If I were a really annoying writer, I’d probably start a review of a Caribbean restaurant with something about feeling like you’re at the beach even though it’s the middle of winter. But I wouldn’t really be able to respect myself after that (and the fact that its been really warm all winter sort of ruins it). Even so, it’s always a good time for Caribbean food. Less than a mile off of Main Street, Pattie Palace dishes up some delicious, exotic and very affordable food.
Pattie Palace serves Caribbean food takeout-style. Though there is a seating area in the restaurant, it’s usually vacant. The restaurant resembles a McDonald’s more than anything else, with bench seating, disposable silverware and the rest of the accoutrements of America’s favorite fast-food restaurant. This isn’t a place you want to go to for special occasions, but for everyday dining it’ll do. The food, however, is a different story.
Caribbean cuisine is a blend of the various cuisines whose cultures have influenced the region. There are hints of Spanish, African, and Indian flavors in the food, which is usually a bit spicy. The menu here is very simple. Aside from a few American items like fried chicken, the meals are authentic Caribbean food served with cabbage, rice, and plantains. Dishes here are served in small, medium and large sizes. If you’re really hungry, go with the large. Otherwise, the medium will probably be enough to satiate you.
I was a bit disappointed by the oxtail steak dish. Though not bad, it wasn’t fantastic and contained a lot of bones, which slowed down the eating process and diminished the amount of actual food. I had the same problem with the curried chicken. The curried goat, on the other hand, was delicious. To my knowledge, this was the first time that I had eaten goat, but, so help me God, it won’t be the last. The flavor was somewhat comparable to Indian lamb dishes, though not quite as spicy.
The jerk chicken was where things started to get really interesting. I’ve had this dish a few times before, and I can confidently say that Pattie Palace makes some of the best around. For those of you who have never had jerk chicken, it’s chicken spiced with a dry-rub of Jamaican jerk seasoning, made from pepper, chilies, and a few other spices. The result is an incredible smoky flavor that’s a little spicy but not so hot that it’s a distraction. The jerk pork dish uses the same seasoning, but isn’t quite as good. The meat is tougher and fattier (though it probably makes for a more filling meal). I didn’t get the chance to sample Pattie Palace’s specialty fish dishes, because they didn’t have any when I went. I would be very interested to taste how the Caribbean spices translate to a fish dish.
Finally, there’s the ever-popular Jamaican meat patty: spiced, ground meat, served in a crispy crust. The patties are only a dollar-fifty and are a delicious snack or complement to a meal. The beef is good, but I recommend the chicken, which is nicely spiced. The restaurant also serves some Jamaican sodas. Most of them were too sweet for my palette, but I recommend Ting, an amazing grapefruit soda that actually uses natural grapefruit. It goes well with any of the dishes here.
So if you’re sick of the Connecticut winter, head down to Pattie Palace, and feel like you’re at the BEACH!!!
The bottom line: What Pattie Palace lacks in atmosphere, it more than makes up for in cuisine.
Pattie Palace
276 E Main St
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 704-0588
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