Derrick’s Jamaican Cuisine 5th Anniversary/Wine Tasting Kickoff

July 26, 2007

Derrick’s Jamaican Cuisine, located at 6806 La Tijera Blvd in L.A., celebrated its 5th anniversary today. To mark the occasion, owner Derrick Angus closed up early and threw a private fete for media reps, friends, and long-time customers.

Early arrivers were given the full red carpet treatment. Angus stood outside the door and greeted each guest as they walked down the carpet. Photographers and videographers recorded each of the guests as they congratulated Derrick on this special occasion. (Click the link to see photos of the event.) In the newly constructed patio area, guests were interviewed on camera.

Caribbean music filled the restaurant courtesy of Alan Lightner as he played steel pans and sang. It was beginning to feel like a tropical vacation.

After an hour or so of greeting his invitees, Derrick moved back inside and got the festivities started. He began by thanking his customers for their support over the last 5 years. Then he invited everyone to partake of the spread he and his staff had prepared. Artistically presented fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, greens prepared his unique way, Caribbean shrimp, beef and chicken patties (which he now makes right in the restaurant), rice and peas, and, of course, jerk chicken, were some of the offerings. His entire menu has an emphasis on health. All of the items served this evening are on the new menu, which Derrick unveiled at this special occasion.

Today kicks off a new offering; Thursday Night Wine Tasting. Every Thursday night from 5pm until closing, wine tasting will be available featuring different wines. On occasion the vintners themselves will be on hand to talk to patrons about their particular wine. This night some of the wines were available to the guests. The hit of the evening was Angus’ own Appletini. Served in a green martini glass, each came with a wafer-thin slice of fresh green apple luxuriating on top. Judging by how fast they disappeared, Angus will be making plenty of these in the future.

Radio station KJLH, for whom Angus has hosted several health-related shows with Jackie Stephens at his eatery, played a large part on the evening. KJLH personality Janine Hydel took over the mic to preside over the presentation of gifts being bestowed upon Derrick. Another surprise on the evening was that this was Derrick’s birthday. He wouldn’t let on how old he was. A large cake with his photo in the center sat on a table waiting for him to blow out the candles. Derrick was extremely grateful for the love and support from everyone that came out, at one point losing his composure during his speech. When asked what he wished for, he responded by saying he wanted everyone to come back “a million times.”

Angus once again thanked everyone for coming. Though the event was now formally over, he invited everyone to stay and network as long as they wished. Several did. Suddenly, a long-time customer all the way from Chino Hills got up and sang Bob Marley’s “Is This Love”, accompanied by Alan on the steel drums and vocals. Most of the staff and this writer joined him, albeit seated safely away from the mic. Derrick sure knows how to throw a party!