Today is a very quick post and I want to talk about the Big Jerk. I’m sure a lot of people just popped into your mind but I’m not referring to a person, I’m talking about a new Caribbean restaurant that has opened in Nyack. The term “Jerk” in Caribbean cuisine refers to a way of cooking meat usually chicken with a spicy concoction (Jerk Spice) that includes allspice and Scotch Bonnet peppers and other ingredients. Then the meat is slow cooked over coals and pimento wood to give it a distinct smoked flavor. The restaurant is named after this style of cooking. They’re located at 85 Main Street in Nyack , where the Korean Ice Cream place use to be. Big Jerk is still serving ice cream too which might help cool down some of the spice for a few of you!
Their menu changes a little bit everyday but, you’ll be able to find a curry dish like shrimp or chicken or goat, and a jerk dish like chicken or salmon. There are also other traditional foods being served there that you won’t find in many restaurants such as Goat’s Head Soup, Ackee and Saltfish, Callaloo and potato pudding. Their menu is very extensive and you can find them on Facebook to get a better idea of their daily specials. I ordered the large Curry Goat and the first thing I loved about it was that it was truly large. For most people a large could be two meals. The meat dishes come with white rice or rice and peas and the traditional cabbage and vegetables. One thing to be aware of is, you’ll have bones in most of the dishes, so just be careful when eating the goat or the chicken. My curry goat was very tasty. The meat was tender and the curry had just the right amount of kick to it and gave me a nice warm feeling on a cool Autumn day. I usually ask for a side of curry sauce because I like to pour it over my rice as the rice is generally drier than I like. I also had a side order of fried plantains and they were perfectly cooked and added that island touch.
Overall it was a very nice experience at Big Jerk restaurant. They are still going through growing pains and will need to get a menu going so that people will be aware of what is available on which days. Humans like a surprise but we also like knowing that Tuesday is taco day, if you get my drift. I highly recommend giving them a try and telling your friends once you see how good the food is. We’re lucky to live in a world with diverse cuisine and we should try and keep it that way. Mom and Pop shops have had a hard time lately so ,wherever you are, get out there and support you favorite local place! Send in any comments if you’ve been to Big Jerk and as always if you have any questions please place them in the box below. Until next time, Boone Appétit!
Looks delicious, Charlie! Definitely going to check it out.
Hi Pat, I thought it was very good. Please report back and let us know your experience. They have good lunch specials too!