Last winter I was lucky enough to tour with Stephen and Sahar-Arafat Ray.  They asked for a couple days pursuing Steve’s passion – Music, and Sahar’s – Food, in southwest Jamaica.  Steve has a dream job promoting Texas generated music for the Austin Public Art’s Council,  and Sahar is one of Austin’s favorite cooking instructors and food bloggers – Tart Queens Kitchen.  The resulting blog can be found on Sahar’s  blog: http://www.tartqueenskitchen.com/?p=2278

Steve & Lyndalee on Tour.

Looking at Sahar’s blog, you’ll see she was able to capture many, many, wonderful photographs in the busy Montego Bay Market, and places like Middle Quarters, that are a hive of Food Vendors, not generally eager to have their photos taken.

The Secret of Sahar’s Photo Success

Respect.  Every person they encountered – with complete openness, interest and generosity of spirit. They were simply ‘not afraid’.  Boom-er-ange, right back to them!

In lieu of paying a vendor to take a photograph, which is generally awkward and ungracious, we found if, at least a sampling of what a vendor is selling, is purchased – vendor is happy to comply when asked if a photo can be taken.

Our pineapple carver was delighted to pose for the camera and we were treated to the freshest and sweetest of produce!  Win, win.

Ester and Janet are Cooks found in the Montego Bay Market, and they introduced Steve and Sahar to Jamaica’s national dish – Ackee & Saltfish.   It was a love fest!

Enjoy Sahar’s blog post!  http://www.tartqueenskitchen.com/?p=2278

I can’t wait to see those two Texans again!  X, LL