Episode 276: Paul Salmon, Jamaica Man

THE FOOD SEEN

On today's episode of THE FOOD SEEN, Paul Salmon comes from the land down under, but in New York City, he's known for bringing Jamaican cuisine and culture to the masses. In the early 1990's, Paul decided to move into hospitality (from a career in finance), and bought The Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, Jamaica. With Spanish, British, African, Indian and Chinese accents, it was a spice blend known as "jerk" which really defined this island nation. Fried plantains, curried goat, rice and peas (which are actually beans) and beef patties all found their way to Miss Lily's, Paul's restaurant that serves roti (flatbread) and Red Stripe (beer) hand in hand. Importing these ideas was as hot as the rum trade, and now in NYC, you can find Melvin's Juice Box cleansing our souls with fresh coconut, and Radio Lily playing the likes of Jimmy Cliff. We may not be surround by bougainvillea vines in the urban jungle, but we surely follow Miss Lily's beat.