New Restaurant a Labor of Love Owner Says

For a year now, Iman Marcano-Sowell has been trying to expand her business.

Her Trinidadian-themed stall at the Chestnut Hill Farmers Market was a success.

But it wasn’t what she envisioned.

“We did well at the farmers market,” Marcano-Sowell said.  “But for the amount of customers we were getting, being open for three days a week wasn’t enough.”

Then, on Friday, May 31, Marcano-Sowell’s dream came true.  Her restaurant, Calypso, had its grand opening on Germantown Avenue.

“We’re ecstatic to have Mt. Airy as our home base,” Marcan-Sowell said.  “I had always envisioned a place on the Avenue, a place with more visibility.”

Marcano-Sowell runs the restaurant with her mother, Claudette Campbell, who also doubles as the head chef.

“She’s the lady in charge,” Marcano-Sowell said.  “Everything comes from her.”

Marcano-Sowell and her mother are both of Trinidadian descent, and it’s the kind of food they’ve been around their whole lives.

Marcano-Sowell describes the food as a mix of Indian, Chinese and African traditions.

“It’s nothing quick,” Marcano-Sowell said.  “It’s food that you put up in a pot, and then let cook.”

Calypso will offer a full menu, but Marcano-Sowell also said the restaurant will have specials.

“We’re going to do things like fish of the week,” Marcano-Sowell said.  “But we’ll also do traditional dishes like sugar cane shrimp.”

Sugar cane shrimp consists of shrimp grilled on top of pieces of sugar cane.

“It’s delicious,” Marcano-Sowell said.

Marcano-Sowell added that she always envisioned her restaurant on Germantown Avenue, and that she wanted it to be in Mt. Airy.

“Mt. Airy was always going to be a good fit,” Marcano-Sowell said.  “This area is about embracing family and culture, and that’s what we wanted the restaurant to be as well.”

Marcano-Sowell added, “We want this place to be homey.  A place where you can kick back and have a few drinks with friends.”

“This has been a real labor of love,” Marcano-Sowell said.

Calypso is located at 7122 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy.  They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.