One of my favorite things to do while visiting family is to introduce them to new foods. My parents are based in Lawrenceville Georgia, an Atlanta suburb. It’s easy to drive around this large metropolis and only notice the strip malls full of nail salons, bail bondsman and laudromats. If you drop your cynicism though and really take a close look, you’ll notice the thousands of independent groceries and food establishments.

On the way back from taking my parents to the doctor’s office on Hurricane Shoals Rd we came across a small strip mall with an establishment called Jay’s Caribbean Cuisine. I’m a big fan of Jamaican patties as previously mentioned so I very excited to stop somewhere for a snack other than McDonald’s.

They knew that roti, fish and goat were common to the Indian and Jamaican diet but they weren’t familiar with my favorite snack. I got a veg pattie ($1.70) and they both loved it. The inside was piping hot and full of stewed veggies. I liked the slight black peppery flavor. I knew it was a success when my father suggested getting patties for a snack today as well. I suspect they’ll be back as reward after their next stop at the doctor’s office.

Jay’s Caribean Cuisine
150 Hurricane Shoals Rd #H
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
(678) 682-8200

My father eating the veggie pattie contentedly.