Seriously Spicy

Don't you hate it when you order something "spicy" or with "hot" sauce, and as you brace yourself for the first bite, you find there's hardly any reason to call the dish spicy at all?  Okay well maybe some of you don't exactly enjoy the lip-tingling sensation associated with really good spicy food.  You may argue, What's to enjoy if my mouth is on fire? But there's a fine line between perfect spice and pure pain - a line I find myself pushing the limits of all the time...

I must confess, I'm a sucker for spicy. I can recall eating my first jalapeno with a burger when I was about 9 (or so...).  My early interest may have been mostly due to my mom and what she prepared for dinner as I grew up.  There was always a side of fresh cut, eye-stinging sili ( Thai chili pepper) with just about every meal, and our pantry is always stocked with a solid array of real hot sauces.  I'd also have to thank my dad for always ordering "#10 spicy" dishes whenever we go out to eat.  It's just understood - bland food never makes it to the table with my family. Lucky for me, there's a wide variety of places to eat in San Diego that can properly tickle my taste buds.

Island Spice

Although this wasn't my first time going to Island Spice, I just had to add it to my gastronomical adventure.  It's a small, authentic Jamaican restaurant on Market Street near Downtown San Diego.  I admit their prices are borderline out of my budget ($10-14 per dish), but the portions are rather big and I always have enough leftovers for an entire second meal.  

The Meal

When you think Jamaican food, you might automatically think jerk chicken, but I assure you there's so much more to this ethnic cuisine.  I ordered my favorite -  the Barbecue Chicken Plate, "hot" (of course). 

Barbecue Chicken Plate (hot) - $10 @ Island Spice

I realize this photo may be the least appetizing thus far on this blog, but you'll have to take my word for it that the picture does not do the meal justice (partly because I had to take the food home).  The plate comes with 4-5 pieces of moist chicken drowning in the rather spicy house barbecue sauce.  I haven't tasted anything like it - it's tangy, thick, and packs a big punch to your tongue.  Also on the plate is a generous serving of traditional Caribbean red beans & rice, veggies, and fried plantains.  The rice has its own smoky seasoning that complements the spicy chicken.  The plantains have a crispy outer layer that encases the sweet fruit that provides the perfect contrast to the spices from the rest of the meal.  

Try Some, Won't You?

Of all the Caribbean-style or Jamaican places I've been to in San Diego, I have to say my favorite is Island Spice (map it) .  You can either dine-in or take out, but keep in mind if you come in close to closing time (8pm), you'll have no choice but to take your meal home (as my boyfriend and I learned the other night).  Also, they have a tight side parking lot, so you might want to park along the street if the place looks full.  When you go, be sure to also try one of their many imported Jamaican juices and sodas, like ginger beer.  I assure you they're a great way to quench your thirst after a few bites of that spicy barbecue!

Well until next bite, savor the flavor my friends!