It may be cold outside, but in this restaurant, everything is lit!! I saw this restaurant on the news the other day and knew I had to go. Local family business, outstanding customer service, beautiful little restaurant, music not too loud, great atmosphere....and then there's the food! Traditional Caribbean cuisine with a little twist here and there from very closely guarded personal family recipes.
We spent more than average because my foodie friend and all around accomplice, Bonnie, and I wanted to try as much as we could. We started off with the Rum Passage cocktail (it was a long day at work so this was warranted)...it was sweet and delicious...could have easily had a few more.
Our server was absolutely amazing!! She took the time to explain each dish and the level of spice (I'm quite pathetic...I love the flavour of spices, but can't take the heat). I was so impressed that I could enjoy my food without worrying about where my next glass of water would come from to douse the flames in my belly. I'm sure that they would happily up the spice level for anyone more adventurous than I (as long as it wouldn't mess with the integrity of the dish). Maybe a few more vegetarian options would be nice, but I think they would be happy to modify a dish if they can, and perhaps add a couple options to their menu as their business grows.
We shared some appetizers: Fried Beef Sliders...handmade patty, just like a little burger, but the "fried bun" and in-house sauce really sealed the deal! Cod Fish Cakes were next...absolutely outstanding. Not at all greasy and with such amazing flavour that paired perfectly with the in-house tamarind sauce. I had never eaten plantains before so we also had the Fried Plantains and they did not disappoint (I used a bit of the tamarind sauce with them as well...yummmmmm).
It was a tough choice but we shared the Lindeal's Roti Platter with Chicken (we're told the goat packs more of a kick - pun intended). The Rhoti was out of this world, as was the Curry Pumpkin and Curried Chickpeas & Potatoes (they were a bit spicy for me but soooo delicious that even though my burning lips said "think about this", my belly said "YESSS! Get it in here!!" The chicken was beautifully seasoned as well and the sauce was quickly sopped up by the beautiful Rhoti.
It would not have been complete without dessert so we shared a Cassava Pone and a Black Cake. I've never had anything like the Cassava Pone before, but it was so delicious with the coconut, spices, passionfruit drizzle and ice cream. The Black Cake was delicious as well, a traditional Caribbean rum fruit cake that is reminiscent of the beautiful Christmas pudding of my childhood.
Only one huge regret....we were so excited that we ate everything without thinking of taking any photos to share.
10/10 we'll be back to support this family business as often...
Read moreTo anyone that has not yet visited this restaurant this is for you! I took the time to read through all the reviews before posting this. The first review was bad but I beg to differ. My husband and I entered the restaurant, we were greeted and felt very welcomed, the ambiance and the music was the next catch for us. I visited the restroom and it was also very clean as the dining area. Our server Taiyo very pleasant young lady took our order while also recommending other things on the menu. She also highlighted how long the food would take to be prepared and apologized for the wait. We totally understood that most dishes are freshly prepared and served. We ordered Jerk chicken and Fry chicken with Rice and peas. Both served nice and hot and appropriately plated. I could tell by the way the food was served that the Chef takes pride in what they do! When I say the plate was clean I mean down to the bone was destroyed, the taste the freshness, the spices, presentation everything for us is a 10/10. It was an honor to find out the owner was the same person who greeted us when we arrived. We had to commend her and the Chef who also turned out to be her mom. Yes it is a Caribbean Cusine! NOT a Jamaican restaurant! CARIBBEAN they have created different flavors from the Caribbean and added to the menu and as a Jamaican I highly respect that and appreciate the food the creativity and stepping out to give diners something different. I dont care what anyone else says but we enjoyed our food! We enjoyed our service. We stepped into the restaurant as total strangers visiting for the first time and left feeling like we made friends or found family.
We will definitely be back and we will recommend this restaurant to everyone we know!
To the owner and family we continue to wish you all the best, big up yourself!
Very Satisfied...
Read moreWhile on a quest for a quick bite before a movie at the Cineplex across the way, we stumbled upon this captivating little gem on the north side. From the moment we stepped in, the place promised an unforgettable experience with its immaculate interior that skillfully blended modern design with a touch of Caribbean flair.
Our waitress, beyond being exceptionally lovely and attentive, shared a fascinating narrative about the restaurant’s origins and her family’s history, adding a uniquely personal touch to our visit. It’s heartwarming to know this is a family-owned business, adding depth to the dining experience.
The menu was a delightful journey of flavors. The drinks were not only fantastic and flavorful but also impressively strong. As for the food, it was nothing short of spectacular. The oxtail I ordered melted in my mouth, so much so that it vanished from my plate in no time. Trying cou cou for the first time was a pleasure, with its taste lingering pleasantly long after the meal. My date enjoyed an equally scrumptious jerk chicken dish that he couldn’t stop praising.
Even the bathrooms reflected the overall excellence, being exceptionally clean and well-maintained.
I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a genuine Caribbean fusion experience that goes beyond just the usual Jamaican fare. It’s not just a meal; it’s an encounter with culture,...
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