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Things That Irritate Us About Caribbean Take-Out Restaurants.
After years of enduring the ‘service’ at Caribbean take-out restaurants in North America, I brought up the topic in a recent episode of my weekly Facebook LIVE show as I wanted to know more about the experiences of others. During the open-mic session it became clear that I was not alone, nor was this something specific to North American based Caribbean restaurants. Additionally, it seems that there may be a sort of “immigrant” undertone to this and not simply a “Caribbean” characteristic.
Here’s the list of things that irritate us about Caribbean restaurants, as discussed on the show.
- SERVICE – lack off and at times just plain rude
- good luck trying to return a dish
- there’s never everything listed on the menu available (no matter what time of the day you visit)
- never advanced notice of being closed (you show up and they open or closed)
- many don’t open on a Monday
- many don’t stick to their business hours (if at all posted)
- small portions and/or no consistency in portion size
- no real consistency on food quality/taste
- use of non-Caribbean or Caribbean trained chefs
- scent on your clothing after you leave the establishment (poor ventilation)
- where’s the smile Caribbean people are known throughout the world for?
- cleanliness (works in conjunction to ‘scent’ mentioned above)
- appreciation… at least pretend to care about customers
- respect – customers appreciate that undivided attention. Send that text or handle that personal call another time
- never seems to be adequately staffed (see next point)
- always seems to be a long wait for food
- even when you call in advance (for pick-up), you show up and still must wait
- LOUD (and sometime vulgar) music
- don’t ask to have a dish explained (what’s in it etc).. it’s as if they don’t know how to describe what they serve PLUS you’re expected to know each dish
- colonialism is alive (happened to me personally many times) – where ‘fairer’ people get the pleasant greeting and smile, yet when I go up.. “wha yuh want”
- plantain – YES! if it’s part of the meal, do include it and please make sure it’s not so thin I can strain my Mauby with it
- gravy! after all these years you’d think they would clue-in and know that customers luv ah lil gravy
- communicate to us if there’s bones and do ensure the curry goat with bones are not cut at a sharp angle (had my gum cut before)
- cut chicken with a band-saw (clean cut) or risk having bone fragments in the chicken dish if you use a dull cleaver
- explain to customers that boneless chicken does not necessarily mean chicken breast (white meat)
- if a dish is not traditionally prepared and it’s your chef’s take on the dish, do communicate this to us
I guess I should mentioned a few things to avoid the hate emails poring in. I’m very proud of my Caribbean heritage and I personally believe we’ve been blessed with an amazing Culinary Culture and with people who can COOK! By choosing to come to your restaurant (there are many other options to dine) it means I want to support you and by extension the Caribbean culture.
The observations mentioned above by the group does NOT represent ALL Caribbean restaurants and to those who make the extra effort to give us a truly awesome dining experience – we applaud you. To the restaurant owners guilty of any of the above.. time to correct yourself.
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What irritates me is that I call in an order. When I arrive, they dont have my order prepared. I have 30 minutes for lunch and it takes me 10 to get there one way. Other than that, I love the service and everything!
I love Roti and The Roti House in Pickering are excellent restaurants to have Caribbean food. They serve rotinbut many other dishes too. I have experienced none of the problems listed above at either of these establishments. In fact the cook who is the owner at the Roti house has come and sat at our table while we are eating. Such a lovely lady. There are several other of these restaurants in our area and I have no complaints about any of them. My big complaint is my friend Richard Ward closed his restaurant called Barbados North! Such good food but he is enjoying retirement.
The only Caribbean restaurant in Montana is my kitchen. The cook there is an ornery blowhard. But at least he (me) does make Bahamian Peas and Rice. When ever I want it. And fish chowders. And stuff from the Naparima Girls High School Cookbook.
Conch is hard to come by in Montana. That’s my biggest complaint.
Yep that’s about it. 😢 to. But that’s why I enjoy your show, so I can cook it myself. Thank you for that. Remain bless Amen.
I can relate to the comments made. I currently live in the UK and lived in the Netherlands for 15years. Same difference, both countries, always attide, hygiene varies but usually questionable. Why do we do ourselves such a disservice?! And wonder why they close down so quickly?! It’s the same in other aspects of retail where Caribbean people are concerned, whether it be a supermarket or hair shop selling Caribbean products, similar issues can be found. At some point I’ll learn to stop visiting theses establishments. But when you miss home, they’re the nearest thing but never fail to disappoint in some manner!!
Chris, really enjoying the videos over the years and especially the book!! I read through the list. Most of the Caribbean places here in Atlanta are nice. Pleasant folks for the most part. A lot of what I read applies to African American restaurants and businesses period! LOL. Nothing but attitude is the worse thing. I will eat trash if you are nice about it. it is almost like they are doing you a favor by selling you food. Now back to the Caribbean restaurants. They start out with great food but over time the food is not as good. One chef told me that there are some dishes he makes that may have 16 different seasonings in it. So now I am hooked on that and because of expense, he cuts back on the seasoning. Then they put less of a number of seasonings. So their place is no better than others now. I love Caribbean style oxtails!! So does everybody else I guess. They are cooking them fast and half the time they are burnt and dried out. Does not matter what place I go too it seems. Finally I hate the Jamaican places that they are turning in to a Bistro. They install a fancy bar, some music (live sometimes) and up the price of food and make the portions smaller. Would be nice if it was like a real Caribbean club in the islands but it turns out more to be soft jazz. Ok, I dun fussin’ 🙂
I no longer go to Caribbean restaurants as I am appalled by the lack of professionalism. Generally, the wait is extremely long, the full menu with prices is not displayed, and there is a lack of common courtesy. Don’t even think about asking for something different if you have food allergies.
