The Caribbean Experience
2897 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo
by East Buffalo Gazette Culinary Critics,
Mike Niman & Laura McClusky

Yes. You know we’ve been havin’ some hot weather. Unseasonably hot. And hot weather always gets these reviewers thinking south. Far south, Caribbean south, where the sun is hot, but the breeze just seems to make the water seem more refreshing and life a little more pleasant. With this recent wave of hot, we went looking for a Caribbean Experience and we found it at 2897 Bailey Ave, close to the 33.

The ocean might not be lapping at your feet when you dine here, but the food will bring you to the islands just fine. They’ve got fresh cool drinks like Irish Moss ("good for your back" but a bit pricy at $3.50), fresh Carrot Juice ($1.50), Ginger Beer (Bottled, not home made, $1.50), Ting ($1.00) and a wide array of tropical bar drinks such as Skip and Go Naked and Rum Punch to keep your taste buds jumping and your mouth smilin.’ Hmmm, and we haven’t even got to the food yet!

The dinners are plentiful plates of Caribbean delight. The menu has all you might expect from a Jamaican restaurant, Escovitch (pickled fish) ($7.95), Curried Goat ($7.95), Oxtail (($7.95) and, of course, fish - Red Snapper (served whole) and Ocean Perch fillet ($7.95). We had the Jerk Chicken ($7.95) and the Brown Stew Chicken ($7.95) -- both were superb. The Jerk Chicken is magnificently spiced with a delicate cinnamony sauce and the Stew Chicken subtly flavored, sweet and tender. The food is authentic, just like back on the islands, with meat served bones and all, even in stews and curries.

All dinners are served with a generous portion of tasty Caribbean style rice and beans, cabbage and a few slices of perfectly fried sweet plantains. You won’t go away hungry. A vegetarian plate ($5.95) and children’s portions of everything ($3.99) are also available. Everyone is welcome to share a Caribbean Experience!

If you can’t stop in for dinner, try lunch time. Lunch specials are served from noon til 2, when you can get the same quality and the same variety of meals for a little less money ($5.95). Or stop by Friday or Saturday night when the D.J. spins both local and Jamaican favorites late into the night. Looking for a cool spot, a place to remind you of Caribbean shores? You can come close with a plate of Stew Chicken and a nice glass of ginger beer - go ahead stop by and see Ken he’ll cook you up a fine Caribbean Experience!