World Food Thursdays

Country No. 14. Jamaica

Attendees: Maor, Poppy, Ben, Kim, Lee, Becky, Paul

 

£25 a head

 

Perhaps this cabal of world foodies were influenced by the laid back nature of our hosts, or perhaps with kids, weddings and choir rehearsals to attend we are simply finding it more and more difficult to find the time to explore London’s culinary haunts. Either way this instalment of WFT felt extremely overdue. That feeling wasn’t helped by a complete inability for some members of the gang to turn up on time. A new rule emerged from the wilderness and embedded itself firmly in the folklore – those that arrive on time will order pre-starter starters to enjoy while awaiting the latecomers. In Jamaica this rule was enforced with reckless abandon, cod-fish fritters were ordered (twice) along with a healthy portion of Jerk chicken wings washed down with Carib Beer (from Trinidad).

 

Once the full posse was assembled another WFT tradition was resurrected, namely to order one of everything on the menu. Sadly we were scuppered in that endeavour as the fish-fingers were no longer available. The waitress didn’t take too kindly to a suggestion to pop down to Iceland and purchase some more.

 

In perfect contrast with the magnificent Jamaican weather it was pouring in London so earlier we had negotiated a private table outside Fish, Wings and Tings’ Colombian next door neighbours. There was no guilt attached, when Colombia’s turn comes up I am sure we will return the favour. Unfortunately the table negotiations didn’t quite extend to securing a table large enough for 7 hungry diners which did mean that as the dishes started arriving there was widespread panic while the waiting staff worked out where to put the numerous plates. Panic over and the hyenas descended, led by Ben – who appears to have a bottomless pit for a stomach and a side trade as a human dustbin.

 

Accompanying the second round of starters were prawns (tempura and grilled) and then a mixture of rice and roti dishes including curried goat, jerk chicken and coconut prawns. The food was delicious, the meat tender and juicy and the flavour of the prawns delicate with a big dollop of spice that crept up on you just as you thought you’d escaped. Special mention should go to the accompaniments, stewed chick peas were out of this world, soft and gentle against some of the spicier mains.

 

Within 30 minutes every plate was empty and all that remained was to finish the assorted drinks – homemade rum and ginger beer and punch being the highlights - before staggering away from our little pocket of sunshine in Brixton village and back into our comparatively grey and dismal parts of London.

 

Facts:

 

• Before the British arrived Jamaica was a Spanish territory, Jewish migrants from Spain brought over Spanish cuisine including a take on Escaviche, called Escabeche in Jamaica.

• Running fast is built into the Jamaican soul, the tiny nation have achieved 17 gold medals in sprint distances at the Olympics

• Athletics is such a part of the culture that kids have to impress at primary school in order to be selected for a specialist secondary school where they split their time between athletics and schooling