Marlene's Caribbean Take-Out Restaurant - Lakeland Florida Location — Restaurant in Lakeland

This was my first time trying Marlene's take out. Ordered on door dash. The delivery was punctual. The Food was edible. Definitely not what I was hoping for. My wife and I tried the curry chicken and the curry turkey dinner plates. Rice and Peas as the side. Rice was ok. The plate came with cabbage and cornbread. It was not worth the money, imo. Nothing special about the Mac and cheese. Neither of the curry dishes tasted Anything like we've had before. We are very familiar with island food. Jamaican and Haitian food in particular. This was definitely sub par. I can not write anything about the service and the actual establishment itself as we ordered delivery. But I won't be a regular patron of this...

Found this place tonight just as they were closing! They were nice enough to let my son and I in. I asked for the Oxtails, cabbage, rice and beans and within maybe 60 seconds give or take a few seconds and my order was ready and hot!!!!! 1st time customer hoping to join the family now! Great plate of food for less than 20 dollars. Highly recommended all the way. Parking can be an issue due to surrounding businesses and lot behind plaza has limited spaces but because they are located on the end of the plaze, the tire shop parking lot (respectfully) is an option or pull along...

My rate isn't based on me visiting this establishment. I wanted to ask a question and that was the only way to do so. How long have Marlene's been in Lakeland? I ask bcuz, the google reviews are very minimum. I only visited one Jamaican Restaurant here in Lakeland since November 2019, and like the Spanish Restaurants they only have one authentic place that I frequent every 2 weeks. Do they provide spoon samples to patrons? Thanks for your response if...