www.iriefoodjoint.com
The vibe is relaxed at this low-key bistro on Queen West. Definitely a good spot for a get-together, because the place fills up and gets lively. You can have the mandatory Red Stripe stubby, or one of many amusingly named martinis -- anyone want to start with a Stoned Jamaican?For appetizers, you must get the Peppered Shrimps. They were declared to be "the best shrimp ever." Served with mango salsa, the sweetness of which perfectly complements the juicy, spicy, flavourful shrimp. Festivals (fried cornbread thingys) are snackable, but you need to order something with them, since they are bland on their own.
Curry chicken roti was full of tasty goodness, with an apple chutney that I'd like to eat on lots of other foods, or maybe on its own. The coleslaw side was, well, just coleslaw. But it was creamy, not oily, and that always wins points in my book. Seafood Gumbo was good, but lacked spice. In fact, after the shrimp, we found the mains to be not quite zesty enough for our palates. The jerk pork loin chops, though, were fabulous; tender and yummy in a red-wine reduction. For desert, the cheesecake was "pretty good."
Good value for money. Generous portions.
On exiting the restaurant, we were hit with a generous waft of the expected Jamaican-style smoke. Of course, that could just be Queen West.
rating: * * * (nothing to complain about; all around good)
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