Everyday is a good day for Ackee



Rastafarian Flag

"Lion's Den Vegetarian" is a Jamaican Rastafarian restaurant located on Main Street in the North Meadows section of Hartford, close to the townline of Windsor. The easiest way to reach the restaurant is to take I-91 and exit in Wilson, turn left onto Main Street and you will see the restaurant on the right hand side, right after the old Fuller Brush factory (which is now the CT Labor Department). Now that you have located where it is...here is what I love about it, and why it's worth you checking out. The menu is all vegetarian with the exception of some seafood options. I usually head over there on Saturday mornings to get their freshly cooked Ackee. In case you don't know what Ackee is, it's a fruit that originates from Africa, and it is a staple in Jamaica cusine.

Ackee w/ saltfish & food

When cooked it resembles scrambled eggs because of its color and consistency. If you choose to order Ackee, you can get it with or without Saltfish/ Codfish. You also have the choice of having it atop rice or "food". In Jamaican cuisine, if you ask for "food" to accompany your meal choice, that means asking for some boiled green banana, a whole wheat boiled dumpling and a variety of other root vegetables. Trust me when I say that after eating this kind of food for breakfast, I very much doubt that you will be hungry for the remainder of your day. If you decide to check out Lions Den for

lunch or dinner, I suggest trying out their curry chunks

which is most comparable to seitan. Also, I highly suggest getting a bottle of carrot juice, Irish Moss, Ginger Beer, Ting or Tru Juice to try. They are all delicious and will add to your overall experience.  

Words of advice in ordering food at a Jamaican place.

1) Check out the menu online first and get an idea of what you would like to try before you get there, as there may not be a menu around to view at the store. You can view Lion Den's Menu at Menu Pix Website: http://www.menupix.com/menudirectory/menu.php?id=720072

2. Don't be shy. Service at a Jamaican restaurant is different than at other establishments, and sometimes you have to speak up so that they know you are waiting to order.

3. Parking at Lions Den is relatively easy compared with others, and if you don't see any parking in the front of the restaurant, there is a small lot behind the building that you can use as well.

4. Bring cash and make sure that you have small bills to pay for your food.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-9pm / Sat & Sun 7am until...

Address: 3347 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120