I was an unapologetic comfort food gobbler - fried chicken or fried fish, macaroni pie, tiny salads bathed in salt or mayonnaise, and rotis occasionally for variety, was my staple diet. I have been converted, well mostly, by my Rastafarian brethren who introduced me to ital food.
Loosely, I defined ital as a full vegetarian meal on steroids, especially in relation to flavour, nutrition, and vibration. Yes, the Jah energy explained by ital top chefs, is the love in the creation. Having sampled outlets island wide, east to west some 14 miles, I finally found a mecca in local ital dining, Oasis Restaurant in St. Philip.
It is said the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and I think some consideration could also be given to price. While Oasis Kelly’s proof is firstly in the greeting and the meeting, he, and his plants, and some of his personal friends who are often dining there, they bring all that is ital into this cool setting. In this touch of eden environment, these appetisers prepare his customers, more what we call family, for his priceless ital food, which puts all pudding, including that with souse, in its place.
For while proper pork is popular in Barbados, Oasis Kelly’s ital meals are far superior in taste, flavour, balance and yes, price. The generous servings mean one effectively gets two meals, that are a nutritious supplement of vital foods, all in one. The vibrations and variety of the ambience of the natural beauty which surrounds is more valuable than the quote unquote “cost”. To top it off there is a selection of drinks to live for, definitely not die for, for the entire experience is all about livety, look it up if you must, but you definitely will experience this encountering Kelly and his Oasis in St. Philip.
Oasis Ital Bar and Nursery, Pollards, St. Philip. Call first (246) 260-2378. Closed on Monday.
Find Oasis on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SQ69w7HTfgnUYL8LA
