Jolly Bob

This month the CDC experienced the Caribbean cuisine at Jolly Bob's on Williamson Street. It was a smaller than normal crew, but it included a new member. Hopefully the new member will make participation a monthly occurrence. Especially next month, seeing as he suggested the location.

But I digress, back to Jolly Bob. The restaurant was fairly empty but considering they only have one server, that is a good thing. The server had more than one table, so I realize we were not his only customers. But the service still ranked in the unacceptable level. Drink orders were not filled until he was reminded multiple times. Often while the drink sat on the server mat at the bar awaiting pick up. He did not discuss specials (maybe there were none) nor do I remember any offer to discuss the menu. But service does not make a restaurant, the food does.

The drinks and the food were both strong and good. I ordered the jerk combo (chicken and pork) platter. Not as spicy as I hoped, but well balanced and tasty.

Once again, I feel a little like I was deprived growing up. My family never went Jolly Bob's or any other Caribbean restaurant. So my only prior experience was a "Trinidad and Tobago" restaurant in D.C. At that restaurant I always ordered the curried goat, simply for shock factor. It was good, very good in fact, but I ordered it mainly because no one in my social circles eat goat. Jolly Bob does not serve curried goat (or any unique meats) simply the normal stuff with Caribbean seasoning.

I will give them credit for serving excellent salad dressing on the side salads, but other than that it seemed mediocre. Good food, and different food. But nothing that created a desire in me to return.

If you have a craving for Caribbean spices, or strong drinks, Jolly Bob's is adequate. If you are looking for a great culinary experience, this is not going to excite you.