TNT and USA watcher.  Unsecured wireless networks available, no phone or Ethernet cord anywhere in room, and microwave cost $10 extra to use in your room (only option). Very filthy bathroom. Shower head was rusted around the water holes, tiles and grout of shower had black mold and mildew stains.  Not inviting or welcoming as a relaxing bath.

Yet the autumn scenery from my 3rd floor window was spectacular.  The burnt oranges, rusty reds, and golden hues exploded in my pupils. It aroused my creativity and encouraged me to write some articles, including this one. I think Motel 6 would have provided a better stay.  Located amongst other hotels, and few available, inaccessible (by foot) shops (food, CVS).  Priceline just lost my vote!

Sorry Mike, but I have discovered your secret weapon.  I do agree with you however, that this environment is for those special moments that you want to remember for a lifetime.  The location is very accessible by train, L train to 3rd avenue to be exact, and the parking is very hectic being central to Union Square and all, but the ambiance is so unreal.  It melts away all annoyances, rendering island fantasies to manifest.  The cuisine is absolutely heavenly.  Culinary Arts in it's true form.  I am a huge fan of Caribbean dishes, but the food here has to be one of those that you savor.

The staff are very friendly, professional and inviting.  It's a very mellow, relaxed romantic hut.  It resembles an exotic vacation or an all inclusive island retreat.  It's a must for Caribbean lovers.  I can see marriage proposals, anniversaries, valentines day - Love at it's most delicious....

This is another cozy getaway.  The setting is very relaxed. The food is exquisite, and once again ladies, the men!  It's like cute guys are required as part of the great food service, and I am totally for it!  Another Rasta Pasta provider, but like many things West Indian (food wise of course), the spicy flavor explodes while stimulating senses you never noticed before!

xoxo
Goddess