Business & Tech
Melding Soul Food and Southern Fare in World-Class Venue — That's Us
Featuring the best of black American and West Indian cuisine and catering to a wide mix of patrons — from families to cocktail and jazz lovers — Us Restaurant is the dream of Earl and Kendra O'Garro.
Us Restaurant has moved into the former Titanium (and before that the Firehouse) at 412, Main Street in Middletown.
“Eat or we both starve” is the clever sign above the door of the soul and Southern fusion eatery run by Earl and Kendra O'Garro.
Local artist Patrick Ganino's giant mural adorns one wall — 16 feet long and 3 feet wide — a Last Supper.
From the website:
‘Us’ represents a symbiotic meld between black American heritage and West Indian culture expressed through ambiance, sound and fine cuisine. Our meals are centered on a narrative—we gather with purpose and express the joys, the sorrows and the love that brings ‘Us’ together.
Our menu will be culturally affixed to both black American and West Indian cuisine exclusively. As the largest and only fine dining restaurant in the state focused on these food groups, ambiance plays an integral role in the creation of ‘Us’. With intended seating on the main floor designed for families, with the walls draped with historic pieces that allow your mind to abscond.
Executive Chef Garfield Trout grew up on the island of Jamaica where he was submerged in a cuisine that evolved from a beautiful and effortless blending of cultures. A cuisine heavily influenced by West Africans, East Indians, Chinese, English, and believe or not Syrians/Lebanese.Garfield migrated to the United States as a teen and after High School worked in the fast food industry before returning to college in hopes of becoming a secondary school teacher. He took time off after one of his brothers passed away and soon realized that he missed the food business.
Check out their menu where you'll find Southern-soul delights like Crispy Cornmeal Salmon Sandwich, Jerk Chicken Tacos, Chicken and Waffles and much more.
Another artist whose work is on display is Melissa Wright of East Hartford, who was born on the island of Jamaica and has been involved with art in some way her entire life. She works in a variety of mediums from writing and drawing to painting and photography. Find her on Facebook.
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