Jamaica Steps into the Culinary Spotlight
In terms of summer dining trends this year in Chicago, Jamaican jerk spices are red hot. Between two new Jamaican openings and Jamaican-inspired menu offerings around town, it’s never been easier to take your taste buds on a tropical vacation.
What started as a successful food truck has evolved into a full-fledged brick and mortar restaurant for Jerk. Modern Jamaican Grill. Newly opened in West Town after much anticipation, the storefront features an expanded menu portfolio for the company, focused squarely on their famous jerk chicken, jerk pork, and jerk beef. Sides include coconut rice and beans, cilantro corn, salted potatoes, “island slaw,” and mac & cheese. Other menu options are jerk wings, jerk sliders, beef and veggie patties, yucca fries, and a full beer program.
Picking up where Angels & Kings left off alongside the Hard Rock Hotel downtown, Mr. Brown’s Lounge has expanded from its West Town origins to the Loop, bringing something wholly unique (and spicy) to the area. The space is sunny, vibrant, and festive, featuring a full bar and ample island-themed decorations that serve to transport guests to the shores of a Jamaican resort. The menu offers classic jerk chicken plates and jerk chicken sandwiches along with other zesty creations like curried goat, jerk wings, fried plantains, oxtail with butter beans, and traditional coco bread, a slightly sweet and doughy Jamaican bread. Don’t miss the vivacious cocktails either, especially the Island Punch with two kinds of rum, Cointreau, island juices, ginger, and lime.
Jerk seasoning is apparently so popular that even non-Jamaican restaurants are getting in on the action. Take Off Site Bar, for instance. The back bar behind Longman & Eagle recently rolled out a new menu courtesy of executive chef Matthew Kerney, with one of his highlights for the summer offerings being jerk mussels served with coco bread, a Jamaican twist on the traditional French-style mussels with baguette.
Jerk. Modern Jamaican Grill
811 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago
(312) 763-2870
Website
Mr. Brown’s Lounge
81 E. Wacker Place, Chicago
(312) 334-6760
Website
Off Site Bar
2657 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago
(773) 276-7110
Website
