Table for Tara: Mauvette’s brings Caribbean flair to SE Ohio

Table for Tara is a column by Tara Gilts, sharing her dining experiences and takeaways from Athens County eateries.

ATHENS, Ohio — Mauvette’s is bringing the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to Athens. Tucked away on Union Street near Hyacinth Bean Florist, this new addition to the local food scene serves up authentic dishes that are infused with the bold, rich tastes of the Islands.

Mauvette Gregory, the restaurant’s owner and head chef, is a Jamaican transplant who has called Athens home since 2001. Like many Athenians, she came to Ohio originally for school, but the community, slower pace of life, and abundant natural beauty kept her here. Her culinary journey started long before her move to Ohio. Classically trained in both Jamaica and Cuba, Mauvette sharpened her skills in kitchens in the Caribbean before bringing her talents stateside. 

Mauvette considers the restaurant to be in the soft-opening phase, as she builds her team and continues to refine the dining experience for her growing customer base. Before opening her brick-and-mortar location at 540 W. Union St. in July, Mauvette gained a local following through a thriving catering business and pop-ups at Little Fish, the West End Cider House, and Shade Winery.

On a sweltering afternoon, we hopped on our bikes and headed to Mauvette’s to experience what all the locals have been raving about. As one friend put it, “a better Jamaican meal than I had in Jamaica.” We started with a cold dessert. The guava mango cheesecake was a refreshing and gorgeous delight that tasted like a marriage of sherbet and cheesecake, and was just one of many grab-and-go dessert options. 

The menu at Mauvette’s is a tantalizing exploration of Caribbean staples and at times, innovative fusions, that reflect her diverse culinary background. A menu staple and crowd-pleaser is the jerk chicken, with a smoky, spicy flavor. Another favorite is an Escovitch Mahi Mahi, a light but flavorful fish dish. Mauvette assured me the fish would also be great as leftovers (you’ll almost certainly have leftovers). She was right. The Mahi Mahi was wonderful fresh, and just as yummy reheated the next day at home. Entrées include sides, which vary, like coconut rice, roast potatoes, rice and peas, vegetables, and more. 

For those looking for a quick, satisfying, and affordable lunch, Mauvette offers a rotating selection of Patties, with fillings ranging from spicy beef and curry chicken to mixed vegetables and spinach. These flaky, flavorful pockets are made fresh, and I can attest that they are manageable to eat in the car, although you will have to discretely shake a pile of flaky crust off your lap when you arrive at your destination.  

Mauvette’s has heart, radiating with a sense of community. During my latest visit, John — a friend of Mauvette’s (or maybe just a customer, but I got the feeling that those words can be used interchangeably at Mauvette’s) — had ridden his bike there, presumably for a meal. But he jumped right in to help behind the counter, loading fresh patties from a tray into the display case, relaying my order to Mauvette in the kitchen, ringing me up, and together we figured out how much a can of Liquid Death — a tall seltzer water with a wicked name — cost ($3). John provided an example of why Mauvette’s is exceptional: People coming together over a shared love of good food and warm hospitality. (I later learned from Mauvette that John is a dear friend, who she refers to as her “Athens dad.”)

Opening a restaurant in Athens was no small feat. It took over two years of trial and error, along with patience, determination, and help from friends and supporters. They started a Go Fund Me, which raised nearly $21,000 to bolster the launch of the restaurant. 

“People talk all the time about pulling themselves up by their bootstraps … but the truth of the matter is, we are not independent beings, we are interdependent beings. We all need somebody,” Mauvette said. “There is a lot to be said for interdependence and love.”

Mauvette’s is bikeable, walkable, and worth figuring out which direction traffic is flowing on Union Street. The restaurant is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, with rotating hours. If pressed for time, place your to-go order over the phone by calling (740) 249-4393. There is limited outdoor seating in front of the restaurant, and no indoor seating. 

Whether you’re a fan of Caribbean food or want to try something new, Mauvette’s is a must-visit. Unique, fresh, and made with love and decades of culinary talent, Mauvette’s is the kind of place that makes the Athens’ food scene special. 

5/5 Stars.