The Patty Man

This could very well possibly be the most famous person on all of the 7-mile sandy beach strip in Negril, Jamaica. Everyday, "The Patty Man" traverses the beach, beginning somewhere near the round-about in the town centre, and he makes his way to the beach. He treks all the up (or down) the beach, wheeling in his old bicycle cart, selling his well renowned Jamaican style delicacies.

A great shot of the patty man on the beach

His sole commodity is that he sells homemade beef and veggie patties - the Jamaican style. To underestimate the quality of these patties would be a mistake. I've seen this man on every occasion that I've been to the island. I personally spoke with him the last time I was there in 2014. He said him and his wife make the patties from scratch in their kitchen at their home located somewhere in Negril. Where exactly, remains a mystery to me.

All of the photos in this post are from the 2014 trip, however, I have numerous photos from previous encounters with the patty man as well.

People on the beach wait and wait just for the patty man to show. And, you can always count on him to be there, as his life's calling - selling patties in Negril - has been a way for him to provide for his entire family for several decades.

Scuba Steve & "The Patty Man"

I know personally my son and his buddy, Scuba Steve, fall victim to this - waiting and waiting for the patty man to appear from the shadows of the many palm trees that line the beachfront shops and restaurants. They normally get hungry between breakfast and lunch, so a daily tradition is to sit and wait for the patty man to appear as it is inevitable. He has the best patties in all of Negril. We once were downtown visiting Mitchigan'z and Blackz at their Gadgets store. As we headed back through town, we stopped at the bakery and the boys got some patties. The patties were of no comparison to "The Patty Man's."

Mitchie and Blackz Gadgets store downtown

He once told me his name, but I am struggling to recall exactly what it is at this time. The last trip we took, we saw him one early morning eating breakfast at our favorite local joint - Coletta's. This is where all the locals go. We found this place and never went anywhere else for breakfast. We blend in with the local's and enjoy the rich culture, and of course, fantastic Jamaican style breakfasts.

Coletta's Restaurant sign

A closer look at the menu

Our personal waitress each time we ate at Coletta's

A tasteful breakfast option

We saw him sitting there, eating and enjoying his breakfast, and sipping his warm cup of blue mountain Jamaican java. We talked for a bit, but I didn't want to interrupt his meal time. If you ever go to Negril, you absolutely must stop in at Coletta's. Best local food and you will pay the local prices. Eat most anywhere else and you will be paying the "tourist" prices. It is just up the road a bit from the Rondel Village on the left side, about 300 or so yards past the Jungle - a hot spot disco nightclub.

Coletta's restaurant from the outside

"The Patty Man" is a legend in Negril. He is a permanent fixture on the beach, and he treks up and back everyday, 7 days a week, 52 weeks and 365 days a year - rain or shine.

Hey @crypticat, when you are visiting Negril, you must stop the Patty Man and try one of these delicious treats. I can tell you he was an older gentleman the last time I was there, probably in his late 70s, so I hope he is still well and in good health. Please let me know if you are able to find him while you are there, I would love to hear all about it!

Oh, and P.S. - make sure to also hit up Coletta's. It is an absolute must when in Negril.

Stay tuned for [part 7 of this 10-part series]: Faces of Jamaica "T.B.D.'"

To view the previous 5 Faces of Jamaica and there accompanying stories, please visit the referenced links below:

1. Faces of Jamaica [Part 1 of 10] "The Brain Doctor"

2. Faces of Jamaica [Part 2 of 10] Dean "Bongo" Robertson

3. Faces of Jamaica [Part 3 of 10] The Story of "Mitchigan'z and Blackz"

4. Faces of Jamaica [Part 4 of 10] "Michael the Key Keeper"

5. Faces of Jamaica [Part 5 of 10] "The Bourban Man"

Irieeee,

@super-irie

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