Loganville celebrates Jamericubicana

   Though cultural diversity abounds in the county, there is always room – no, make that demand – for more. Especially in the food department. So I was delighted to discover The Jamerican Café in the Rosebud Plaza in Loganville. From cow foot to oxtail, owners Devon and Angela Smith offer a variety of authentic Jamaican cuisine, along with weekly specials like Eschoveitch Fish and Homemade Carrot Juice. 

   “Loganville is a vibrant, growing town that has a populous of diverse ethnicities and various ethnic restaurants. My husband and I were attracted to this area because we realized that many people with West Indian cultural background were migrating to this area, but there weren’t any Caribbean restaurants,” said Angela Smith. “We are pleased that people of different cultures feel comfortable to eat here.” 

   Further east on Highway 78, tucked in among Snellville, Grayson and Loganville, Reynaldo Martinez gears up for the grand opening of Rey’s Cuban Grill on October 30.

   “People ask me why Loganville. First of all I live here and I love it here. I love the people. They’re great!” said Martinez. “And the location is great. As far as I know there is no other Cuban restaurant between Athens and Atlanta. And people get tired of making a long drive for quality Latin food.”

   And even if there are other Cuban restaurants in the area, Rey’s Cuban Grill will offer diners a unique culinary experience. Cuban cooks Felicia and Hector Ordonez will make sure every food item is authentic, and prepared in authentic style. Except for a few items on the children’s menu, Rey’s will serve only Cuban dishes.

   For Cuban connoisseurs, there are some surprises in store. In addition to Pilon coffee, Rey’s Cuban Grill boasts some exclusive menu items such as Masa Real coconut cookies and Conchita grated coconut served with cream cheese. And I can tell you from a sneak preview taste test that the homemade flan alone is worth a trip!

   But the best and biggest feature on the menu is Iron Beer, a spicy soft drink which for ninety years has been called the national beverage of Cuba.

   “This is an exclusive,” said Martinez. “No one else serves Iron Beer. The distributors up here don’t carry it. So I flew to Miami and rented a van. I filled it to the top with cases of Iron Beer and drove it back here to Loganville. I’ll make the trip as often as I have to.”

   “That’s how dedicated you have to be. If you want to own something and succeed, you have to go all out,” said Martinez. When people eat here, I want them to say, ‘Now that’s Cuba!’”

   And in case you haven’t visited lately, that’s Loganville!

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