
Ma Gloria: The Person. The Inspiration
Gloria Ottley was born February 27th 1933, to James Nicholas (African descent) and Venas Indrani (East Indian descent), she was the last of fifteen children. Gloria married Vernon Ottley and from this union eight children were born; Junior, Brenda, Claudia, Ingrid, Gem, Charlotte, Maria & Ivor. Gloria was affectionately known as; Mammy, Tanty, Ma Gloria, Glory and Mrs. Ottley to family and friends. A mother, loving sister and a Political Activist for the People National Movement; she loved helping others and was a great cook. Through her passion of cooking Gloria passed on her local West African and East Indian recipes to her children and grandchildren. Today two of Gloria’s grandchildren continue in her legacy, Chef Roxann Melville and Chef Kafisha Ottley. On March 8th, 2015, Gloria Ottely transitioned from labor to reward. In honor of her granddaughter, Chef Roxann Melville opened Ma Gloria, the first Trinidadian Restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina. Through her love of people and her passion for her family and good food, Chef Melville incorporates all the knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon her by her grandmother through the dishes she serves in the low country.
Ma Gloria: The Restaurant
In a city like Charleston, the island heritage is intertwined into every facet of its rich culture. Ma Gloria’s Trinidad Restaurant is an authentic Trinidadian Restaurant located in North Charleston, South Carolina. Providing beautiful Island cuisine to the low country Ma Gloria’s brings tantalizing flavors from Trinidad & Tobago with inspirations from Asia, East India and southern culture. Ma Gloria’s caters all your occasions; weddings, engagement parties, birthday parties, and corporate events.
We cater all events; Wedding, Engagement Party,Bridal Shower,Baby shower,Birthday Party ,Retirement Party and sadly Wake and Funeral ..etc