Majestik Mealz vegan lunch delivery service is run by husband and wife team Javron “Javy” Blackwood and Anne Donalds-Blackwood who take a healthy menu option in Cayman to the highest level, offering an inventive, healthy, nutritious, daily selection of ‘ital’ vegan meals, delivered to your door.
Javy is extremely passionate about sharing the health benefits of his Rastafarian lifestyle through a selective menu, prepared with fresh ingredients, targeted at providing a nutritious weekly lunch meal plan.
Where are you and your wife from originally, and how did you meet?
I was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Anne is Caymanian. We met while I was working as a chef at a well-known vegan restaurant in George Town that Anne visited regularly. She actually is the one who initiated our meeting and I took it from there!
When and why did you first come to Cayman?
I first came to Cayman in December of 2013. I had been farming my own land in Jamaica, selling organic produce to schools and local restaurants, which I enjoyed greatly. However, moving to Cayman gave me the opportunity to be able to do what I truly love… cooking! I feel blessed to have been able to develop my passion for creating dishes using natural foods and educating people towards a healthier lifestyle.
Who/what inspired you to become a Chef, specifically a vegan Chef?
I actually have a few major inspirations that lead me to where I am today. First, my mother, who gave me the privilege of learning from her at a young age, assisting in the preparation of traditional Jamaican cuisine in our family kitchen. I was very happy I was trusted to be allowed to prepare my own meals, as many children in Jamaica are made to stay away from the kitchen stove!
In my late teens I adopted a fully vegan diet, after having been pescatarian for a couple of years, which was heavily influenced by spending time and gaining an understanding of this lifestyle from the Rastafarians in our community. There were limited options for vegans in Jamaica at that time, most of which had a heavy starch influence, which is what gave me the inspiration to develop a healthier, more sustainable vegan diet. The final inspiration came through an internship, working in the kitchen while at college in North Carolina, in a place ironically named Bald Head Island!
What made you decide to open the Majestik Meals? How did you come up with the name?
I saw that there was a space in the market for this type of service and menu in Cayman and wanted to bring the benefits of my lifestyle and culinary learnings to both the vegan and wider community on Island. It was important for me to be able to show the versatility and full flavors of vegan cuisine while encouraging a diet comprising clean, natural foods. I could not have done it without the input, support and encouragement from my wife.
The business is named after our son Majesti, which we felt was the perfect name to represent our love for each other and for what we do.
What is Ital food?
Derived from the word ‘Vital’, Ital food is part of the Rastafarian way of life, consuming naturally grown ‘clean’ foods from the earth that are free of additives, chemicals and flesh.
What are your favourite ingredients?
Chickpeas, pimento and ginger. If I was only allowed to choose one main item to cook with it would be chickpeas as they are so versatile and can be used so many ways in vegan food.
Can you share with us one of your favourite menu items? What is one of your most popular dishes?
Ackee & callaloo plate with fried dumpling – it is a classic Jamaican dish that reminds me of home.
Vegan cauliflower shrimp Po Boy is our signature dish and extremely popular with our clients. It is so full of flavor and textures.
How do you decide what to include on the menu?
The menu is created as a five day plan that ensures conscience eating based on a balanced, well-rounded weekly diet ensuring optimal nutritional benefit for my customers. I develop and expand on the menu constantly to keep it interesting and exciting.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a culinary career?
Being a chef is more of a way of life than just a career, so you will need to be fully invested in this lifestyle if you are to succeed. Express yourself through your choice and use of ingredients.
Favourite expression?
Ital is Vital! Good food is always prepared with love!
To receive daily lunch menu options, contact Majestik Mealz through Whatsapp and asked to be added to their list. Convenient free delivery from Bodden Town through West Bay Road Public Beach.
Tel/Whatsapp: 1 345 917 1905
Delivery times: 11am through 1pm Monday through Friday (can vary slightly with demand)
Delivery only.
Article written by Juliette Heath.
Juliette Heath is a Caymanian foodie, weddings and events planner, and author of childrens’ books.