In the last month, we tried this place on two occasions in order for the entire family to have an opportunity to taste 8 Rivers version of Jamaican dishes. For approximately 20 years Jerk and various other Jamaican foods have been family favorites, and after mastering a number of recipes from a friends grandmother (Jamaican) and spending a lot of time with Jamaican friends, we know what the dishes should taste like. What drew me to this place was the fanatic website and the chef/owner's bio. I said to my spouse, ""I found this place that we have to check out."" Presentation of the dishes was good, but the chicken wings (only a slight jerk taste), the pork was dry and overcooked, the journey bread was big piece of bland flour (sent it back), and the jerk chicken dinner (give me a break, this was only smoked chicken). I never would have known that it was considered Jerk, had I not ordered it. The Coconut Shrimp was over cooked the first time; but my daughter said the second time it was perfect. Regarding the Rice and Peas, let me tell you they were very dry (you could count the 1 to 3 beans in each serving)/no spice; just bland dry rice/dry beans. The dipping sauces were good (used them to bring life to the Rice and Peas and to put moisture in the pork). The collar greens were good and spicy and we enjoyed the idea of French fried plantains (these were our favorite dishes). For the quality of the food, I expected a lot more for the money (I am so happy we had Groupons; otherwise this would have been a greater disappointment. The place itself was nice. The wait staff was really good the first time, and seemed a bit rushed/not focused on giving the best customer service on the second occasion. A much better option in my occasion is Weldon Cafe. Since we discovered this place, the Jerk Chicken dinner plates have been consistently the same (declious) each time we ordered. Now you will want to call in your order at least 30 mins to 1 hour ahead of your pick up time because they are a bit slow; but the Jerk was really close to that I learned to love. I also sent the last 7-8 months in Cuba and made friends with the Jamaicans their, and the dishes equaled that which I learned years ago from my Jamaican friends grandmother. If I were looking for a place to hang out and drink (I don’t) then I might consider 8 Rivers because those around the bar and in the place seemed to be having a good time; but for dining the website and others may have overrated it. Maybe it is in the taste buds; but you really have to know the food in order to fairly compare this to the authentic Jamaican dishes.
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