I saw the grand opening sign yesterday. Taste of Jamaica is the first business to occupy this space since the African (Ghanaian, I think) fried fish place closed down in 2002. Taste of Jamaica is located at the corner of 6th & H Streets (directly across from Murray's).
9 comments:
Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmm. You know I'll be all over that.
I'm not a fan of take-out restaurants with no seating and am even less inclined to frequent restaurants where the patrons have to order through a wall of glass, bullet-proof or any other type. Unfortunately, Taste of Jamaica, as it is currently configured, is both. I don't know if the ownership plans to put in seating at some point, but I'm definitely not a fan of the wall of glass at the counter. Can you imagine ordering coffee from Alphonso at RnB through a plate of glass? Or ordering a burger from one of Mr. Englert's new places in the same manner? Maybe that configuration was necessary a few years back for some of the older places on H St. like Danny's, but I think it's a safety measure that has outlived its usefulness on today's H Street. Of course, robberies are going to happen on occasion anywhere in the city, but for new establishments to open with that configuration as well is a tad paranoid in my opinion. I believe it promotes a negative image of H Street, one many people are working far too hard to eradicate. Therefore, until Taste of Jamaica changes the configuration of its "restaurant," I don't plan on giving it my business. As consumers and members of this community, I believe we should expect and demand more from those who plan to do business here. That's just my two cents. Anyone else have any thoughts? I'm open to being persuaded to change my position, especially because I really like Jamaican food!!
Omar,
excellent point about the bullet proof glass. Lucky for you Taste of Jamaica is not the only Caribbean food on H Street. You can eat at Caribbean Best (located in the 1300 block of H Street -closed on Tuesdays). I actually tried the jerk chicken from Taste of Jamaica today, and I would say that the food from Caribbean Best is better anyway. Caribbean Best is family owned, does not use a bullet proof glass barrier between employees & customers & has been on H Street for a while (at least five years). Your point about the bullet proof glass reminds me of something that was discussed at last week's ED&Z committee meeting. The topic turned to roll-downs. Businesses that install roll-downs are encouraged to either install either the ones you can see through, or the ones that are inside the building (and hopefully that still allow for some window shopping). Still, some places are installing the big heavy roll-downs that really make the businesses look completely locked down. As was mentioned the other night, anyone who really wants in can get always get in (they just won't go in through the window). Anyone remember that guy who was robbing liquor stores (not on H Street) a couple of years back by breaking through the walls with a sledge hammer? Also, you be thrilled to know we probably have another check cashing place moving into the 900 block.
I checked out Taste of Jamaica this weekend and thought it was pretty good.
The owner had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned that the glass felt like I was eating in a bad neighborhood. He said he had the glass for sanitary purposes. Personally, I don't like the glass...
Also, tables and chairs are forthcoming...
Glad to hear about the tables. I wondered what all that space was for if they didn't intend to have seating. Sanitary purposes? Umm, did he grow up encased in a protective bubble? I know their kitchen is a little bit open, but that excuse is pretty hard to swallow. It strikes me that there is enough space on that corner for outdoor seating if he ever wanted to do it (I don't think it would pose much of a problem as long as the trash was maintained).
Right. I believe all, if not most, restaurants use a glass encasing for food as a sanitary measure if the food is located on the front counter, in buffet-style containers. However, you don't typically see the whole entire counter area encased in glass for "sanitary purposes."
Does anyone have the exact address?
528 H Street NE
202-546-1999 Tel
202-546-1995 Fax
I've been to "TOJ" many times. I would rather they kept the glass, especially the way they have the food set up. I'm not a fan of dozens of people daily breathing all over my food, which is what woluld happen if the glass were removed. I also like being able to look at what you are putting on my plate before you do so. I mean, I don't put that much emphasis on the set up of a place, I think my concerns would be better served wondering how well the food is prepared and how I am treated. A while ago I visited a very expensive rest. downtown, where reservations as well as jacket were required, and a worm was in my mom's salad. (true!) I think the "image" Omar spoke of can only be eradicated in the absence of crime, which unfortunately will not happen any time soon. The place is great. Visit them. They are very pleasant and accomodating. My office is going for lunch today! You will be pleasantly surprised.
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