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The paintings of Italian-born artist Agostino Brunias, who made a profession of depicting the island in subdued, stylized settings that covered up the harsh realities of colonial control, were my first visual introduction to Dominica. However, as soon as I step onto its winding roads, which begin to twist shortly after I arrive, it becomes evident that this region, which is situated in the center of the Lesser Antilles’ curve, is anything but tame. The two-toned leaves of its bois canot trees, which change color from green to white when they sway in the wind, shimmer and bristle with the power of the volcano. It lulls with the erratic sound of its numerous waterfalls, scatters rainbows haphazardly across its breathtaking horizons, and enchants from the depths with its vibrant coral reefs. And it roars come storm season.
The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica survived invasion by the French and British, who imposed slavery on the Africans who now make up four-fifths of the island’s population and left a linguistic legacy of English and French-based Creole, by mastering the lush tropical rainforest that covers more than 60% of the island. If you visit Trinidad for roti and Jamaica for jerk, you should travel to Dominica for green things like bush rum and flower teas. There are a ton of medicinal herbs in the forest.
The Jungle Bay Dominica resort, located smack dab in the center of the Soufrière jungles, leans into nature instead, maybe realizing the futility of fighting against the earth’s generosity. When I finally get there, the kitchen is closed. Joanne Hilaire, the operations manager, tells me that they never let guests go hungry, though, so I can feel the warmth of Dominica’s welcome. The cook is preparing an excellently stewed dish of beans with taro, rice, and plantain for our late dinner, off the menu, while I have a refreshing ginger-lime cocktail that is a local favorite. When I wake up the following morning, I find that my villa’s doors open onto a private veranda that faces southwest toward Soufrière Bay, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. I let the light wake me for the remainder of my stay by leaving my blinds open.
He’s Ungodly and Woke”: Guy Fieri Throws Tom Hanks Out Of His Restaurant
In what can only be described as a scene straight out of a surreal comedy sketch, Guy Fieri, the spiky-haired maestro of Flavortown, reportedly ejected none other than America’s beloved actor, Tom Hanks, from one of his diners. The reason? Fieri branded Hanks as “ungodly and woke.
” Let’s take a flavorful dive into this bizarre gastronomic tussle that’s cooking up a storm.Imagine the scene: Tom Hanks, the ever-charming Hollywood icon known for his roles as the everyman in crisis, walks into a Guy Fieri establishment, possibly seeking nothing more than a classic American meal.
Meanwhile, Fieri, the boisterous and larger-than-life chef and TV personality, renowned for his love of over-the-top flavors, is behind the counter, donning his trademark bleach-blond spikes and sunglasses.
As Hanks settles in, perhaps looking forward to a hearty plate of Fieri’s signature Trash Can Nachos, things take a turn for the absurd. Fieri, upon recognizing Hanks, approaches the table and, in a moment that defies all norms of hospitality and reason, declares Hanks “ungodly and woke” and unsuitable for the sacred halls of Flavortown.
Fieri’s accusation, “ungodly and woke,” seems like an oxymoron of epic proportions, especially when thrown at Tom Hanks, who has long been the epitome of Hollywood’s Mr. Nice Guy.
How did Hanks earn this bizarre title in the kingdom of Flavortown? Was it his portrayal of morally upright characters, or perhaps his off-screen demeanor that radiates nothing but kindness and humility?
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