Restaurant Review by Pamela Holz, local chef and cooking show host
There is a new place to experience a taste of another country here in Clarksville. If your budget doesn’t currently allow for a trip to Jamaica, you can instead head over to Fort Campbell Blvd. for a taste of the island.
Taste Jamaica is located in the Plaza North Shopping Center. Upon initial viewing, the big yellow X on the door may be misleading as to whether or not the restaurant is open… until you realize it is the flag of Jamaica. Open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Taste Jamaica welcomes you with a bright sunny interior, island music, and pleasant smiles from the employees.
Upon being seated, my fellow food explorer and I were offered a cup of fish soup, on the house. Full of potatoes, dumplings and fish, the rich broth was delicious and a great way to start off our meal. Looking over the menu, we decided on the oxtail with plantains and rasta pasta salad, along with the curry chicken served in roti with a side of cabbage.
Our server was happy to explain how the roti- a flat bread – was made, sharing memories of her Grandmother using flour and cassava root to make the roti dough. She also suggested we try Sorrel, a Jamaican beverage made with Jamaican sorrel- a red flower- and ginger. She brought us each a glass of the icy beverage. The flavor reminded me of an intense black cherry Kool-Aid with a gingery bite.
Our plates arrived quickly. The oxtail had a rich beefy flavor. It fell off the bones, but was slightly chewy. The plantains were a sweet accompaniment to the meat. Rustically prepared, the curry chicken was served inside the roti, which was like a thick, chewy tortilla. The curry flavor was mild, but our server indicated that if we wanted any spice, they would be happy to make any dish spicier. The cooked cabbage was tender
and buttery.
The meal was filling and intriguing. The menu held many other dishes that I would like to try… Jerk Pork, Curried Goat, Brown Stew Chicken, Callaloo Rice, Potato Pudding. I am thinking a return visit to Taste Jamaica is in order… and then one day, maybe that trip to Jamaica.
Taste Jamaica
Plaza North Shopping Center
1575A Fort Campbell Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37042
Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
931.802.5950
