A Review of ‘Dat Jerk Caribbean Chargrill’
“The food always fresh Man, with no MSG. Scene?” That is how Mr. Fray would say it, with the lilting cadence of a patois at times.
The philosophy of ‘Dat Jerk’ is simply to provide a tasty alternative to the large batch recycling of frozen foods, which many of us daily consume; instead focusing on cooking fresh food daily, in small batches, and, serving meals in an atmosphere of being at home.
Food is prepared from scratch. One is ushered into the Chargrill, where signs beckon, DAT JERK acronyms are explained, servers smile pleasantly and welcome you to a family setting, while music with a Caribbean flavor soothes your expectations (savage or otherwise).
So you start with something to drink. Stubborn Flavor Drinks, with no high Fructose corn syrup, just 100% certified cane sugar. What about the fresh juices? Mr. Fray explains that it soon come.
The patties are tasty, not too hard but not too soft. There are no chicken patties, and there is a crusty reason for that. The jerk chicken is flavorful, but mild, and if you love heat, try the Rude Boy sauce. The Scotch Bonnet pepper is potently present. However, for the less adventurous, there is The Yum Yum, and the Sweet Heat, all with wicked flavors which titivate the palate.
Family traditions abound in the approaches which Mr. and Ms. Fray use to organize and run this restaurant. Customer Service and Hospitality is blended with the urge to create authentic tastes which can appeal to an international audience, but still retain a consistent Caribbean orientation. Mr. Fray says that it took him four years to develop the recipe for his Jerk Sauce. He finally was able to approximate the taste which he remembered as a young boy in Jamaica. Who said that you cannot go home again?
Speaking of home, Mr. Fray insists that his wife, sisters and supporters all be mentioned as the glue which holds ‘Dat Jerk’ together. It’s not just business. It’s a Family Business which has to be reflected in the service. Sister Patricia is involved in helping to tweak the recipes, so that you are left satisfied that ‘the food really have taste.’ She also has a background in Hospitality Management and has been a part of every aspect of the development of the idea of establishing the business.
Mr. Fray can be seen on the frontline at times asking his customers about their dining experience, and even soliciting suggestions for how improvements can be made. Another sister, Rosie, is behind the scene, but don’t mess with the family if you don’t want to see her.
Well, we can’t forget Ms. Angela, the wife, the Sauce in the Source. Mr. Fray speaks with obvious pride about his bridge over the river of living and her patience and tolerance in ‘not being intimidated by his occasional stupidity.’
You have to see it to believe it. Clean, bright, entertaining, appropriate for fast- casual dining. The setting is an oasis of Tropical ambience with plans to expand in some exciting ways.
Take a trip to 2716 Crain Highway in Waldorf, Md. Surprise the family, or just yourself and your palate. Cool? Later!
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Review by Hollis Lashley
Author of , Gifts From the Heart & Children of the Clouds