SISTERS Terrell (left) and Jamonique own Da JunkAnuu Shak at 2878 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Food lovers now have a taste of fabulous cuisine from Bahamas, or the ‘Island nation,’ without taking a three-hour flight to Nassau.
Two enterprising sisters have opened Da JunkAnuu Shak, at 2878 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which caters to the many Bahamians and Caribbean ex-pats longing for a little bit of home.
Terrell Finley and her younger sister, Jamonique Leathen, arrived here years ago from the Bahamas as students to study at Cape Breton University, in Nova Scotia.
SISTERS Terrell and Jamonique welcome visitors from the GTA to their brand new Caribbean restaurant.
They moved to Toronto and were longing for back home food and culture.
“We aspire to give our customers that tropical vibe of paradise when entering our doors and to create an amazing atmosphere for all to enjoy,” Finley says. “Our aim is to entice you with a diverse atmosphere of relaxation, entertainment and socializing.’
The sisters are working to make Da JunkAnuu Shak “a leading establishment that provides a Tropical cultural experience for every customer.”
SOME exotic and tasty dishes available at Da JunkAnuu Shak.
Their dishes include many favourites from back home like crack or lobster fritters, crack chicken, salmon, peas and rice, baked macaroni and an assortment of exotic drinks, like the ‘Miami Vice daiquiri.’
“When we came to Toronto we found there was no place for us to celebrate our food, music and culture,” says Finley. “We realized that we had to start our own place for authentic food and drinks.”’
She notes that customers have been driving from Windsor and across the Toronto area to visit their Lakeshore Village eatery and lounge to enjoy the Caribbean vibes.
“There are a lot of Bahamians out there and they are crazy for the food,” she says. “They have been coming from Scarborough, Niagara Falls and other areas.”
Leathen says they were searching for about a year to find a suitable spot for their restaurant. She said it was not a smooth or easy ride to get here.
“People want fresh and natural food that is authentic,” she adds. “I think people come here for the genuine Bahamian food.”
They are in the process of completing a lounge, which will feature lively music, two billiard tables and coconut palms so people can have a truly tropical experience.
“This community has been good to us,” Leathen agreed. “Word has gotten around fast and people are coming in for the experience.”
Local barber Andy Dinner says the lobster and fritters are second to none and some of the best that he’s tasted.
“The food is great,” Dinner tells a customer. “I am from the East Coast and have tasted a lot of lobster but this has got to be one of the best that I have had.”
The restaurant has been getting good reviews and area residents seem to like the food.
Da JunkAnuu Shak can be reached at 416- 251-5721 or by email at admin@dajunkanuushak.com
You can visit them online at www.dajunkanuushak.com They are closed on Monday and Tuesday.