Living or working in cities like Miami, London, New York, and Toronto, I had been accustomed to finding a West Indian (usually Jamaican) restaurant within close proximity to the subway, tube, or my actual abode. And being the legacy of Jamaican parents myself, dining on the fare of my culture is an itch I certainly have to scratch periodically. In Georgia, however, if one wants the pleasure of Caribbean delights, one must typically look to the far reaches of suburbia (the "sticks") to fulfill that desire...if one does not already live in those areas. Places in Georgia like Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Snellville, and a few others where you may be hard pressed to find sidewalks and street lamps are also a veritable cornucopia of Jamaican eateries. A downright hotbed, if you like..

But what about we real city dwellers? Those of us who believe that proper infrastructure makes having a car an absolute luxury and that walking, riding a bike, or hopping on the subway is far more sensible that having traffic toy with your sanity while you consider suicide by boredom? What are we to do for good jerk, goat, and the like??

There has been a few bold restaurateurs that have dared to and successfully have, albeit temporarily, filled our void in the downtown/midtown cities of Atlanta for West Indian food. Spots like Negril, Entice-A, and Jamaica Jamaica have risen and fallen like a beautiful Blue Mountain sun. And while Footprints in downtown Underground Atlanta and Stir it up in Little Five Points keeps their respective communities' island fancies satisfied, What about we midtowners?

Enter Metro Fuxon (pronounced fusion). Located where the old Rare Lounge operated, Metro is a breath of fresh caribbean air. From walking by outside or from walking around inside, it would be difficult to determine that this is a West Indian restaurant. I mean to say, besides the intoxicating aroma of the food being prepared, there are not the typical signals. No flags and Bob Marley posters or the like. It isn't until you look over the menu and pair that with what you have been smelling since walking in, do you realize. The interior is classy, but not stuffy. One would not feel ackward walking in with formal wear on or perhaps with casual wear on. The cresent moon shaped bar is intimate and Layla, the bar miss, is very cocktail savvy and gracious with her pours. Whitney the Manager, being a Florida to Georgia transplant, is delightfully accommodating and an amicable host. And chef Wayne, a genuine "yardie", seems to be the kind of fellow that speaks softly and carries a big stick. But the food...oh the food! That is what floored my party and I. It left us full, fat, and wanting more. And although the wait for the food to come out to us was excessive, it was well worth the delay. From the Curry Goat, Shrimp Skewers, and African Tilapia, to the Oxtail, Jerk Chicken, and Plantain with Guacamole... EVERYTHING that was set before us was a hit! It is my sincerest desire that Metro Fuxon stick around for a long time and continue to provide Midtown Atlanta that which it sorely lacked. Cool Runnings!