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| - UPDATE NOTE: They only serve lunch on Fridays now...
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My friend Scott L tweeted about trying this Jamaican spot on the border of FreeMoreWest and SouthEnd at Summit and Mint, so I thought I'd give it a try. I was post-workout and needed some sustenance to regain my superpowers so I called in an order.
Not many people call in an order to a place where you've never seen a menu, but I'm not the brightest bulb. But my deductive reasoning led me to the fact that they probably have a jerk chicken entree. Sure enough they had a jerk chicken lunch special which included succulent, on-the-bone jerk chicken with a really luscious spice and heat to it with a hint of pineapple juice, two sides and the best red beans and rice I've ever tasted. I always consider red beans and rice a throwaway because I hate dry rice, but this not only was light, fluffy and moist but also had a nice spice to it too. The chicken marinade/rub reminds me a tad of The Shizzle sauce, but of course Mynt cooks the chicken much better than I do. I didn't care that it was on the bone because it was so wonderful.
The sides I picked were fried plantains (yum) and and Carib slaw (cabbage, carrots, raisins, craisins in a sweet vinegar sauce). They also have stewed cabbage, sweet potato fries and regular fries (and probably 1 or 2 others). I brought it back to my office and was devouring it like a caveman and so surprised by all the flavors - Is this what Jamaican is supposed to taste like?? If so I might need to downgrade a review for bland Anntony's!! As far as I'm concerned, if you live near Center City, you could maintain all your pollo needs at Mynt, Viva Chicken and the Chicken Roasting Company and have a good variety.
So why not 5 stars? Unfortunately until they need a total interior redesign, this really is more suitable as a to-go food place. It feels like a dingy bar and lounge. I don't have high hopes that their lunch business will fund an upfit in this off the beaten path location, but it is DEFINITELY worth stopping in and getting some food. I look forward to seeing the whole menu and trying other things.
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