Jerk Chicken, Rice and Beans!

Caribbean Cafe

Every once in a while I think about how long its been since I have blogged about anything. Truth is, I have become lazy, I don't mean the real lazy, I constantly have deadlines to meet and kids to shepherd. I mean lazy when it comes to food, my life is so routine I have certain foods I always eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most occasions I cook something... and something different for my son, who only prefers seafood. I blame my diet, I'm not dieting but I do have certain foods that I habitually eat. Fortunately, I live in the south end so when I am feeling adventurous I don't have to search far for something different. Our community has an eclectic range of cultures, from Vietnamese, African and Caribbean. Recently, on a lunch break I decided to change up my routine and grab something that would make me happy, I didn't have to search far. Caribbean Café sits right across the street from another establishment I frequent. I had noticed their menu plastered on their window and always said I wanted to try it. Located at 317 W Woodlawn Ave, its a quiet place (not like the movie.. that was scary) large windows show pictures of authentic Caribbean cuisine and I'm not sure how people could walk by without entering. I know I have to make this quick as I am on a lunch break so I enter in, its not beautifully decorated, it reminded me of a cafeteria.. I instantly got the buffet vibe, that would have been a major score. It wasn't a buffet, :( but that was ok, I wanted to satisfy a craving not induce a food coma, I still had to go back to work. The lady at the counter was very sweet allowing me to ask questions, I always have tons of questions and she even let me taste some curried goat. Finally after I became frustrated with myself I asked her what was her favorite, that wasn't too expensive. Without hesitation she suggested the jerk chicken. I've had jerk chicken rub before and I wanted to be sure this wasn't a dry rub but was juicy, she smiled at me and squeezed her hands together saying "very juicy", I was sold. For about 8 dollars, I watched her open a Styrofoam box full of food, there was a large piece of dark chicken, the thigh and leg, with a small side salad and a large portion of rice and beans, she also explained a sauce she handed it to me, advising to pour it over the rice and chicken before I eat. Literally the bag felt about 2 to 3 pounds, I was impressed by the amount of food. After getting home I picked at my chicken a little and was not disappointed by how juicy it was, I tore my chicken apart and laid it across my bed of rice and beans before drizzling the sauce she gave me over the whole thing. OMG! It wasn't very spicy but it had a great flavor full of herbs and garlic, the sauce really wasn't needed as the rice wasn't dry it was a perfect compliment to the chicken however the sauce brought it all together, it was a light red sauce, not spicy at all but more peppery, if that makes any sense. I really didn't bother with the salad much, it was pretty basic and probably palate cleansing, I didn't need it. I was uncomfortably stuffed, like couldn't move stuffed, ran later and tasted it stuffed, but I'm not complaining, if you eat sparingly you will be fine as I repeat, its a ton of food. With my love for curry and other spices, I know I will be back. Next time I will take my time and maybe share some it? For me to blog about it, it definitely was a food experience, I enjoyed it. Hope your able to experience it and maybe have a popsicle from cocoberry pops next door. Happy eating!! :)