By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
September 3, 2019
Before Mara Hall became an actress, she earned a doctorate of musical arts in clarinet performance. She was also a high school music teacher, who loved passing on her love of the arts. Today, she’s best known for her work on “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and OWN’s dramatic series “Ambitions.” A resident of Atlanta, Hall says her absolute favorite destination is Montego Bay, Jamaica. “I’ve been there several times and absolutely love it there,” she says. “The culture, the food, the people — it is such an amazing place. Visit White House. They sell fresh fried fish and bammy (cassava flatbread). It’s absolutely delicious!”
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. Detroit, my hometown. My city has been given such a bad rap in recent years but it is such an amazing city with spectacular architecture, great food and amazing people. If you ever travel to Detroit, you must visit “Hitsville U.S.A.,” the Motown Museum. It’s a Detroit treasure. Also, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a spectacular museum and a must-see place in the D. My most favorite place in the world is our city park, Belle Isle Park, which is located on the east side of the city. It’s located off of the Detroit River and I have very fond memories of going there every summer with my family. Lastly, Greektown located in downtown Detroit. You have to go to any of the restaurants for saganaki, where the Greeks light cheese on fire and say “Opa”! I love it!
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. A cruise to Jamaica, Mexico and the Cayman Islands with my parents and big brother. I really loved it! I was seven years old and I swam every day. I loved to swim as a child. I also spent a lot of time shopping and bought myself a pair of moccasins. I was so proud of myself because I paid for them. I would sneak into the casino on the boat and play the slot machines. I won a lot of money and that’s how I got my moccasins.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. Speaking to the people. I’ve learned that you really need to submerge yourself into the culture to learn new things. In Jamaica, I love to go off of the resort and try all of the street food. Every (street-side) jerk stand in the countryside was well worth the experience. At Easter, I enjoy Jamaican Bun and Cheese. Jamaicans combine sliced spiced bread with processed cheese for a delectable little sweet and savory treat. Lastly, buying the exotic fruits — like soarsop and guinep — on the side of the road and spicy shrimp near watering holes.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. I love going wherever my friends and family are. In the fall, traveling back to my alma mater, Jackson State University, in Mississippi for football games. At Jackson State, I was a member of the world-famous Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band. I love the band, and watching them at every game rejuvenates my soul. At HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) football games, the band is often times more important than the football team, so arriving early to watch the bands battle is so much fun. After the game, if the opponent is present, we have what we call the Fifth Quarter, where the bands battle for hours after the game. It’s such an amazing experience. Tailgating is also fun, because of the delicious Southern barbecue, catching up and reconnecting with classmates, friends and family.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Detroit, Rome, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Jackson.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia. I would love to connect with my possible tribes in my ancestral DNA and learn as much about my African heritage and culture.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. My Dr. Perricone MD skin regimen.
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. I love any restaurant with well-seasoned food.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. Eating and drinking everything. (Laughs) I’m such a foodie and I adore an amazing craft cocktail.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I might look up TripAdvisor comments, but I’m really a spontaneous person and I just go with the flow.
© 2019 JAE-HA KIM
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