Vegan Rasta Food in Hartford’s West End

Rastafari. You say this word and people’s eyes light up with recognition. They think of Bob Marley, dreadlocks, marijuana and reggae music. It seeps of a particular “coolness” factor. Hey, even the rapper, Snoop Dogg jumped on board after a trip to Jamaica and is now calling himself Snoop Lion. I won’t even go into that. So before even telling you about “Fire and Spice,” a family run Rastafarian restaurant, it seems necessary to clarify up a few points about the subject. First, contrary to popular opinion, it is not a religion... it is a way of life. To fully understand the philosophy, I will provide some links to further readings at the bottom of this posting. But here are some pointers. #1. The philosophy is based on the prophesy made by Marcus Garvey at the turn of the century that said Africa would have a new black king, and that man would be the messiah. Shortly thereafter, Haile Selassie I was crowned king in Ethiopia. The burgeoning Rastafari movement saw him as the second coming of Jesus. Selassie however always denied this. #2. There are four symbolic colors. Yellow= wealth of Africa. Red= refers to blood and martyrdom of past Rastafari. Black= for the movement’s founders and call for return to roots. Green= rich plant life in Africa.

Ask Andrew about his reggae album when you see him...

#3. Rastas dislike “ians” and “isms” which epitomizes the “Babylonian” system that oppresses all people. Calling their practice a “religion” or “Rastafarianism” is frowned upon. The philosophy was founded in Jamaica as a tool for empowerment where they could reject Western ideals forced on them from a colonial past, and reclaim their culture and roots. #4. Ital food, derived from “vital” is clean and natural. Rastas consume no salt, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs (excluding herbs), oil and meats. Fish should be less than a foot in length. They see food as a means to create harmony with nature and as medicinal as it shapes one’s “strucha” (Patois word for structure). So what kind of food awaits you at Fire and Spice? Unlike Lion’s Den (see review in November 2011), serving more traditional ital food, here you will find a blend of vegan food mixed with ital. There are two options for dining. Ordering from the buffet, which most people seem to favor, or ordering from a printed menu which offers raw food items, sandwiches, etc. I have not tried this yet. On my last few visits there has been some confusion as the owners seem to be trying to change how food is ordered at the buffet, but are struggling because the customers are accustomed to the way things have always been.

Change is never easy. Especially in restaurants. So as it stands now, if you want to eat at one of the tables in the restaurant, you have a seat and they come take your order. It costs a dollar more. Still unsure why. The favored method by myself and other customers appears to be standing at the counter to select your items (either 3 or 5) and taking them to go. Afterall, Elizabeth Park is a short drive away, and provides a sublime environment to enjoy your food. The buffet selections are fixed and include items such as; jerk tofu, scrambled tofu, bbq pomegranate tempeh, sweet potatoes, sautéed greens, ital stew, pumpkin rice and okra. And if you have never tried Sorrel, this is the time and place. Sorrel is made from the ginger, cinnamon and dried hibiscus flowers. Not only does it taste amazing, but it is very high in antioxidants. Or if you prefer a stronger libation...they sell a few Jamaican beers for the attractive price of $4 each. I highly recommend that you try a Dragon Stout, made by the producers of Guinness.

Fire and Spice, 248 Sisson Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, (888) 367-7970
Website: http://www.firenspiceveganrestaurant.com