I’d give my money to other establishments where the customer is king.
I no longer go to Caribbean restaurants as I am appalled by the lack of professionalism. Generally, the wait is extremely long, the full menu with prices is not displayed, and there is a lack of common courtesy. Don’t even think about asking for something different if you have food allergies.
I’d rather give my money to other establishments where the customer is king.
Rude, no appreciation-restaurant is over 40 min drive away and that’s one way not round trip, slow-1 person taking orders although there’s a long line but multiple people standing around,
I live in Philadelphia and most of the Caribbean restaurants are poorly kept the surrounding doesn’t make you want to sit
Attitude of workers are very poor and the food most of the time is just so disappointing hit or miss never consistent
I live in Philadelphia and although there are a few problems mentioned it’s not frequent. I am born and raised here and have had better experiences.
Most of the comments are correct as regards to service and lack of. However, I seldom find the food lacking in taste, always tasty, and enough. Service is the problem!
I live in Chicago , so I mostly get. Jerk chicken, curry goat , etc from one particular place with no problems, yes the wait might be a while, but that’s sweet Indian I guess. I am from Grenada. Keep up the good work Mr . Delarosa. 👍
The most irritating is the smug holier than thou attitude many of the cashiers (men & women but mostly women) have. You are literally being judged for buying food when the expectation is that you should be home cooking…They cut their eyes at you like how dare you, some mutter under their breath and glare at you. It’s like they forget the reason they are even working there…. HELLLLOOOO….You should be happy to get customers…our money is literally paying your salary! The irony is just unbelievable lol. You’re happy to support your own, but sometimes it’s just not worth the annoyance, especially when your patrionage is simply NOT appreciate. It’s not limited to one island/country either…the problem is quite literally the one unifying factor among all the restaurants. It’s this you should be grateful we are here and willing to serve you…um okay?
Another thing is the lackadasical attitude to just developing more business. Case in point: I’m in NYC and I work in the Wall Street area. Other than 1 or 2 food trucks that you have to hunt down by word of mouth, 1 Jamaican restaurant within a deli and one Cuban restaurant in the vicinity, there is really nothing to satisfy your cravings for West Indian food…There was a Golden Krust (yes, I’m naming them) that opened about 4 years ago (in a great highly trafficked location), booming business (lines out the door and down the block every day) from the large contingent of West Indians that work in the area and many new customers that were Caucasian and other nationalities. At first, things were great, then came the realization that the lines were not just because they were popular, but because they were slow as molasses. Talking amongst themselves, taking phone calls, limited staff, etc. Imagine they were so successful that people started begging them to open up early (instead of around 11a) to serve Breakfast (like other locations did) . I remember the owner stating in an overly loud voice….why should I get up out of my bed at 4a to come serve any of you?? Cackle cackle and my girl thought she was the funniest thing ever…Mind you, the Financial District/Wall Street area is open for many businesses and City agencies in the vicinity 24hrs a day. Many start their work shifts at 4a or 5a , so this DUNCE instead of taking advantage of the clamor from her customers ignored their requests. Slowly, business started to drop off for the superlong lines, ignoring customers etc., which was sad since This Golden Krust actually had a good cook and they literally had a virtual monopoly on West Indian food in the area. One day a sign was plastered on the front door stating they were raising prices because the rent was too high… Okay, you would think they’re going to start opening early and offer Breakfast….NUH UH. Same behavior….Within 5 months of the signage, they were gone. Golden Krust shut. You let a cash cow slip through your fingers because of your apathetic behavior. Why open up a business if you don’t want to work and generate money?? This laziness & slackness is something that festers throughout these restaurants and it has to stop. When the business shut down for the same reasons, they find everything to blame but themselves.
I have experienced all of the issues mentioned and give a new restaurant at least 3 vistes just to make sure it wasn’t just a bad day. After the third time if the issues continue I no longer give them my business. I live in Nashville and the one restaurant I cater to is very professional, clean and polite. I lived in the South Florida area most of my life and the one issue I had with a lot of restaurants were the people hanging out in front of the establishment like it was social gathering place instead of a place of business At times you could ride back by the same restaurant and see the same people still hanging out in front. It sad because it can be in a shopping center and no other business will have this. The comments listed is the reason I don’t cater to most Caribbean/African American businesses. Finding ones that know how to run a business with professionalism are hard to find but when I do I try to crate to them as much as I can.
