Chef Horace Daley is all smiles and is ready to serve.

Just a stone's throw away from the Swallowfield driving depot and located behind the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts sits a cook shop in the shell of a wagon. They specialise in local cuisine.

On our visit to Restaurant Express, sitting outside the wagon on pieces of logs were three men, including a Rastafarian, enjoying their lunches. Restaurant Express caters to all, says chef Horace Daley. "We do everything here, man, people will find things to eat here, even vegetarians."

Strong support

Daley says he has been working there for over a week and he definitely has no complaints as he has been getting a lot of support. The wagon was operated by someone else for years prior to Daley's arrival and has become a top food shop for persons working and studying in the area.

With separate menus for breakfast and lunch, Daley says it is obvious that many of his customers are more health-conscious. "People definitely love vegetables like callaloo and cabbage, those things really go fast. And they also like ackee and saltfish as well, both for breakfast or lunch."

Good customer service

Rosina Christina Moder, a faithful customer at Restaurant Express, makes her order. She says the restaurant is one of her first choices for a healthy lunch. - photos by Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Daley, who has been involved in the culinary field for some time, says his restaurant puts customers first. "It is very nice here as we know how to treat our customers. We have a good relationship with them."

Knowing how to treat customers is one thing, but to lecturer at Edna Manley College, Rosina Moder, the restaurant has a good reputation and has the support of students and staff at the school. She also added that Restaurant Express is a top choice for healthy food.

"This is where you get your healthy food sort of like a home-made meal. I normally order vegetarian food here." And so she did, as she ordered calalloo with ackee and saltfish.

The work day starts at 6 o'clock in the morning for Daley and his assistant and the shutter is open at 9 o'clock to customers. Closing time is between 2 o'clock and 3 o'clock in the afternoons.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com

A sample of one of the lunches served at Restaurant Express in Swallowfield, St Andrew. Ackee and saltfish is said to be one of the favourites and here it is added as a side order with fried chicken, rice and peas and a boiled dumpling.