Joan and Sisters

Gina, Brandi and I had just left church. Gina always wants to go on an adventure after church. I’m a little apprehensive, mostly because I don’t have much money. I cheer up a little when they say papusas. I cheer up a little more when Brandi mentions Belizean food.
I've had Caribbean. I haven’t had Belizean. I’m looking forward to it being similar and getting a lot for my money. Why not?
We had to double back on Western, as apparently we had passed it. I hadn't noticed a sign or storefront advertising a Belizean restaurant. I still didn't see it when we parked. I wasn't worried. That was typical of Central American demographic of the neighborhood.
I ignored the ‘A’ posted in the window. After 20 years in the restaurant industry, I know what really matters. What really matters was the restaurant was immaculate. It was so clean, I was little put off. I almost expected bad food.
I wanted Black Dinah. That is a distinctly Belizean meal separate from all the other interchangeable “Island Food.”  Unfortunately, the only item had never had was boil up. That’s a of combination Boiled Eggs, Fish and/or Pig tail, with a number of ground foods such as Cassava, Green Plantains, Yams, Sweet Potatoes, cocoa, and Tomato Sauce. I passed over the Oxtails. A friend of mine ordered those. I opted for the Red Snapper. It had been a while since I had any snapper. I figured I might as well get the whole fish.
The whole fish was what I got. I didn't have to ask to get escovich style. The only thing she asked me was gravy on my rice. Absolutely! It was a standard Caribbean dish. Joan & Sisters did an above average job. The potato salad was good. The fish was delicious. I even ate the head, eyes and all! And, in true Caribbean fashion, I got far more than enough rice and peas (beans). All in all, I got two meals for the price of one.
The décor was typical Caribbean, a few (understatement) announcements/flyers dedicated to Belizean events in Los Angeles, a Belizean flag and map, and a TV set to local broadcast television. I noticed as I was eating that the men (me included) got more attention. That may have been due to the Belizean dedication to patriarchy. It was much appreciated. It got me silverware instead of plastic and much more attention than the rest of my party (all females). Totally not complaining.
I told Gina, I hadn't been this deep in Caribbean culture since 4am at ‘The Bakery’ during Carnival some years ago. Joan & Sisters took me back. That is another story…