TasteBuds (photo from Washington Post.com)
When it comes to Jamaican cuisine, an integral dish is the infamous jerk chicken. The spicy meat is a well-known favorite among the island's dishes.
Several , if not all, Jamaican restaurants serve the savory dish, but few can boastfully declare their "jerk" as the best.
One of these few is "Sweet Mango Cafe" in Washington DC. The restaurant proudly calls itself "Home of the World's Famous Jerk Chicken" and lays claim to the "Best Original Jamaican Jerk Chicken" in the DC area. -Yet,
after sinking your teeth into Sweet Mango's jerk, one might declare it as simply-the best.
When visiting the DC area, be sure to move Sweet Mango to the top of your itinerary.-With jerk chicken this good, its nothing short of a tourist attraction.

Sweet Mango is located @3701 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20010 / (202) 726-2646

Sweet Peach of Bed-Stuy

(photo from Time Out New York)

There's something special about a restaurant that feels like home. -and Peaches Restaurant and Bar in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn is just that. The atmosphere is warm, the staff is friendly, and the food is comforting. But you know the restaurant is nothing short of "comfy", by judging the crowd. On a Friday night at "Peaches", it seems everyone comes out to unwind. -Families with young kids, couples on dates, friends gathering for drinks and laughs at the bar . -It feels like a family gathering at grandma's house. The dim lighting, comfortable seating, and quaint decorations also help to create an atmosphere that is aesthetically intimate.

Yet, it is not only this restaurant's regard for Southern charm and comfort; its cuisine is absolutely delicious. "Peaches' " southern and barbecue menu has something for everyone.-Saucy pasta dishes, juicy pulled-pork sandwiches, and sophisticated roasted salmon are a few of the finds on the diverse menu. A pasta lover would enjoy the savory "Germelli Pasta with garlic shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and white wine sauce". The perfectly seasoned, light and creamy dish is the perfect combination of ingredients. And if your in the mood for fish, the entree "Roasted Salmon with Low Country Beans and Greens" is the perfect selection. -But this particular entrees side dish of "Low Country Beans and Greens" is definitely one of "Peaches' " tastiest treats. The side dish of beans and greens, mixed together and served in a bowl, was absolutely mouthwatering. The flavorful spices transformed a simple dish into a surprising delicacy.

I only had the pleasure of experiencing Peaches' dinner selections. Though I've been told their lunch and brunch servings are just as tasty-with sweets such as "Wild Orchards Country Pies"(pictured) and "Peaches Benedict (an interesting twist to the traditional eggs Benedict).
-If your looking for a place the whole family will enjoy, a comfortable location for a first date, or a nice spot to hang out with friends- Peaches Restaurant and Bar caters to it all; while also managing to serve delicious eats. -How many great spots can boast that?

Peaches Restaurant and Bar is located @ 393 Lewis Ave. Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn 11233

A Rose in Harlem

On a blustery Friday night, I took a trek to Harlem .


A coworker of a friend recommended a spot called Melba's. She said it was a great spot with "new-age" soulfood. -Now I know a thing or two about soulfood.-But "new-age" was, I thought, a strange way to describe it. So, I knew I was in for something interesting. A friend and I decided to check it out.

Upon immediately entering the restaurant, "interesting "was the last word I would use to describe it. Pleasantly, it was completely different from what I expected. The place was dimly lit, beautifully decorated, with a mixed crowd of patrons.- I was already pleased. The setting was calm and stylish, as the mood was set with well known R&B jams playing over the stereo. -Obviously, I had discovered the new Friday night spot. We were politely seated by our hostess and began to read over the affordable dinner and drink menu. Our drink of choice, because of the alluring title , was "A rose in Harlem." Upon the first sip of this drink-You taste the fine mixture of liqueur and juices. The taste was almost aromatic- as if it should be the scent of candle. - I could have stopped there; Had a great drink and a good time jamming to the music-but I had food to enjoy. So, we decided on "Melba's Spring Rolls" for an appetizer- or as Melba creatively calls them- "Comfortizers". Barbecue Turkey Meatloaf and Grilled Salmon were ordered for entrees. Collard greens, "tres mac & cheese", roasted garlic mash potatoes, and sauteed spinach were selected as side orders.

Let's just say, Melba's Spring Rolls set the trend for the entire meal. The tasty spring rolls, a unique blend of red rice, black eye peas, and collard greens, hit the spot! The combination of soul food's most honored side dishes in one wrap was amazing. Yet, before we could finish raving about the spring rolls, our entrees and sides were served. The presentation of the food was immaculate. The meats were laid elegantly on top of the sides, and colorful sauce adorned the plates.

The Barbecue Turkey Meatloaf was absolutely savory. The meatloaf was tender, meaty, and seasoned with a rich barbecue sauce. The Grilled Salmon was moist, grilled to perfection, and seasoned thoroughly. Theses entrees did not disappoint ,and neither did the sides. Macaroni and cheese is quite possibly one of my favorite side dishes; and not everyone can get it right. -but Melba's did. The "tres mac & cheese" was cheesy, moist, and was lightly baked. -And lightly baked mac & cheese is always the best. The greens and spinach were richly seasoned and were full of flavor.

As we enjoyed our food, we noticed two women sitting beside us having dinner. And to our surprise, we realized we were sitting next to Melba herself. We eagerly introduced ourselves and complimented her on the dishes. Courteous, sweet, and delightful- cannot fully describe Melba. She did not hesitate to share with us her dreams of opening up a restaurant in her neighborhood, Harlem; and the care and thought she places into her dishes. While getting lost in great conversation, we almost forgot about desert -And to my amazement, the dinner became even better.

Red velvet cake, sweet potato pie, and homemade chocolate ice cream were served. The sweet potato pie was sweet, tasty, and creamy-just the way it should be. The homemade ice cream was absolutely divine.- Like a creamy melted "Hershey's" chocolate bar. I mean, honestly, how often do you get to have homemade chocolate ice cream? Now, let's get to the red velvet cake; which is my favorite desert of all deserts. I have often stated that "the best red velvet cake lives below the Mason Dixon line". -Well Melba's has proved me wrong by bringing the best of a southern classic to Harlem. The cake was buttery, delicious, and the rich icing made it more delectable.
It seemed as if with every bite, desert got better and we could not stop raving.

We ended the night at Melba's in a daze. The food was excellent. The ambiance was smooth and entertaining. The staff was courteous, polite, and catered to my needs as a customer. -And Melba gave us a warm hug on our exit. I must say, if "new age" soulfood is savory, elegant , charming, and ends with a hug- then Melba's has definitely taught me something new.

"Melba's" is located @ 300 w. 114th St. New York, NY 10026 at Frederick Douglass Blvd.