12/03/07

Authentic Caribbean flavor

by silveragsh

If you are looking for authentic Caribbean eats Stir It Up is just the place. The atmosphere is warm and not pretentious, the staff is kind and attentive but most importantly the food is good down-home Caribbean cooking. Eating there took me back to many a happy Sunday in my Grandmother's kitchen in Jamaica. It's not greasy or overdone- just right.

• Pros: Great food, friendly service
• Cons: Not good for large groups

10/25/06

A sleepy stretch of Atlantic Avenue heats up with soul-stirring Jamaican food.

by Justin Hartung

The Scene
Tucked away on a quiet block of Atlantic Avenue between BAM and Boerum Hill, this convivial, intimate Caribbean restaurant has slowly captured a devout local fan base. Plants fill the front window, and the bright greens and oranges of the paint scheme reflect the birds of paradise sitting in the back. Funky paintings of tropical settings line the walls, and the homegrown charm extends to the waitstaff, who cheerfully point diners toward menu favorites.

The Food
The generous plates of Jamaican cuisine burst with flavor and fresh ingredients, embodying the very essence of comfort food. Fish cakes come heavily fried, but somehow manage a sea-breeze lightness. Supple curry goat hits just the right sweet notes, while whole escoveitch snapper plays a hint of heat off of creamy white flesh. For mind-melting fire, spicy spinach and meaty jerk chicken wings get the job done. Silky sweet potato pie eases taste buds back to neutral.