Caribbean Disappointment

The Caribbean kiosk was another new kiosk at the festival this year. We like Caribbean food but were really disappointed by our meal here. Maybe next time they can improve on this year's offerings.


Representing the region were ropa vieja (Cuban) and jerk chicken (Jamaican):



First, the ropa vieja (Cuban-style braised beef) with white rice ($3.50):


M's take: This was just OK. The meat had some flavor but mostly it was really salty. The dish definitely needed the white rice to balance out the salt. I wouldn't get this again unless I had heard that they improved it.

A's take: Braised and pulled/shredded meat normally has a nice soft texture to it. This beef was kind of tough. It also ended up being salty. The rice was, well, rice. Plain old white rice.

Second, the jerk spiced chicken drumstick with mango salsa ($3.25):


M's take: I prefer chicken without the bones, but am usually fine with drumsticks because they're easy to eat. This one however was not. It was a big sticky mess and I gave up on it and gave it to A rather quickly. The mango salsa was pretty good though.

A's take: Jerk spice is a beautiful thing. It's spicy and flavorful, and normally a delicious meal. This chicken was dry, sticky, and fairly bland. The mango salsa was a nice touch, but in the end it didn't do enough to save the dish.

Favorite dishes at the Caribbean kiosk:
A: Jerk chicken (only because of the mango salsa)

M: Mango salsa, but since that's not a dish, I guess the ropa vieja?