This Thanksgiving, Javianna’s Caribbean Cuisine in St. John’s is offering a unique dining experience that combines traditional Newfoundland and Labrador flavors with a Caribbean twist. Chef Angeletta McKenzie will be opening her restaurant on the holiday for the first time to cater to both Canadian and immigrant clientele.
According to McKenzie, they are blending different cultural influences this year to create a fusion of tastes for their diverse customer base. The restaurant is offering three distinct Thanksgiving meal options. The first option features a classic Newfoundland and Labrador-style dinner with roasted turkey, savory dressing, glazed ham, and assorted vegetable side dishes.
The second meal choice, named Island Thanksgiving, includes jerk chicken, glazed ham, mac and cheese, rice and peas, among other Caribbean delicacies. The third option, the island to iceberg feast, combines elements from both the Newfoundland and Caribbean menus.
To accommodate different dining preferences, McKenzie is also offering single meal packages for those who prefer a more intimate setting. Born in Jamaica and now a Canadian citizen residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, McKenzie expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the local community, noting that people travel long distances to dine at her restaurant.
While Thanksgiving celebrations are not common in Jamaica, McKenzie highlighted the adaptability of Jamaican residents to North American traditions due to the country’s proximity. Despite not celebrating Thanksgiving at home, McKenzie shared that her family enjoys Jiggs’ dinner.
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