Restaurant Review: The Reef

The Reef
4172 Main Street
Vancouver, BC

The next new cuisine to try, after some thought, was Jamaican. In all honesty, I never realised that Caribbean folk had their own cuisine, and in fact, it is really a bit of a fusion between all the different ethnicities which inhabit the islands. However, I was glad that we went and explored these new tastes.

The specialty about Jamaican food is their use of 'Jerk' Marinade. Jerk Sauce is a garlicy, spicy marinade with a strong hint of ginger which is used to flavor most meat dishes which are served. Additionally you will find liberal helpings of Indian spices mixed into the cuisine, such a various curries, and Roti, which is often served on the side.

I ordered the 'Jamaican Bun' from the 'Special Tings' section of the menu, which was basically a chicken patty marinated in jerk sauce and served on a bun, along with coleslaw and plantain chips on the side. I particularly like the taste of the plaintain chips, as they were different from the french fries you usually get with a burger at most restaurants. We also managed to finish off a pitcher of rum punch between the two of us!

I liked this restaurant. The location is a bit far from campus, but the ambiance is warm and friendly, meant to replicate the Caribbean, and there is a DJ playing reggae music late into the night. The prices are not too bad, and of course, how can you say bad things about a restaurant which serves drinks with umbrellas in them? ;)

Location: 3/5
Service/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 3.5/5