Well here in London UK, Caribbean restaurants usually translate to Jamaican restaurants with availability of foods from the other islands completely lacking. I stopped visiting any of them for the following reasons:
• Poor customer service – no smile and nuff attitude
• Hygiene standards not always up to the level I expect – you walk in and can see remnants of prior customers meals still not cleaned up
• They don’t have the full component of menu items available
• Portion sizes can be ridiculously small
• Taste of meal disappointing leading to me thinking I should have just cooked it at home
I haven’t been to one in ages. A place advertised as a Caribbean restaurant turns out to be a bar with horrible bar food that doesn’t even quality as a gastropub. Sticky tables. Too loud music. Irritating drunks. I make my own, thank you.
Closing shop whenever they please so you can’t depend on stated hours is irritating but, the worst thing is that fair skinned people are treated like idiots, or tourists with never a thought that a fair-skinned person might have been born in the Caribbean and know as much about the cuisine as the condescending owner.
I hear a lot of customer talking about the shop being closed when it should open, if a shop closed at eight o’clock why would you turn up
at 5 to eight and expect to get great food and a full menu, most customer especial the west Indian customer walk into your shop with
this thing customer is always right that is something that we pick from the other people when it should be respect shown to one and
other like we were bought up on
I love the Asian Buffet in Trincity Mall. A bit pricey but the food is always good!
I live Birmingham, UK. I’ve experienced most of the list. The most irritating aspect is the rudeness & attitude that they are doing you a favour by serving you.
It’s really off putting
I go to Radhica’s Caribbean Restaurant in Mississauga at least three times a month since they opened.
There are copies of a local Caribbean newspaper available there. Since the time they opened and up to now there is an ad in that paper that advertises their daily specials. The specials are never what they advertise in store. Example: Tuesday and Thursday special for $4.99
for goat or chicken roti advertise in the paper but the in-store special $7.49 but for fried rice and chicken.
After seeing this discrepancy for months I decided to enquire about this. The answer was an abrupt ‘dat is an old ad’.
I wonder how long they will allow the ad to run and deceive customers who come in because of, and expecting to, be able to get their advertised specials.
I love Trini food. My mother and her family are from there. I noticed there isn’t many Trini restaurants. I love doubles and a few other foods that I realize only Trini’s do. I’ve been to Jamaican restaurants which are nice, but I miss Trini food.
Such a shame that all of the comments and complaints are similar for these restaurants outside of the Islands.
They seem to be on “Island Time”, yet in my experience when you go the restaurants that are actually on these caribbean Islands, you get fast service and friendliness.
Sweet Mango in Washington, DC, used to be just like that. I honestly believe it’s because some of the staff refuse to be excellent. Also, the staff knows that no other competition exists.
Furthermore, what I know about Caribbean dishes and the fond memories have grown through friendships made. So, once I know how a dish is suppose to taste, and it’s off, I hold the staff/cook accountable. My demand for excellence when we, as a people, put forth effort is exponential. We must be the standard, that sets the standard.
Having to live in the Caribbean, and read these comments …it’s shameful for one thing, but fortunately for me I have not experienced poor service at any of the restaurants / islands I visited . In one instance I remember having to wait a little too long to be served, but even then the service was exceptional.
I do agree that service is everything, particularly when serving food. Consistency in taste is also vital.
Come on my Caribbean people wake up and improve yourself!
I love the food at Island Taste in Rosedale, Queens first and second time service was ok the 3rd time service was horrible waited at the door for 30 minutes no greeting..like it was a bother for us to be there music too loud to even talk…I love supporting black bussiness..however I don’t pay good money earned for horrible service
My friend and I felt like eating Jamaican food one night from Silver Cross a Jamaican Restaurant . He started to order and the worker said wha happen you cant say good night. He said good night and then she proceeded to get his order. That is just rude and I would have walked out with my money
I live in Philadelphia and although there are a few problems mentioned it’s not frequent. I am born and raised here and have had better experiences.
I live in NY . I’ve stopped patronizing restaurants that provide poor service. It’s a shame much of the complaints shared here happen in small local businesses. The angry depressed rude faces is displaced arrogance. The small portions and high prices are turnoff. . What I detest most is when the server dips the spoon into the pot, then shakes the spoon. What’s left is the bone. Rice with a scattering of peas, what is that. How they stay in business I don’t know. I would rather patronize my community but they leave me no choice. A smile deserves a smile!
I am sorry to say there are very Caribbean restaurants where I live. Sometimes someone opens shop and decide they are caribbean chefs. I may go and try it a few times but one can only imagine what part of the Caribbean they come from because it certainly doesn’t come close to the food I grew up with., and please do not hire someone who had never been there or even knows where the Caribbean is located.
This isn’t limited to Caribbean restaurants outside the West Indies. It’s the scourge of most Caribbean establishments, whether they be hotels, restaurants, store, government offices or what have you. A dull glare when you approach the counter and a big fat steups if you dare ask any questions. Tobagonians are the worst. They are literally allergic to work. Show up at 9:30 for their 8:00 to 4:00 job, then take lunch at 11:30, but they have to go the bank and the mall at lunch so they are back at 2:00 pm and then of course, have to pick up the kids at school at 3:00 pm. So 3 hours at their desk, which they spend on social media or playing computer games.