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One ting we know from the previous Danclair and Friends' events at Christmas and Easter is that the food is quite decent... well you would expect that with Danclair himself being a chef! Doubles, Alloo Pies, Accra, Jerk Wings, Mini Roti, Roast Pork, Garlic Pork, Souse, Stew Beef, Lentils, Pelau, Ital, Wild boar, Rabbit, Fish and Chef's special More Glaw Glaw Fish soup. After seeing all that on the invite, our mouths were watering and we knew we had to go to dis one.

So TJJ London was linking with the visiting Miami TJJ and Mr. TJJ Inter-Outer-National himself for this one and went down to check out de action. Well it was a bit of a trek for us so we didn't make it for the advertised 4pm, but a couple of us still got there in some daylight, arriving just before the sunset (we gotta some photos before the sun goes down). Some eager friends who went down at 6pm reported that they were still setting up and ting. But when we reach, the Hawaiian style decorations were already up – inflatable palm trees filled with drinks, pictures of parrots and Hawaiian wildlife. Nice touch. Not many people were there yet, so apparently we didn't miss too much. The foreign TJJ reps had the right idea, arriving fashionably late. They say being Trini, yuh know we can't reach in no day fete when it still have DAYlight shining.... come on now!!!

By the time all TJJ crew arrived, the Trini Hawaiian Luau was in full swing. There is a tented area which housed the food (which could serve as shelter in case it rained), there was the club house which housed the bar (and could also serve as shelter in case of rain) and in between there was a grassy area which served as the dance floor, liming spot and scene of much drunkenness. The luau girls walking around giving folks tequila shots and rum punch weren't helping our state of sobriety either!

Gladiators started (and ended) the evening, and people were just chatting and socializing, and devouring the polourie, accra and hors-d'hoerves dat was passing, and the deadly rum punch that was being brewed in the middle of everyting. Later on the vibes were provided by Arch Nemisis (96.1 WEFM), who were flown in for the Carnival weekend all the way from Trini. Things was nice and since it was dark now, food done serve and the grassy area filled out ah bit more... the jamming started! Why Caribbean people like vampires when it comes to fetting, we'll never know... but all de madness does start once it black outside! Now although it was late, there were still drinks to be drunk at the bar, and drunks drinking at the bar!

It was a very nice crowd at this event, that seemed to be made up of mostly Caribbean professionals, most of the ladies we chatted with claimed to be consultants. We say 'claimed' because that may jus be an excuse for why our phone calls are not being returned ... "Ah was on a project out of town" ... YEAH RIGHT!!! But who say professionals can't have a good time too, put ah drink in one hand (or both) and some good music in the air and bet yuhself they bound to wine! But wait, is that Hoppie we still seeing in the dance? Don't you have places to go dread??!!

Now we thought the food had long finished, but even at the end of the fete, there was still all kind of meat left and dat with De Boss Pepper Sauce (www.deboss.co.uk) was going down good. It was dark and people didn't know what they eating, but ah hear somebody say, "I didn't knew Bambi taste dis good!!" – talking about the deer (sorry animal lovers and vegetarians). Listen to dis joke nah.... gone to de bar for a Carib to hear dat beers run out (no scene since it's after the carded end time - 10pm - for the fete). So we settle for a rum and coke, but get diet coke instead since it appeared that coke run out too. Hear de bartender nah, "Ah only lookin' out for yuh health brudder!" Ah instant classic, yes! We luv ya Bev... it still taste good....lol.

All in all, a good effort once again. By the end the crowd was a decent size and we think most people enjoyed what was on offer. Except now, we have that trek back home. Oh....following the Luau theme, some of the Friends (of Danclair) have a Hawaiian section in Lagniappe mas band for Notting Hill 2k7... so guess wha? We up in dat!

p.s. Did someone say Chocolate Mas in de morning? ;-)

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2007 Notting Hill Carnival Coverage