Restaurant Review: Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

CHUBBY'S JAMAICAN KITCHEN

104 Portland Street ~ chubbysjamaican.com Instagram: @chubbysjamaican ~ Twitter: @ChubbysJamaican Co-Diner: Tim Golem

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Toronto is the best place in Canada for Jamaican and Caribbean food. It's just true. However, the thing that makes Chubby's in the Fashion District different from all of the rest is that they offer a more elevated experience. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore grabbing a container of jerk chicken from a strip mall because I truly believe that that's the best way to do it (Allwyn's all the way). But Chubby's manages to celebrate this cuisine while also taking you away on a vacation - without ever leaving the city. As a fairly new restaurant, the hype surrounding Chubby's has been very positive and exciting. NOW Toronto named them the #1 Best Jamaican 2018 and the Best New Restaurant 2018 on their annual list. And the TV show Big Food Bucket List featured them right away in their first season. Excited to try them for myself, I visited on a Wednesday evening which also happened to be Canada Day. The weather outside was scorching hot, making our table on the adorable patio ideal. Each tabletop was covered in vibrant patterns and plenty of shade was provided by the big tree (covered in twinkle lights) growing right through the center of the deck. I didn't get to see much of the inside of the restaurant - but it's gorgeous. The decor is tropical-chic with light woven woods, giant green palms, and stacks of logs for the jerk pit. The vibe is super fresh and it feels like a high-end resort. Our friendly server took our order and everything began to arrive in no time at all. There is no way that I could sit on this patio and not have a cool beverage in my hand. That would be a huge mistake! Chubby's offers a nice selection of drinks including cocktails, Jamaican juices, and of course Red Stripe and Ting. I was drawn to the Signature Cocktails and looked no further once discovering the My Blossom ($13.00).

Tanqueray gin, pomegranate, rosewater, egg whites, lemon cranberry bitters.

I mean, this is everything that I love: A cute pink cocktail with actual flower petals sprinkled on top. I found this drink to be unexpected, refreshing, and lovely. I enjoyed the sweet tartness from the pomegranate, lemon and cranberry but especially loved the floral rosewater notes. The appetizer round was easy. The Likkle Bites section of the menu includes all sorts of pitch-perfect items such as fritters, jerk wings and patties. However, my all-time favourite Jamaican dish was also reinvented here. Ackee and Saltfish Bites ($11.00), one of the restaurant's most popular plates.

Sweet peppers, onions, tomatoes, fried dumplings.

Typically served as breakfast with dumplings on the side, I was impressed at the way that they twisted this dish into a perfect appetizer. (They could've offered ackee and saltfish as a main but I really appreciated the direction that they chose to go with it.) Golden-fried dumplings are cut in half, acting as an excellent crostini base with just the right amount of chew. On top is the classic dish - the national dish of Jamaica. Tender ackee fruit mixed with beautiful cod saltfish, all stewed together in a flavourful mix of vegetables. It was the best bite. I could've eaten ten of them. From the Pon di Side section of the menu I had to grab some Fried Plantains ($7.00). For me, they're one of the most necessary add-ons when dining Jamaican.

These were wonderful! So simple, yet fried to a caramelized perfection. I loved the crispy bits that almost tasted like candy, while the fleur de sel created that ideal salty and sweet combo. These are what you want. They're welcome on the side of any plate of mine. The rest of the menu offers plenty of classics, all heightened just right. Curry goat and oxtail stew make appearances while lighter options like market fresh salads bring bright vegetables that can sometimes feel lost at a typical Jamaican take-out joint. I was excited to go the Jerk Pit Grill route... Because I had to. Chubby's unique jerk pit uses hickory wood and charcoal, making it one-of-a-kind in the city. The Half Jerk Chicken ($20.00) was calling my name.

Chubby's slaw.

What a truly special dish. This jerk chicken was unlike any that I've ever tasted before! The main difference is that you can really taste the wood fire that it has been cooked on. There's a smokiness that mingles with the intense flavours of the jerk spice, creating the most delicious coating over top the tender and juicy chicken. I normally go for the pieces of dark meat but even the white meat was excellent. This is next-level jerk. They've managed to take the jerk chicken that you know and love and have elevated it to something just a bit more magical - which I didn't even know was possible. Served with a side of their beautifully zippy slaw, I loved the rainbow of colours. It's just the right accompaniment to cool down the spice, cut through the fat, and cleanse the palate. This whole dish is a must-try. Lastly, Sweet Tings. I wasn't about to leave without having a tropical dessert on a hot summer's day. Coconut Passionfruit Tart ($6.00).

Light and simple. I enjoyed the casual and deconstructed nature of this dessert. With a flaky, buttery crust sitting above a creamy mix of fresh-shaved coconut and tart passionfruit. This is just what you want after a meal filled with big flavours. Chubby's is special because they take something that Toronto already does so well (and has plenty of) and somehow makes it just a little bit more unique. The spice is big, yet balance is achieved through their flavours and innovative dishes. This restaurant might just be the perfect recommendation for anyone visiting this city. (But locals had better get in on it too!) I will certainly be back!