Before there were vegans, there was Ital food. Stemming from the ideals of all locally grown plant-based foods, Ital food is considered to be one of the more healthy dietary choices. Ital is food often celebrated by those in the Rastafari movement. It is compulsory in the Nyabinghi mansion, though not in the Twelve Tribes of Israel or Remi mansions.
The word derives from the English word "vital", with the initial "v" removed. The expression of Ital eating varies widely from Rasta to Rasta, and there are few universal rules of Ital living. Thankfully, we have our very own Ital Shack on the island where we can get the vitality of Ital food.
After a small vacation, the Ital Shack will be celebrating its opening for the new season with a beloved Redemption Night this Saturday, October 6. Ital Shack’s weekly Redemption Night officially started in 2011 when owners Bushman and his wife organized a special tribute to Bob Marley on a Saturday. Entertainment was provided by Zion Gate Sound and when DJ Spiritman felt and saw the great vibes the event brought to the restaurant, he suggested making it a weekly happening.
There will be more energy, new techniques and even more of the filling, life-strengthening foods for you to try out like mushroom burgers and various types of healthy carbohydrates. There will be the same great options like before. Sarsaparilla, one of their classic offerings, has been known to have many beneficial effects on the human body. It is said to reduce joint pain and itchy skin and it kills bacteria. Other chemicals may be helpful in reducing inflammation and protecting the liver from damage.
While you are sipping on your natural drinks and eating an invigorating meal, Zion Gate and DJ Conscious will have you swaying to the best grass roots reggae music. You and whoever you decide to bring along can sit in the ambient and colourful Ital Shack, or take a seat outside under the stars in the cosy patio adjacent to the restaurant! As Bushman says, “It is all about starting your week off right” – Redemption Nights at Ital Shack will do just that!
Make sure you are starting your week off with all the right positive elements – body, mind and soul!
The doors open for the vibes at 7:00pm this Saturday, October 6, and the deejay gets going at 8:00pm until the vibes chill out. They also open on Sunday, October 7, from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
