Mama's Caribbean Grill

Type of Cuisine: Jamaican

The “mama” in “Mama's Caribbean Grill” is Hazel Mills. Hazel is the mother of restaurant owner Vinroy Reid and the grandmother of Vinroy's daughter Zahra. Not only is she the matriarch of the restaurant, she is the queen of Jamaican cooking!

Mother and son were born in Jamaica and then immigrated to America . Zahra, however, was born in New York . This trio of family members provides a wonderful experience in Caribbean dining right her in Charlotte – for dine-in or for take out.

Their menu includes the traditional Jamaican fare of chicken, shrimp, and goat curry; jerk chicken and pork; oxtail; barbeque ribs; beef and chicken patties; and stew fish. (Hazel is partial to the fish.) Vegetarians will find a nice selection of “side orders” on the menu, including cabbage (steamed with carrots and other vegetables), greens, macaroni and cheese (with a hint of curry spice), white rice, yams, and rice and peas.

When the “rice and peas” arrives, most would be quick to call the dish “red beans and rice.” Hazel is just as quick to point out the difference and to share her secret for success . . . The peas (red beans) must be cooked first. Then the uncooked brown rice (it must be brown rice!) is added to the cooked beans/broth. Allow the rice to cook in the bean broth until done. The rice itself will be red, and the resulting dish is delicious.

One thing Hazel won't share is the secret of her Jamaican tea. This drink is a favorite among patrons of Mama's Caribbean Grill. It looks and tastes like a fruit punch, but Hazel will never tell. And as they say in Jamaica , why worry? Simply enjoy!

 

 

 

Organized by:

E.A.S.T. (Eastland Area Strategies Team)

Mama's Caribbean Grill
1504 Central Avenue

Phone:
704-375-8414

Hours:

Monday – Saturday
(closed Sunday)
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm

*Information provided as of August 2007

To verify current hours and menu, please check with the restaurant