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| - We came to visit this Trinidadian restaurant and walked away with an incredibly delicious experience. Upon arrival, the wonderful aroma of food and spices was coming through the entrance to underscore my immediate impression. The humble interior consisted an open kitchen, a TV, wall-to-wall artifacts of the Caribbean islands, and tables stacked along the walls with a sizable couch in the back. The chef quickly greeted us from the open kitchen with a nod and smile. The restaurant had just opened and she was getting the kitchen ready for the day.
The Stewed Oxtail ($12.95) was served with fried plantain, cabbage, potato, and rice and peas. The stew was robust and flavorful, and especially addictive when mixed with the rice and peas. The oxtail was tender, not boney, with multiplicities of flavors nicely embedded. The cabbage added textures and a bright element to this dish, and the rice and peas brought the flavors together with depths of sharp garlic, onions, coconut milk, and large kidney beans.
The Goat Curry ($12.95) came with fried plantain, cabbage, potato, and rice and peas. The curry was equally flavorful, but the goat was lean and turned out slightly dry. I still enjoyed this dish immensely, but thought the goat could be better. The plantain was thick cut and not greasy. It lacked the crispy edges, but I still find the tender starchy consistency a nice element to accompany the sweet aroma.
Their homemade drinks, Mauby ($3.50) and Ginger Beer ($3.50) were excellent. The Mauby was an acquired taste, so it might not be for everyone. The flavor encompassed a sweet root beer flavor, followed by a metallic bitter finish. Additionally, the Ginger Beer had a sharp, but not overpowering sweet ginger flavor. It was refreshing and added a wonderful contrast to the meal. I highly recommend the Ginger Beer.
As one of the true, hard to find holes in the wall restaurants, the home-like atmosphere, down to earth service, and excitable menu make this a viable option for small groups and family gatherings. The restaurant could get a bit smoky inside, but the smell quickly dissipated once I left the restaurant. Moreover, the food could take some time to come out, so interested diners should take that into consideration when making a visit. I also thought the prices were high, but they do have a lunch special and the dishes were humongous and the food was both plentiful and flavorful. They were out of Roti that day, but I hope to return to try their Curry Shrimp Roti, Cow Foot Soup, and Ackee and Salt Fish.
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