"I thought we were going for dinner? Why are we getting the kids icicle pops?"
Said my wife.
"Shiit we are on vacation woman! And plus these are naturally flavored and 100% handcrafted popsicles ".
We stopped at the Island Village Mall in Ochi to actually get some dinner at Margaritaville, the most touristy spot I must say, but also the safest. Why the safest? Not in terms of violence but in terms of food everyone can eat.
Japanese can be picky eaters, mainly sticking to food they know, I could say the same for many Jamaican women.
At first I was trying to find a restaurant with more authentic Jamaican food ( not to say Margaritaville doesn't offer some of that) and that led us walking around the mall, that's when I saw this popsicle stand.
I never thought someone could make popsicles cool, healthy and trendy but that seems to be what ChillPops has done. The look of the store and staff were far from the distance memories of ice-cream trucks playing that nursery rhyme type melody back in the days. Nothing wrong with that, quite nostalgic actually. Do those still exist?
"A unique collision between Jamaica and the modern world, ChillPops was created to bring you elevated versions of your favorite childhood treats in the most tropical atmospheric setting. Being big advocates of FRESH is BEST, Chillpops specializes in one-of-a-kind frozen artisan treats, made from unadulterated ingredients which are sourced throughout the island.
Located in Island Village mall in Ocho Rios Jamaica and also in Negril in the New NCB plaza, the establishment has chosen locations with a lot of tourist foot traffic. These locations are also popular with the locals as well.
So we stopped at the stand and I bought some ChillPops for the boys, they were elated, my wife... the opposite. In my mind the boys deserved it, we had been doing so much and going so fast we needed to just chill!
Here is what the stand looks like, built into nature with an almond tree going through it. The chairs and table were all natural too. The staff were friendly and hip. Didn't seem like they were at work, just looked real CHILL but were ready to serve and offer up some good convo.
We didn't do much looking around the mall, though I wanted to. I knew the group didn't have the patience for that. So after the Chill spot it was time to find dinner. Island Village has become a popular event venue as well, from concerts, talks to exhibitions and more.
I love this random piece on the wall of the mall. Jamaica definitely needs more of that. This style is Jamaican at its finest.
And so we went to Margaritaville and most of the family ordered burgers, sandwiches and fries. But of course I got the BBQ Jerk plate. it was actually pretty good. Then some dude came up and did a magic trick making his cigarette disappear in my shirt. Had to tip him, it was only right. Kids got a little kick and a magician lives to do his tricks.
Sorry Japanese Grandma, I snapped while you were eating. Until next time, stay blessed y. Peace ✌️
Check out my kids YouTube Channel here.
