The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

OWNING a restaurant was a dream Maurisa Glinton never imagined would come to true so quickly, given that it was only a short time ago that she embarked on an entirely different career as a primary school guidance counsellor in Freeport.

However, Maurisa changed career paths, deciding to follow her passion for and appreciation of foreign cuisines and fine dining.

As a result, Maurisa was encouraged by friends and family to pursue tertiary education for a second time, but this time at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, where she received diplomas in both Culinary Arts and Culinary Management.

Maurisa is among 18 Bahamian women celebrated in the “Beneath The Hat” exhibition. The special exhibit, which opened on International Woman’s Day at the Central Bank of the Bahamas, features 18 portrait photos of Bahamian women, selected from a cross-section of the community, adorned in some of their most exquisite hats. It explores women’s love for hats and the place this particular fashion accessory has in Bahamian culture.

After completing studies in New York, Maurisa worked for a short time at a well-known fine dining restaurant with some of the best chefs in the city. While there, Maurisa thrived as a budding chef, because as many know, New York “boasts a vibrant food culture and social life,” she said.

When she returned home in 2008, she opened her own catering company, Social Butterfly Catering Services.

“Inspiration for me is everywhere and in everything. If I can imagine it, I feel like I can do it,” she told Tribune Woman.

“Much like an artist, I see inspiration in the most random of things; their canvas is my plate. There is something so universal about food as a language; in the way it makes people feel, the way it evokes memories – particularly of childhood. It’s actually quite magical.”

Earlier this year, Maurisa’s dream of becoming a restaurateur was fulfilled when she opened Mojo’s Restaurant and Bar together with her brother, cousin and best friend. She aimed to create a natural fusion between good food and good conversation, which in her words is “an embodiment of us”.

Maurisa said she did not come home with the intention of opening a restaurant; her main goal at the time was seeking employment and experience.

“You don’t go to culinary school and afterwards say, ‘Well I know everything, let me open up a restaurant’. You have people who open up restaurants all the time, and while that is fine, you do have to work in the environment a little bit more and get more familiar,” she said.

“Interestingly enough Joey (Mojo’s co-owner) wanted to throw a birthday party and he wanted a speakeasy theme, sort of Harlem Renaissance. So we rented out Harry’s Haven and we made the bar very basic. We tried to come up with a menu that also suited the time. We had jazz music, we had cigars,” she said.

The event, which turned out to be the launch pad for Mojo’s Restaurant and Bar, was well received by attendees who expressed their desire to dine at a place that offered everything that Maurisa and Joey had presented at the party.

“It was just really well received in a way that we did not anticipate. Joey just wanted to throw a party. But not only did people love the party, they also loved the idea of the food, they loved the atmosphere. They felt like a lot of places they go to eat and hang out are not directly catered to them. So Joey said we should really just do this and open a restaurant. So we started looking for a space; that took us about six months to find,” she said.

Located at the Sun Fun Resort on West Bay Street, Mojo’s offers a taste of New Orleans and the American South fused with flavour’s of the Bahamas and the West Indies, along with signature drinks, infused liquors and craft beers.

Maurisa said the space offers a light, friendly and comfortable atmosphere where all are welcome to share and discuss ideas, expand personal and professional networks and enjoy exceptional food.

“Mojo’s is a safe space. It oozes ambience and a relaxing atmosphere. The food is unique, comforting and delicious with great service. I have been so blessed in the way that this dream has unfolded. I am just grateful for all that I have experienced and learned so far. I look forward to all this journey will show me,” she said.

As the co-owner of Mojo’s, Maurisa said she intends to keep the menu fresh and patrons satisfied with a variety of dishes to tickle the palate.

“What is most satisfying for me is having people come here and taste the food and enjoy the ambiance, get good service and have them go, ‘wow’. We are really proud of young Bahamians doing something. We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish this far and we will get better as time goes by,” she said.