By: Sarena Akhter
Hello Foodies!
We're back with a restaurant spotlight review and our first one for 2021!
This past Friday, just before Black History Month was over, I was graciously able to check out one of our fantastic discount sponsors, Carib Shack, to try out their menu.
While a little belated, Black excellence never wavers, as evident from the wonderful hospitality and dining experience I HAVE to share with you all!
Carib Shack and its History
This family-owned restaurant is run by owner and chef Patricia Lewis. The restaurant is operated alongside her sister Lisa and daughter, Jasmine (with operations which have since added aunts and uncles!).
As a self-taught chef who watched her grandparents cooking growing up, Lewis's passion for cooking led her to open the Carib Shack that we know of today.
I'll confess early and say that I haven't had many chances to dine out for Caribbean cuisine and jumped at the chance to finally get some of the items on my bucket list before February could end.
Straight away, the owner, Patricia, and her lovely daughter, Jasmine, were happy to welcome me into their restaurant and help my quite-helpless even-though-I-checked-their-menu-before-self to order the items I did—and boy, did they NOT disappoint.
Jerk Chicken Wings
Obviously, I wasn't going to neglect any sort of jerk-flavoured item that day; it's a classic, and who doesn't love wings? They were saucy, spicy, and juicy—one of my favourite items.
Ackee and Saltfish with Plantains and Rice
Have you ever heard of this dish before? I hadn't (I actually asked to order whatever was pretty, and they definitely delivered a colourful new dish). The Jamaican fruit was very creamy, and the saltfish added an extra flavour of saltiness that balanced very well! The extra Plantains and rice were also aesthetically pleasing (and great with the palette!).
Goat Curry Chicken with Rice and Peas
If you're wondering what comfort food you need to get with all these exams, know that cake doesn't always have to be the answer. In fact, this was one of the dishes that made me the happiest; it felt like a warm, homecooked meal. The goat was soft, the sauce was tasty, and the rice was not overdone at all.
Stewed Peas and Rice with Peas
Hear me out: if you said, "why stop at only one comfort food item?" then this is definitely the next best thing to try! It looks like something you should definitely order soon (as you should).
Rum Cake
Just because I said you didn't need cake as comfort food doesn't mean you actually need to listen to me, okay?
Plus a Variety of Drinks!
As labelled from left to right:
Pineapple Soda
Kola Champagne
Ginger Beer
Green Ting
Pink Ting (as someone who's a sucker for pretty drinks, this grapefruit drink was my absolutely favourite! It's fizzy, tangy, and not harsh on the throat).
The restaurant also has various snacks and seasonings to try when you check out their store in person!
Additional Info:
The location is only doing take-out right now*, their hours of operation are:
• Monday to Thursday: 12PM-8PM
• Friday to Saturday: 12PM-10PM
• Sunday: CLOSED
The restaurant is located at 205 Oxford St E Unit 107, London, ON N6A 5G6 for pick up, or you can order for delivery from their UberEats or Skip the Dishes! Make sure to go support our local restaurant soon (and don't forget your discount card for an additional 10% off (Mon-Fri) your purchase)!
Once again, thank you for having me!
*Disclaimer: Hours of operation and dine-in are subject to change. While London transitions into Orange, please make sure to stay safe and healthy and support your local restaurants in the way you believe is most safe for you.*
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