At the rate that spring is moving, we’ll be wearing our flannel nighties well into late August. But if we’ve forgotten the feeling of sunshine and hot sand, at least we can treat our tastebuds to a bit of tropical flare.
For this, go no further than South Euclid and Rachel’s Caribbean Cuisine, chef David Sterling’s modest Jamaican eatery hidden away inside a tiny strip mall. ..,
Simply walking through the narrow door is a pick-me-up, thanks as much to the reggae playing softly in the background as to the plush, nuanced aromas – coconut? curry? pineapple? – drifting through the air.
The room is small – a dozen white-cloth-topped tables and an 8-seater bar – but Caribbean-blue walls with sandy white trim expand the space into a gallery for travel posters and Bob Marley photos. Grab a seat and order a Red Stripe; or for a G-rated alternative, try a Jamaican Ting (a brisk grapefruit soda) or a Ginger Beer, rife with peppery bubbles.
For starters, consider the crispy coconut breaded shrimp, served with a roasted red pepper aoili; or perhaps the conch chowder, with chunks of tender mollusk, potatoes, carrots and fresh thyme in a light tomato broth.
An assortment of sandwiches and salads follows, including the Island Delight, with mixed greens, diced mango, papaya, mandarin oranges, feta, and jerked flank steak.
But our personal faves are found among the mains – overflowing platters of neatly arranged beans, rice, roasted veggies, a honey glazed biscuit, and slices of fried plantain, surrounding a protein such as chicken, seafood, or even goat. (Yes, there’s a burger and a New York strip steak for the spoilsports in the crowd.)
Among the chicken dishes, we love the classic Jamaican jerk – meaty breast or moist and chewy legs, marinated with a zesty, but not fiery, blend of chiles and sweet spices, and finished with a pineapple-honey glaze.
And among the seafood, we adore the Coconut Curry Shrimp – six fresh, snappy Black Tiger shrimp, lightly sauteed with onions, garlic, bell peppers and thyme, and set adrift in a rich and buttery coconut-curry sea.
Chef Sterling makes desserts from scratch, and both the evaporative coconut bread pudding and the carrot cake, slathered with a rum-flavored cream cheese frosting, can wrap up your getaway in style. And for couples who aren’t opposed to sharing a starter and a sweet, an ample dinner for two should weigh in at right around $40.
Rachel’s Caribbean Cuisine is at 14417 Cedar Road. Reservations can be made for parties of six or more, by calling 216-382-6952. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Monday, 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. --- Elaine T. Cicora
Read Elaine Cicora's restaurant reviews, food news, and comprehensive dining guide on the restaurant page at clevescene.com.
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