Jamaican me hungry: Dinner at Jamaica Irie!

I always try to find interesting new places for our dinner events, and I also try to find cuisines that aren't the same thing as we've done before. While Jamaica Irie isn't a new restaurant, it's definitely something very different than anything we've done so far!

Jamaican cuisine is an interesting melange of the four primary waves of foreign influence on the island; Spanish, British, African, and Indian. To this, add native ingredients such as the fiery scotch bonnet pepper, plantains, and allspice, and you get a cuisine like no other. And while many restaurants claim a Caribbean influence, few stay true to Jamaican cuisine. So you'll be forgiven if dishes such as Ackee and Saltfish, Escovich fish, Festival, or Stamp-and-Go leave you with a blank stare. You might recognize the British influence in dishes such as turnovers, or the Indian influence in the curry dishes or the assorted roti dishes available. And, of course, everyone has heard of Jerk, arguably the best-known Jamaican dish.

While it's not for everyone, the food here has not been Americanized like so many places do. Order fish here, and you get a fish! When you order chicken, it's not going to be a boneless skinless breast tenderloin, it's going to be a real portion of a chicken! And how many places can you have goat? There are even a few vegetarian dishes that still convey the distinct flavor of the island. Luckily, Dennis, the owner, is happy to explain anything on the menu.

Many of the restaurants I find can be a little pricey, so it always pleases me when I can find one that's a great deal! The most expensive item on the menu is only $14, and most items are under $10, including many for under $5! It's not every day one place can be both the least expensive and the most interesting place you've eaten in a while!

The restaurant doesn't have a website, but you can read a brief review in the Post-Dispatch here.

Additional information:
- The restaurant is non-smoking. I've smelled smoke faintly a time or two but I think it's drifting in from the outside. In any case we shouldn't have any problem.
- They will be glad to give us separate checks.
- There will not be a gratuity added automatically to the checks.
- This is nearly a one-man operation, so be prepared to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal!
- The restaurant is located on the northeast corner of Olive and Fee Fee, and there is plenty of free parking right in front. We could even go next door and play pool at the Pink Galleon afterwards!

I'll be looking forward to seeing many of you at Jamaica Irie on the 29th!