By Simone Valentine
One restaurant owner is using social media to get community support for her Jamaican restaurant. Angela Lawrence was in the medical field for years before deciding to follow her dreams and open a restaurant. Today, her passion for helping others has pivoted into serving delicious dishes to her community, especially healthcare and city workers.

Montego Island Cuisine, located at 598 Clarkson Ave, serves authentic traditional Jamaican dishes like oxtail, jerk pork, stew chicken, and is open seven days a week. Lawrence recently went viral on TikTok following the major snowstorm that hit the city this month.

In the video, Lawrence appeals to the community surrounding Kings County Hospital, letting people know that, as a new restaurant that is hidden from much foot traffic, support is needed to keep the business afloat. The video got a burst of support, with reposts in the hundreds, thousands of likes, and many people coming to buy lunches and dinners in person.

I sat down with Angela Lawrence to discuss her restaurant, what brought her to Brooklyn, and her plans to serve the neighborhood she occupies.

S.V. : What made you passionate about cooking and made you decide to take the leap into opening a restaurant?
A.L. :When I worked in the medical field, I would cook for my coworkers all the time and was always told I should open a restaurant. I waited until my girls were older and finally decided to take on the responsibility. I chose Brooklyn specifically because I wanted to bring something specific to this community and provide fresh food made with love.

Lawrence took over the location from another restaurant owner and has been in operation for 8 months. Montego Island Cuisine is still in its early stages, and the biggest challenge has been gaining community trust.

This is a major priority for Lawrence, who wants to be seen not only as a first choice for great food but as a community pillar and a true representation of culture, known for giving back to its patrons.

S.V. Can you speak about the community you serve? What forms of outreach do you currently have in effect?
A.L.: We provide free delivery to customers at the hospital, and we provide meals to the local assisted living center as well. There have been instances where people from the shelter come by, and we’re able to help when we can. My ultimate goal is to grow enough to be able to give back to specific organizations like the Heart Association. I want to be known for more than the restaurant. I as an own want my community to know I am here as a help to them.

One challenge Montego Island Cuisine is facing is simply growing in visibility. Although things have been slow in the past few months, Angela is committed to pushing forward and expressed gratitude at the outpouring of support since posting about her restaurant.

As a thank you, for the month of February, city workers and healthcare workers get discounted lunch specials and free delivery to Kings County Hospital. I was lucky enough to try some of the delicious cuisine Montego Island has to offer.

A jerk pork plate, with rice and peas, steamed cabbage and oxtail gravy was perfectly seasoned, well portioned, and satisfying. I will definitely be back when I’m in the mood for a taste of home. To support, visit Montego Island Cuisine or share their content on Instagram @mantego_island_cuisine and TikTok @montego.island.cu.