Flavors of Jamaica
Can’t beat the summer heat? Embrace it with an escape to Jamacia! Well, to Flavors of Jamaica to be exact. Let this flavor-filled Pontiac, Michigan, eatery be your tropical getaway (even if only for take out to your own back yard).
I had some seriously high hopes after phoning in our ‘one-of-everything vegan’ takeout order with a delightfully kind staffer (and the prospect of some serious vegan eats in the near future). And in a desperate effort to maximize this pseudo tropical experience, I donned a colorful dress and gold shades before heading out to pick up this takeout.
Lively Jamaican music greeted me as I strode into this little eatery, tucked away in nondescript shopping plaza. The interior featured a fun yet tasteful dark Caribbean décor, with tropical greens climbing the walls, a kitchen peeking through bamboo slats, and Rastafarian wall art. The ambiance added to our anticipation for the meal and we squealed out of that parking lot more than psyched to try all that The Flavors of Jamaica could offer.
We ordered both curried jackfruit and jerk jackfruit, because really we don’t like to play flavorites. (Yes, dear readers, we are still hoping this phrase ‘flavorites' catches on! ) Both of these entrees were delightfully spiced and perfectly flavored, so much so that we actually forgot we were eating jackfruit. We tasted only savory, texture-rich veg. We chose to pair these entrees with various sides, including steamed kale, steamed cabbage, rice and beans, and vegan mac (each entrée comes with two choices). And boy, these sides did not disappoint. The kale and cabbage were perfectly steamed and offered an earthy balance for the spicy mains. We found the vegan mac and cheese mild and smooth. So creamy and delicious actually, that my non-vegan dinner companion didn’t even realize it was vegan side dish. How’s that for a sign of approval!
Our final entrée, the proverbial pièce de resistance in our book, was brown stew cauliflower. What this dish perhaps lacks in jazzy marketing appeal, it more than makes up for in near-addictive flavor. The brown gravy coating these perfectly breaded and fried cauliflower bursts with garlic and ginger, and nestles up perfectly with even more savory veggies. For those who prefer a more mild yet flavorful dish, this is a must-order.
In addition to all the deliciousness previously mentioned, the plantains that accompanied each entrée were just the right sweetness, pairing especially well with the spicier dishes. Also of note? The heaping portions! We easily could have made two meals of each and priced at only $13 each!
Next up in our Jamaican buffet? Ital stew. Ital, known as part of the Rastafarian culture, focuses on a vegetarian diet with a keen eye toward health of the mind, body and spirit. This spiced-to-order stew, chock full of some of our favs (potatoes, cabbage, and leeks), sounded right up our alley. Ours had quite a kick, much to our liking!
On a whim, we even tried a few hand pies (called ‘patties’ on the menu). These warm pies featured mouthwatering veggies and herbs, enveloped in a pastry crust that was perfectly crispy. The spinach pie just edged out the vegetable pie (stuffed with corn, beans, and carrots) as the tastiest. These hand-helds were only $3.50 each and could be a meal on their own! A must try.
Our dinner smorgasbord proved to be more satiating than most vegan fare we’ve found in the actual Caribbean! We are eager for our next visit, which might be brunch! Yes, you read that right! *Squeal* Vegan brunch offerings (on Saturday’s only) include vegan jerk fried cauliflower and waffles, vegan buttered cremini and grits, ackee, and callaloo. Net net? If you’re looking for the taste of a Caribbean vacation closer to home, Flavors of Jamaica is a must! See you there!
