World Food LA: Jamaica

On this edition of World Food LA, we’re traveling to de Islands mon (am I allowed to say it like that?) and getting some delicious Jamaican jerk chicken from none other than The Jerk Spot on Venice Blvd. in Culver City!

If you want your chicken to come with a real local, neighborhood feel, look no further than The Jerk Spot. Upon walking in, I was immediately warmly greeted by the friendliest face I’ve seen in ages, just eager to help me get a taste of the Island. Between the sounds of reggae music, the sights of beautiful beach art on the walls and the smells of amazing, rich jerk sauce endlessly marinating, I genuinely felt like I was lost on a cultural immersion. I had never had Jamaican Jerk Chicken before, so I was super eager to dig in and get some real, authentic flavor.

A few minutes after sitting down, I was served the heaviest styrofoam box known to man, just packed to the absolute brim with endless Jamaican food. I opened it, only to find what appeared to be three meals worth of food in one box. I drizzled my chicken with the accompanying “jerk sauce” and I gotta say, it was out of this world. I don’t know what the hell it means to “jerk” a chicken, but from now on, I want alll my chicken cooked this way. It was so moist and flavorful and the Jerk Sauce was an unreal combination of savory and sweet. The combo meal came with some wonderful sides including a hearty portion of rice and beans (great as well with the jerk sauce) as well as some steamed veggies.

To drink, I ordered something I’d never heard of before, Sorrel. I later found out it’s a native island drink, which turned out to be this incredibly refreshing hibiscus beverage. It was the perfect beverage to wash down to a great meal.

On the side, I cruised an order of Reggae Bread. Now, I had never heard of Reggae Bread (and honestly had no clue what to expect), but went into it with the most of excitement. Turns our it was just fried sweetbread. Almost like the outside coating of a corn dog (just with no dog in the middle). It was okay on its own, but absolutely all-star when dipped in the jerk sauce. Don’t be afraid to get your jerk on and head on down to The Jerk Spot in Culver City!

The Jerk Spot

9006 Venice Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232