Jambalaya Mish-Mash
Etymologically, the word "jambalaya" is a mish-mash of words, dialects, and even languages. Whether it's the combination of French and African for ham with rice (jambon a la ya), a hasty order to the chef to "sweep something together" (Jean, balayez!), or simply the Provencal word for mish-mash (jambalaia), jambalaya is certainly a word with a rich, eclectic history. Similarly, the decor and menu of the local restaurant Jambalaya share in this mish-mash--from the topical art to cheap laminate tables and from the jerk calamari to the garlic bread. Seriously?! Garlic bread?! At this Thai, Cajun, and Caribbean inspired restaurant garlic bread is served up on the appetizer list next to the Caribbean Cracked Conch (when in season) as a "concession," remarked the equally baffled server.
Eclectic mish-mash aside, we were all eager to sample the menu. The extensive menu has a lot to offer but the descriptions are a little vague. Fortunately, the server knew the menu inside and out and was able to patiently answer all of our questions--including, and most regrettably, Moses' question regarding a cooking style: "How do you jerk it?!" ("To jerk" in cooking is to marinade something in a Cajun jerk sauce.) Once all questions were answered we were ready to order. One enthusiastic reviewer, who had only eaten vegetarian fare at a previous visit, exclaimed, "it's goat time, baby!" as he ordered the Jamaican Goat Patties. I started with the New Orleans Hush Puppies--a deep-fried ball of spicy cornbread. While the first bite was kind of
novel with its delayed kick of Cajun spice, the overall appetizer was dry and underwhelming. For the main course I ordered the Curried Chicken Roti as did Sir-Reviews-A-Lot. Generally, I really like curried foods--it's a playful spice that can add some heat to the food without being overwhelming. Unfortunately, the dish lacked any real flavour; Sir RAL thought his comment card had more flavour than the roti. The potatoes made the dish dry and starchy which could've been saved with a zesty side--say mango or papaya--but instead it's served with bland, starchy jasmine rice. We were not impressed. The other reviewers ordered an array of menu choices which included the Chicken Enchilada, the daring Oxtail Stew, Jerk Pad Thai, and the namesake Jambalaya. Despite the variety, the consensus was the same: unimpressed. The large portion sizes could not save the meal as Michelle thought the novelty wore off after five or six bites and Sir RAL quipped that, "it was kind of like eating at McDonalds --I'm not full, I just don't want to eat anymore."
Redeeming qualities? There is a good selection of vegetarian options if that's your thing. There are unusual menu options (goat, oxtail, red snapper) if you like to try new foods. As well, there is a varied drinks menu including some fun sodas (banana, pineapple, sorrel). But is that enough to get me to go back? No, definitely not. Plus there were only two dessert options which no one wanted to try. So how did Jambalaya do? This mish-mash was meh.
Location: Jambalaya Restaurant (119 Dundas St., London, ON)
Entree Cost: $17-$22
Number of Reviewers: 6
Value: $ 1/2
Overall: * 1/2
Eclectic mish-mash aside, we were all eager to sample the menu. The extensive menu has a lot to offer but the descriptions are a little vague. Fortunately, the server knew the menu inside and out and was able to patiently answer all of our questions--including, and most regrettably, Moses' question regarding a cooking style: "How do you jerk it?!" ("To jerk" in cooking is to marinade something in a Cajun jerk sauce.) Once all questions were answered we were ready to order. One enthusiastic reviewer, who had only eaten vegetarian fare at a previous visit, exclaimed, "it's goat time, baby!" as he ordered the Jamaican Goat Patties. I started with the New Orleans Hush Puppies--a deep-fried ball of spicy cornbread. While the first bite was kind of
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| New Orleans Hush Puppies |
Redeeming qualities? There is a good selection of vegetarian options if that's your thing. There are unusual menu options (goat, oxtail, red snapper) if you like to try new foods. As well, there is a varied drinks menu including some fun sodas (banana, pineapple, sorrel). But is that enough to get me to go back? No, definitely not. Plus there were only two dessert options which no one wanted to try. So how did Jambalaya do? This mish-mash was meh.
Location: Jambalaya Restaurant (119 Dundas St., London, ON)
Entree Cost: $17-$22
Number of Reviewers: 6
Value: $ 1/2
Overall: * 1/2
Nice review. I can provide an alternate answer to Moses' question of "How do you jerk it"...
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