Maria's Island Restaurant, Hephzibah

Jasmin Bradley knew that her mother, Maria, had a longtime dream of owning her own restaurant. So, after serving in the US military for seven years, Jasmin opened Maria's Island Restaurant in her honor. In the restaurant's kitchen, Maria prepares dishes that she remembers from her childhood in the Dominican Republic: tender, meaty oxtail, rich dominican beef stew, and mofongo—a dish of garlicky mashed plantains and pork or shrimp—are a few specialties. After relishing the savory courses, diners can end meals on a sweet note with spoonfuls of flan or sips of morir soñando—a sweet beverage made with milk and orange juice.