Riverhead’s culinary horizons are about to expand. Think island fare — jerk chicken, served up with rice and peas, vegetables and plantain. Oxtail and curry goat. Root drinks and Jamaican black cake.
Shadees Jamaican Takeout Restaurant on East Main Street has a grand opening planned for May 25, but will open its doors for the first time tomorrow, kicking off a multi-day “soft opening” leading up to the big event.
Husband and wife proprietors Shane and Dion Hope of Westhampton Beach were busy this afternoon getting things ready at the restaurant, located at 307 E. Main, opposite McDermott Avenue.
Shadees is the realization of a long-held dream for Shane Hope, a Jamaican native and self-taught chef. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1990 and has worked in several commercial kitchens on the East End. He’s thought about opening a Jamaican restaurant in Riverhead for about 25 years.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I came to America,” Hope said in a deep and mellifluous Jamaican accent.
The dishes Shadees will offer will have “a kick but not too spicy,” he said. “We’re going to cook it in a mellow way,” Hope said, noting, “You can always add spice but you can’t take it away.”
His wife Dion is Southampton born and raised. “I’m a Mariner through and through” she said today at the restaurant, where she held the couple’s infant grandson, Dupree, in her arms. He is one of the couple’s three grandchildren — so far; they have five children, she said.
Dion Hope said they plan to be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner — and for breakfast on weekends.
“We’re a mom and pop operation, so we’ll have to see how it goes,” she said.
Despite its name, the eatery sports a dining room where guests can enjoy its offerings on-premises.
Shadees will be open May 4, 5 and 6, May 10 and 11, and May 18, 19 and 20.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.