Caribbean Twist
3081 Gottingen St., Halifax
404-3855
Signature Dish: Jerk Chicken
Signature Drink: Ginger Beer
Rating: *** 1/2
Dinner & drinks for 2: $30
Caribbean Twist in North End Halifax is the real deal — authentic Jamaican food. With brightly coloured walls and fluorescent lighting, it has the feel of a diner. The owners are welcoming and knowledgeable.
The Jerk Chicken ($9.49) is perfectly cooked, rich with flavour and seriously hot. It is served with traditional “rice and peas,” actually kidney beans and rice, as well as a serving of calalou (leaves of the taro root) cooked with onion and red pepper. Delicious.
We also try Curry Goat ($10.99) which is fall-off-the bone tender. The curry flavour is pronounced but not overly hot.
We sip ginger beer ($1.68) the perfect accompaniment for Caribbean fare. We’re talked into sharing a slice of much-too-sweet-for-me Coconut Cream Pie ($2.99).
We take home Chicken Roti ($8.99) and a Beef Patty ($1.99) for the next day’s lunch. The Roti, chicken and potatoes in a flour tortilla, could be a little more interesting but the Beef Patty hits the spot.
Caribbean food is good for the stomach and the soul. Here’s hoping Caribbean Twist is here to stay.
Dining out
Happy Times
Fireside Bar and Restaurant, 1500 Brunswick St., each week celebrates Monday Martini Night as well as Happy Hour from Monday – Friday, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. For information call 423-5995 or visit www.thefireside.ca
Musical Times
The Celtic Corner, 69 Alderney Dr. in Dartmouth, provides music while you dine. Thursday, Jan. 21: Dave MacIsaac and Louis Benoit; Jan. 22 and 23: John Ferguson and Roger Stone; and Jan. 24: Glenn Graham. For information call 464-0764 or visit www.celticcorner.ca
