Kingston 99 Kitchen — Restaurant in Pittsboro

Had a magical experience with Jason and his staff at the Kingston 99 Kitchen on Sunday. We had two bike riders in the Gears for Goldens fundraiser. The three of us waiting for our riders spoke with Jason about the amazing buffet his restaurant offered. So much so, that we were really looking forward to eating authentic Jamaican food. Unfortunately, by the time our guys finished riding it was 2:45 and the buffet closed at 3. This is when the magic happened. Even though many of the items were sold out, Jason invited all five of us in and proceeded to entertain us with his descriptions of the remaining dishes. He insisted we try different Jamaican foods and promised us we could “give back” anything we did not like. Not only did we not give back anything, we ate every morsel of food, including some fabulous vegetarian and chicken soups. We delighted in chicken, pork, fish, veggies, rice and bean dishes. We were truly wined and dined by Jason and his crew, making a perfect ending to our riders’ 62-mile bike ride and our long day. A dining experience for the memory...

Driving from Chapel Hill to Fayetteville, we looked for lunch options. The 4.9 rating for Kingston 99 Kitchen prompted us to check it out. And, indeed, this was a 5 star lunch stop. The jerk pork tacos were incredible. High quality pork that I can only compare to the very best beef brisket I've had. Very well-seasoned, tasty. Not swimming in too much sauce but perfect. The escovitch snapper was a huge portion. Fantastic flavors. Same went with the plantains - quality plantains well cooked. Healthy portion. None were dry or over cooked. And finally ... the bread pudding. Hand cut from the pan and delivered by the owner himself. He said it was his mom's recipe -- and I believe him. Not too sweet, melt in your mouth. A hint of a spice or flavor that is uncommon to most recipes. Last but most definitely NOT least, the owner himself. Mr. Rhoden was so energetic, so animated, so hospitable- it makes me sad we were driving through and not local. A must visit in Pittboro, NC for Caribbean...

I like this place so much! Went with a friend for their brunch buffet in the hope that I would find the elusive in this area ackee and saltfish. And lo and behold, my quest was fulfilled. All my favorite Jamaican breakfast items were there -- the aforementioned ackee, callaloo, fried dumpling, plus jerk chicken (spice level on a par with "tourist chicken"), brown stew chicken, curry goat, and while we missed oxtails, they were coming up when we left.

This place is an answer to all my Jamaican food prayers. The brunch is a tad pricey at $30, but I think the owner (who is so nice and friendly) imports real deal ackee and calaloo since all that's available here is canned. What a treat!

It's at The Plant in Pittsboro, and is a must-go for all who love Jamaica. My only suggestions would be if real plates could be available, perhaps compostable ones(?) and if the overall facility at The Plant had more tables, especially covered ones for shade. But I love this place and will...