~Jamaica Jerk Off by Elton John
On the surface, Elton John’s 1973 hit Jamaica Jerk Off seems to be about “enjoying yourself by yourself” while in Jamaica. That’s the way many of us interpret it. It can also be interpreted as an ode to the joys of goofing off in a tropical island location. Lyrics seem to indicate the flamboyant troubadour was indeed expressing his appreciation for the island’s pulsating energy. As a culinary observer, I prefer to believe the playful tune is about leaving off just a bit of Jamaican jerk seasoning to mollify its fiery personality.
However you choose to interpret the controversial tune’s suggestive lyrics, there’s no denying the island nation has a vibrant culture wholly its own. This national pride is reflected in the rich tapestry of music, dance, cuisine and literature that has influenced people across the globe. It’s reflected in the reggae music and the legacy of Bob Marley. Novelist Ian Fleming called Jamaica his creative incubator…probably inspired by fantasies of Honey Rider (Ursula Andress) emerging from the sea, sashaying sensually with a conch shell in hand.
Neither the Ian Fleming books nor the movies made about the swashbuckling adventures of England’s most prolific spy mention whether or not he liked his curried goat stirred not shaken. In fact, Bond seemed to subsist only on his signature Vesper martini and the pursuit of pulchritude. The latter seems to be in abundance in Jamaica though according to the Consulate General of Jamaica “the display of skin is frowned upon in formal environments.” Hmm, that’s not the way Jamaica is portrayed on James Bond movies.
That site also indicates “Jamaican people are inherently friendly telling it like it is.” That’s precisely what we discovered when we strode into Island Vibes Cuisine. Not only were we greeted cheerfully, we were tended to like welcome guests in a Jamaican home. Island Vibes is a family-owned and operated venture located at the former home of Gen Kai Japanese Restaurant in the sprawling Talin Market complex. Visit the website and you’ll be invited to “indulge in authentic Jamaican cuisine with a New Mexico twist at Island Vibes Cuisine. Discover bold, mouthwatering flavors that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Jamaica. We take pride in preparing every dish fresh to order, ensuring the highest quality and authentic flavors.”
At the “front of the house” taking and delivering your orders are mom and daughter with son-in-law preparing meals to order. On the counter, a small pastry case displays a variety of Jamaican beef patties, replete with a flavorful, well-seasoned beef filling and enveloped by a tender, flaky, and buttery pastry shell. Available in spicy and mild varieties, the beef patties are a wonderful introduction to Jamaican cuisine. Spicy is a bit of a misnomer–at least for me who can eat volcano lava without flinching. Still, the spicy beef patty is superb. Much like the somewhat similar green chile chicken pate chaud from Coda Bakery you’ll regret it if you don’t take one (or ten) home with you.
Jerk dishes are a staple in Jamaica, with “jerk” referring not to what some readers call me, but to the jerk seasoning with which proteins (chicken, shrimp, beef, pork) are coated. Jerk also pertains to the method of cooking used to create such foods. This style of cooking is native to Jamaica with a history of over 2,500 years. One of the staples of Jamaican cuisine is Scotch Bonnet peppers which have a “heat rating” of 100,000-350,000 Scoville units, making them up to 40 times hotter than a typical jalapeño pepper. Island Vibes’ menu is available for take-out or dining in.
Served for brunch are ackee and saltfish. Many people who experience ackee for the first time believe it looks like scrambled eggs. Appearances are deceiving. Only in tasting it do you discover it’s as different from scrambled eggs as you can get. Although creamy in texture and delicate like eggs, it possesses a finishing taste with a slight bitterness. Adventurous diners will enjoy it. Beyond the one-item brunch menu, you’ll find entrees, off-the-grill items (such as a jerk chicken quesadilla), pasta, patties, salads, seafood, sides and juices.
In her book “Curry: A Global History” Colleen Sen explained that between 1834 and 1917 some 36,000 denizens of India migrated to Jamaica. This mass migration resulted in an influx of new cooking techniques, ingredients and dishes, including curry. Today, curry–particularly curry goat–is an immensely popular dish throughout Jamaica. Though curry goat is on Island Vibes’ menu, I found myself in a seafood mood. Curries in Jamaica are usually cooked with a lot more heat and spice than other dishes. Curry dishes are ameliorated with fresh garlic, thyme, Scotch bonnet, scallions, onions and allspice (pimento) berries, all of which marry so well with curry powder to flavor curry-based dishes. As a lazy diner who doesn’t much like having to work for my food, I nonetheless ordered curry crab. In addition to a netful of crab, the dish includes corn on the cob, red and green peppers and onions. Extricating the crab is a challenge, but the curry is such a delight that I didn’t even mind when my beard was painted yellow with curry.
My Kim didn’t know if there was anything on the menu she could have. She then espied fried chicken and after being assured there was nothing too piquant to eat, she ordered it. In about fifteen minutes, a plate was delivered to our table brimming with two pieces of fried chicken, fried plantains, a salad (with a terrific ranch dressing) and rice. The chicken included a balance of white and dark chicken, both of which were very good. It was sheathed in a very light, somewhat moist batter. Fried plantains were some of the best we’ve had.
Dessert options are few and mostly of the small pastry variety. One most have option is called gizzada, an open-faced coconut tart with a flaky shortbread crust filled with sweet, spiced coconut flakes and baked until golden brown. This coconut tart has Portuguese origins and because of its pinched crust, it is also known as “pinch me round.” You might be pinching yourself after enjoying one of these just to make sure you’re not dreaming.
Over the years there have been a number of attempts at introducing Duke City diners to Jamaican cuisine, but those attempts were rather short-lived. Here’s hoping Island Vibes Cuisine is here to stay.
Island Vibes Cuisine
110 B, 110 Louisiana Blvd Suite A
Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505)
Website |
LATEST VISIT: 30 November 2024
# OF VISITS: 1
RATING: N/R
COST: $$$
BEST BET: Fried Chicken, Spicy Beef Pattie, Coconut Curry Crab,
REVIEW #1435