05
feature
‘The first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlands’
By Denson Pierre
Amsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the world, from one day to the next, it seems. On 5 August it was all about Jamaica; not just the sheer electricity of Bolt on the Olympic track but an overall celebration of the culture and pride of the Caribbean nation. The occasion was the fully engaging celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence from Great Britain. The happening was organised and hosted by Rose of Planet Rose Caribbean Restaurant (http://www.planetrose.info/ index.html). This is said to have been the first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlands and, over the years, it has come to define the cuisine here, especially through Jamaican specialities. Indeed, Planet Rose has progressed so well that it can now proudly display a 9+ review rating, awarded by Amsterdam’s other recognised reviewer of affordable, quality food and dining, Johannes van Dam. Johannes is a meat lover and, as such, you will surely appreciate his opinion when you try the perennial Planet Rose favourite, Jerk chicken. Truth be told, The Sentinel would prefer to point you to the Ital menu, as this is closer to what soul food is all about, but that can wait for another report. For the day itself, Rose managed to gain one of those increasingly elusive licenses to erect a bouncy castle for the kids
and to play louder than conversation-level music, blaring out into the Amsterdam West neighbourhood. It was, of course, all about post-independence beat music, ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggae. With a full complement of DJs (special mention to Daddy Fridge and Daddy Yush), singers and a drumologist’s one-man orchestra, it turned out to be a proper Caribbean session. As it turned out, those who came to sample the celebration menu also found themselves driven to the dining-area-cumdancefloor by the pulsating riddims Jamaica can claim as its gift to world culture. This was an excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happenings, rather than the confused, ‘ghetto’ versions that South East Amsterdam tends to stage and which usually have very little to do with a Caribbean vibe, beyond the superficial, predominant skin colour and bass-led beats. The Caribbean, for those who can afford it, is perhaps the best part of the world to visit for good times and an easily accessible culture. Thank goodness for Planet Rose in Amsterdam, as those who find her and her team won’t just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendliness, while learning that Jamaica is much more than the marketing brand it has become. Happy 50th anniversary to the Jamaican people!
‘It was, of course, all about post-independence beat music, ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggae’