Page 9 - 3-20-15 Friday's Edition

Local
Jerk Hut Downtown Restaurant Moves To New Location
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
When Andrew Ash- meade came to Tampa from Jamaica to attend school, he said he wanted to create a real West In- dian experience by open- ing a restaurant.
“I started out cooking
in a small bar’s kitchen in
1993. It was a rock ‘n’ roll
bar, but it went pretty
well. I took that success and moved on Ne- braska Avenue in a strip mall near Fowler Av- enue.
“As my customer base grew and we started enjoying success, we moved to the location on Fowler Avenue, and that’s where everything began to really expand and take off. That was the beginning of Jerk Hut.”
Ashmeade said he wanted to have some- thing that was a favorite spot for all cultures, and he’s happy to have accomplished that.
Beginning next week, Ashmeade will be opening at a new location in downtown Tampa called the “New Tampa Downtown Interna- tional Food District.”
“The area got that name, because there are so many owner-operated restaurants along Franklin Street that appeal to different cultures.
“I’m going to be opening at 513 North Franklin Street in what I consider to be an up- scale restaurant. We’ll have a liquor bar, ex- press window, and carry out services, even for
JERK HUT DOWNTOWN
late night crowds. On Friday nights, we’ll have live reggae music.”
Ashmeade said they will also have full service catering, and a Sunday Brunch Buffet.
“I’ve been planning for years to be a part of all that’s going on downtown. I’m excited to have secured such a great place where we’ll continue to feature new juices and other items. We’re also highlighting that we always use fresh ingredients and everything is made from scratch including our sauces and juices. The menu will have some new items we’re sure everyone will enjoy.”
Ashmeade said timing is a big factor and doing it right is what makes it successful.
“I still do a lot of the cooking, and I’m al- ways trying to come up with new dishes and keeping in step with the trends.”
Ashmeade is inviting the entire city to join him next week for his official grand opening.
“I’m saying next week, and that could be Monday. We only have a few things to complete to make the place ready, so I really do expect to be ready by Monday.”
ANDREW ASHMEADE
Ministry Continues Its Pledge Of A Meal A Day To Those In Need
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
For more than a decade,
Pastor Cornelius Hamilton
has been giving back to the community. He first did it as an entertainer, then as a restau- rant owner.
Now Pastor Hamilton and his wife, Devlyn, have ex- tended that good will by pro- viding anyone who is hungry one free meal a day.
Pastor Hamilton’s min- istry, True Prosperity Evangel- ist Outreach, has been feeding the less fortunate all over the city, and at least once a year, he also provides clothing and other items.
“Since we started the daily feeding program, we’ve served between 50 and 70 people every day.
“It’s rewarding to see the people come to rejoice and pray with us, as well as enjoy the free meal.”
Pastor Hamilton said he and his wife feed the needy at Big Bru’s Barbecue, 8751 North 40th Street, every day from 5 p. m.to6p.m.,andyouhaveto be on time to get the meal.
“We are in need of volun- teers as well as donations of clothing and other items.
“We turn no one away, and
Pastor Cornelius and Mrs. Devlyn Hamilton.
nothing away. We are humble enough to be grateful for every- thing we get, and with God’s blessing, we will be able to con- tinue to serve His people.”
Pastor Hamilton invites everyone to come out and listen tothewordofGodinalotad- jacent to his restaurant on 40th Street, and bring a friend.
“We are especially reaching out to the tortured souls who have been going around shoot- ing people for what amounts to petty differences.
“We’d love to have the fam- ilies of the troubled youth and the youth who are doing alright to come out and speak. It’s time we all started helping each other.”
Fundraisers For Dance Team Successful
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
In January, The Line Dance Connection performed at Whiskey North with the theme, “Putting On The Ritz.” The per- formance was part of a fundraising effort by founder and instructor, Sheila Cash- Carter.
“I’m trying to raise funds to transport my dance team to Augusta, Georgia for the na- tional line dance competition where we’ll perform along with other groups doing line danc- ing and stepping.”
In February, a second fundraising event was held at Whiskey North themed “Spring Fling” that also was successful and well attended.
“My goal was to bring step- ping, swing, and line dancing under one roof, and it was very successful,” said Mrs. Cash- Carter.
“We have more events com- ing up, because I want the best accommodations for my dancers. I’ve been dancing my entire life, so this seemed so natural for me.”
OnMay2nd from7p.m.to 2 a. m., another fundraiser will be held at the American Legion Post 111, 6918 North Florida Avenue. It is a BYOB and BYOF event.
SHEILA CASH-CARTER
“Everyone needs to keep dancing, no matter how old they are,” said Mrs. Cash- Carter.
“It’s the right therapeutic thing and is not restricted by age or gender.”
On April 11th from 7 p. m. until 2 a. m. at the American Legion Center, Mrs. Cash- Carter will be hosting her birthday party. She said the event is formal and will feature a sit-down dinner as well as en- tertainment.
“I’d like to express my thanks to the Purple Passion Dancers, the North Tampa Steppers, Bed of Roses, the Line Dance Team, Bay City Steppers, Florida Soul Line Dance, Brothers of the Gavel, Soul Sliders of Tampa, and Tampa Soulful Steppers.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-A