JA Spice Island Jerk & American Food — Restaurant in Netcong

Went here earlier today to grab a late lunch. Takeout only at the moment for your information. I always like to try the jerk chicken or oxtail at Jamaican dives since I feel those are great staples, today I went for the jerk chicken. I wanted to grab it with some shrimp like on the menu, but the girl on the phone said they are doing the shrimp because a worker there has an allergy to it. A bit odd to still have it on the menu, but totally understandable. I value companies that care for their workers. They asked told me it came boneless, which grabbed my attention since every other time I've had jerk chicken, its been served on the bone and I think it helps keep the meat moist. Anyway, I cleared there doorway of some cleaners and paper towel that somebody left in front. Had a nice moment with the girl taking payment, while we played the NFC game thru a glass window. Anywho, got home excited since its been awhile and unfortunately didn't fulfill that hankering I had for some Caribbean grub. The chicken was dry, and white meat only, bummer. The sauce was fantastic, but it had so little on it. The rice was also a bit bland for my taste, but we all have opinions. The plantains were yummy, but I have a sweet spot for them. I'm a white dude who loves to travel and eat a lot. I haven't been to Jamaica but have been to other Caribbean islands. About 10 years ago I was doing a tour of the NYC boroughs with a Caribbean group. I was the only white dude on the crew and in every borough they had it catered by a local Caribbean restaurant. The food was always spectacular and gave me quite the appreciate for this cuisine. The slow cooked and stewed meats that are so juicy, the dry rubs that have a great balance heat and flavor, the plantains..... Anywho, I digress. I wanted to love this more, but it just fell a bit flat...

I ordered a large plate of oxtail and a large plate of curry shrimp to go. We were greeted by a nice couple who run the place. The food was plentiful and tasty, we'll definitely be back. The curry shrimp was just right wish a touch of spice and lots of medium sized shrimp...pretty good deal. The oxtail was also in good numbers and big, juicy, and tender.

My only knock to them, and it is just my personal opinion, is the ratio of beans to rice (I keep hoping to find more beans) and the amount of steamed cabbage and veggies I was also hoping to find more of the cabbage and less rice (I'm sure I could have gotten more cabbage and less rice had I asked...it was my first time and didn't know).

Overall, the location is easy to get to with lots of parking and a train station near by, the place seems to be quite but a good down to earth place with...

I've only had Jamaican food 3 times in my life so far. Twice from JA Spice and all I can say to JA Spice is, I'm sorry but the other restaurant's food is NOT YOURS!!! The flavors & joyful bites of JA Spice just take me to a place I've never been before, which is probably Jamaica! My go to is the brown stew chicken with rice and peas. The baked mac & cheese is amazing! My kids had the fried chicken and curry chicken. For kids who have standards in what they eat, JA Spice is on their list of places they would DEFINITELY eat from. My wife can't stop praising the flavors and tenderness of the oxtails as it falls off the bone.

We are 40 minutes away, and we will be visiting again!

JA Spice, Thank you for bringing your flavors, passion, and culture to us. We are looking forward to our next trip to Jamaica through...