Jameri-Can Improve

by Amelia Heymann

On N. 2nd St. Jamerican Jamaican food restaurant is about a 20 minute walk from campus. While this place was suggested to me by a friend, I can’t say I’d suggest it to someone else.

Walking into Jamerican I was greeted by a mostly empty storefront with a few racks of chips and various items one would find in a convenience store scattered about. The soda fridges are full of the usual beverages found at most stores and restaurants, with the exception of some bottled Jamaican soda.

Behind the storefront is the counter where I ordered my food. The menu is taped on the countertop next to the register. Items that they can make and have in stock are marked with a green tick next to them, while food that is not available for purchase is simply stated on the menu with no tick mark. Most of the menu items were available, with the exception of the dessert section of the menu. Most items are ordered in either a large or small size, and all of the food is made to go. Most small items run for about $7 while most large sized items were around $9.

The service was very friendly. The cashier/cook told me to take my time, and took my order when I ready. The waiting area is in front of the counter, and is a relatively small space. There are a couple of stools, as well as a seated area that was occupied by a few other people in the corner. I don’t believe I waited more than ten minutes for my food.

Upon reaching home I eagerly opened up the styrofoam box to eat my food. I found my curried goat was wrapped up neatly inside of a roti, a Jamaican style flat bread. It looked beautiful, the chunks of goat meat swimming in the curry sauce accompanied by potatoes. I only wish it had tasted as beautiful as it had looked.

My first attempt to eat a piece of goat meat seemed to be foiled due to the fact that most of it was bone. I shrugged it off, this happens with a few pieces when you include all of the meat. However I found the next four chunks of goat were the same way. They were either mostly bone, or a piece of fat. On top of that, there were a few smaller shards of bone in the food I almost swallowed. After digging around I found some quality bits of meat, but they didn’t make up for all of the bone I had been encountering.

Not only was the goat meat was lacking in the dish, I found the food was lacking spice as well. It had flavor, but not the usual kick you get with Jamaican food. It tasted almost bland. The potatoes however had a good texture, and the roti was authentic.

After I ate I felt full, but regretted spending my money on this dish. The person who suggested the restaurant to me told me that the fish dish was way better, but the meal I ate left me not wanting to try Jamerica for a second time. The reader is encouraged to discover this for themselves, I only suggest you not get the curried goat.