Making friends at work, can be mighty hard. I get it! It’s uncomfortable to step out on a limb and be vulnerable. Let’s face it, no one wants to be “That girl or guy” at work. You know the one, no one talks to or even hangs out with at lunch. I know, it’s scary. You want to be more out going but you’re a bit shy. Or maybe small talk make you feel a bit awkward. No worries, I’ve got the perfect solution for you! Jamaican food. Yes Jamaican food!
In my experience, Jamaican food always levels the playing field. Good Jamaican brings people together. Delicious Jamaican food has been know to be the great unifier and is a welcomed comfort to the masses. So what does Jamaican food have to do with helping you make friends and influence people? Everything!
Now, I have to share my back story and my obsession for caribbean food. My family’s from the magical island of Haiti. As a young couple, my parents immigrated to the suburbs of New York City. So you can imagine how much my life was enriched by the sights, sounds and flavors streaming in from all over the world. As a kid, growing up in New York, I was surrounded by Haitain, Jamaican, Cuban, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Irish, Italian and Jewish culture and foods.
Without question, Haitian cuisine is my favorite food. Unfortuneatley, Haitian cuisine is no where to be found in San Diego. So I have to opt for my next favorite, Jamaican cuisine. To read more about my back story and all the healthy dishes I love to cook, check out my blog
Making Friends Through Caribbean Cuisine
Fast forward to my life in San Diego and how I discovered a delicious slice of Jamaica in Oceanside. I love to eat delicious Jamacian food because it reminds me of home. I love amazing service with the island vibe. Most of all, I always support small, local business. So you can imagine my delight when I’m on the receiving end of great service and awe-inspiring flavor. That is what you’ll find at “One Love Island Cuisine. This restaurant is a total gem. The staff is terrific and the food is divine.
My husband and I love Jamaican food. We’ve been to most of the Jamaican resaurants in San Diego. So we’ve enjoyed revisiting some restaurants, while other, will never see us again. That’s a story for another time. Well, back to my Jamaican resturant discovery. I have to credit my husband with this find. While on a job, in Oceanside, he saw the ” One Love Island Cuisine” sign off of Collage Blvd. He couldn’t resist. He decided to stop in for lunch. Boy, was he thrilled! He struck gold! I couldn’t believe we found an excellent Caribbean restaurant in Oceanside.
Now, I have to admit, I’ve had my share of disappointing experiences with authentic Jamaican cuisine in San Diego. So you can understand my hesitation when my husband told me about this restaurant in Oceanside. I was a bit “gun shy” at first. But, I’m so happy I got over it. I finally took the plunge and ordered my 1st plate of food. I was pleasently suprised. One Love Jamaican Cuisine renewed my faith in San Diego’s Jamaican restaurant scene. Now I’ve joined the “One Love Fan Club” and I’m a customer for life.
Here’s the best way to make friend and influence people are work, have lunch at the office. Not just any lunch, a caribbean style lunch. If you visit my favorite spot – One Love Jamaican Cuisine in Oceanside, order the “Jerk Chicken Plate” with a side of plantains and steamed cabbage.
Bring your meal back to the office. Pop it into the micowave for a few minutes. You want the scent of the spices from your meal “wafting into every office in your building”. The aroma of your food will peak the curiocity of your co-workers. I promise, a few of your office mates will track the scent from the breakroom to your cubicle and ask you about your lunch. They won’t be able to deny the allure of your lunch because it smells so good! And the taste, will knock thier socks off.
Food Creates Great Friends
Take this golden opportunity to introduce yourself, engage them in meaningful small talk about your meal and start the process of make a few friends at work. If you really want to seal the deal, I’d order an extra side of plantains and share this tasty morsel with your new found friends. Remember, “Sharing is caring”. Not only will you make a few friends but you’ll broaden your sphere of influence at work and enrich the palate of those around you. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it.
What if you can’t find a really good Jamaican restaurant close to work? I suggest you high-tail-it to your nearest Cuban, Ethiopian, Himalayan, Lebanese or Indian restaurant. Order the best plate on the menu with an extra side and bring it back to the office. Don’t forget to share. Give it a try and let me know how it goes in the commment section below.