There are good vibes to be had at the 17th annual Monterey Bay Reggaefest this weekend. There is also a lot of food. While a lot of it is typical fairgrounds fare, we found a very special Jamaican cook named Leonie McDonald whose food is strictly vegan and very delicious. She also has music cred, as her husband, Lloyd “Bread” McDonald was a friend of Bob Marley growing up together in Jamaica, and he is in the band Wailing Souls. 
We got a combo plate with fried plantains, rice, mango, avocado, tofu, and other good things. My favorite were the black beans. I can’t remember having any this good in a long time, and I asked Leonie how she made them. She said: “They are not from the can! They are black beans that we soak, wash, and cook with garlic, onions, ginger, thyme, coconut milk, and a little bit of ginger. They’re good for you.” Look for the stand that says Strictly Vegan.
About the author
Rob Fisher is rector of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Carmel Valley and co-publisher and associate editor of this magazine.
