Brian Lara Rum Eatery

Saturday, August 26th, 2017

Reviewed by Joash Narainsamy

Right off the mark, you're hit by the cool kitschness of the Caribbean accoutrements. The pineapple motif is fabulously overstated! Brian Lara Rum Eatery is one part bar one part eatery, we were there for the eatery part. Their food is bold and flavourful. Welcome snacks on the table were curled strips of short pastry fried and dusted in a subtle but ridiculously moreish spice. They're served with a pineapple salsa, and depending on which side of the pineapple spectrum you fall on, you'll either love it or hate it. I've never had jerk chicken before so I don't know what it should taste like, but this was delish! Spicy notes of chilli and cloves hit your senses and linger on your lips. None of their dishes come with sides, so I chose to pair my jerk with fritters. The fritters were good, a tad too floury, but they came with a chunky salsa that made up for the cakiness. My partner had the seafood curry brimming with prawns and cod (just a little overcooked). The curry though was creamy with a hint of Indian and Thai flavours that married well together. A friend had an epic looking beef burger, don't know what it tasted like, but if it tasted as good as it looked, it'd be a winner! The cocktails at Brian Lara pack a punch, the free rum shots were a great touch too. All in all, fun was had! Service is excellent and the vibe is great.