Sweet Mango Cafe

Still quite tasty. The downstairs (or was that the upstairs?) frequently is rocking with private parties as far as I can tell- just enjoy the music and your food.

2005-01-13

“Home of the World’s Famous Jerk Chicken”

Sweet Mango Cafe is very sweet indeed. I went home this evening with the world-famous jerk chicken, and I was not disappointed. A “small” serving of the chicken ($6.50 for dark, $7.00 for white) served over rice & peas and a warm cabbage salad was probably about 50% too much food for me. The meat was tender and juicy, falling off the bone as I picked each piece up. There’s a nice tangy heat to the jerk... you’ll notice the flavour before you notice your sinuses opening up. Serious heat-seekers might inquire if there is a spicier version, but I found the balance to be just about perfect. And not too greasy, either! (My tastebuds don’t have problems with grease, but my tummy does, sadly.) I frankly didn’t think I’d be wanting the rice, but it was quite tasty, and the warm cabbage hit the spot.

The patties are imported from the Royal Caribbean Bakery in New York, and are quite tasty. The cocoa bread is substantial, but similar in consistancy of a potato bread, as opposed to the corn-based version at Caribbean Feast.

There’s a full juice case, stocked with root teas and drinks, homemade ginger drinks, as well as sodas, smartwaters, and juices. The restaurant is counter-service, but not cafeteria-style.

Colorful walls are decorated with a series of B&W photographs, and everything is bright, clean, friendly, and sparkling. Neighbors drop by for a chat, and there is a brisk carry-out trade as well as tables to eat in. I was happier as soon as I walked in. They’ve only been re-opened since July; the original restaurant was destroyed two years ago by fire.

On the menu: jerk chicken, curry chicken, oxtail, curry goat, king fish, red snapper, brown stew chicken, patties, plantains, cocoa bread. They now also serve curry tofu and brown tofu stew for those vegetarians among us who would like to share in this delicious taste of Jamaica. Small dishes range from $6.50-$7, and large from $9-$10.50

Located directly across from the Georgia Ave./Petworth Metro Station, on the green line.

Highly recommended.