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Caribbean / Jamaican - The Reef Restaurant Caribbean Restaurant(3012 total words in this text) (1598 Reads) 
The Reef Restaurant Caribbean Restaurant (Caribbean, Jamaican)
- 2008 Review by "Party Diva" of SMiLES+FLiRTS Singles Entertainment Co.
VANCOUVER:
NEW! OPENING MARCH 2008!
1018 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
T) 604.568.JERK
4172 Main, Vancouver
T) 604.874.JERK
F) 604.874.ROTI
Hours:
Sun-Wed 11am-Midnight
Thur-Sat 11am-1am
BRUNCH Sat & Sun 11am-3pm
VICTORIA:
533 Yates Street, Victoria
T) 250.388.JERK
F) 250.472.ROTI
Hours:
Sun-Wed 11am-Midnight
Thur-Sat 11am-1am
BRUNCH Sat & Sun 11am-3pm
Web Site: http://www.thereefrestaurant.com
Dine out at The Reef for their Caribbean influenced cuisine available all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or come chill out for drinks at the bar with a couple small tings. This medium sized restaurant is located on Antique Block of Main Street and is one of the places not to be missed. Known for their very laid back atmosphere and eclectic décor. You will find the walls decorated with works from local artists. If you are a little cold, sit by the fireplace for a table for two. With the laid back ambience, come dressed as you are or a little dressed up for casual dining while enjoying the good mix of reggae, Caribbean, and Latin music. Just being at the Reef, you feel like you've been taken to a new place without leaving the comforts of home!
This restaurant sits about 50 people so it is perfect for small groups or couples. In addition to table seating, you can have your own space to yourselves by sitting at a booth located at the back. This is perfect for conversations. You will find this restaurant very dimly lit after the sunset. A little darker than most venues but it adds an air of intimacy. And of course, everyone looks good in candlelight!
With a full bar, expect nothing but rum as the preferred choice of poison server. Their drink menu feature varieties straight up, lightened up with soda/juice or mixed up in a cocktail concoction. Or have the usual domestic beer, wine or other spirits (be sure in inquire with your server for availability).
Drinks are an order! So we enjoyed the Dark ‘n Stormy (Bermuda – dark rum, the Reef’s homemade ginger beer, soda and lime), Mo- Gingajito (Mojito’s big bro - white rum, ginger beer, fresh mint, lime, simple syrup, ginger ale) and B’nannas Smoothie (Barbados – blended dark rum, coconut rum, pineapple, and fresh banana) all decorated with colourful umbrellas and fruit garnish. Some of the popular drinks are available in pitcher sizes if you are inclined to sharing. All Mojitos are made fresh where fresh mint leaves and slices of lime are crushed then mixed with Cuba white rum, simple syrup, and soda as orders are placed.
For starters, a plate of light and crispy fried plantain with jerk mayo for dipping. Then served really tasty Johnny hot cakes, deep fried dumplings while you wait for your entree to arrive. A great alternative to regular bread. Try The Reef's popular dishes - The Jamaican Jerk (choice of 1/4 chicken breast, pork tenderloin, wild salmon or tofu served with rice’n peas and ‘slaw) or the Ackee and Salt Fish (Jamaica’s national dish of ackee fruit, salt cod, onion, tomato and peppers with rice’n peas and ‘slaw). The dishes are very filling leaving you satisfied. Since we were full, we didn't ordered dessert nor did we see any dessert menu but do ask for it in case you would like to end on a sweet note.
The service was very prompt and attentive as it seems the servers support each other in ensuring efficiency. We went on a Tuesday evening each time and the restaurant was just over 3/4 full. Be sure to check out their nightly specials either by looking at the board near the kitchen or ask your server.
Although not a formal setting or fine dining, the Reef is a comfortable eclectic restaurant if you want to try something out of the ordinary for unique mixture of flavors. If casual is your style then this is the place to dine at with your special date. Come out on Thursday nights for their music entertainment of live Dj for reggae music. This is a great way to start celebrating the start of the weekend.
Things to be aware of:
∑ This place can get noisy with the loudness of the music, so conversations can be a challenge since everyone in the restaurant is conversing in a loud voice. Suggest sitting at a booth or table towards the back where there are less people dining around you. It seems quieter in comparison.
∑ If you want to ensure you have a table, it is best to make a reservation. When we visited on a Tuesday evening, the restaurant was about 3/4 full and noticed that there were a few reservation signs on the tables. Noticed that there was a line-up on a Saturday evening, so if this is the case would suggest getting a reservation ahead of time or dine early or much later. Or dine out at the bar and chat with the bartender as he/she is mixing up the drinks.
∑ Plenty of meter parking along Main Street and some side streets (only in effect until 8pm). So remember to bring some change.
Who is “Party Diva" of SMiLES+FLiRTS?
Mon Sun Chan, is the “Party Diva” behind the scenes of SMiLES+FLiRTS Singles Entertainment
, a community of 30-55 years old established, intellectual singles. Experience a series of events planned with your best interest in mind. Meet singles like YOU for friendships and possibly more in a fun and casual atmosphere. Visit http://www.SmilesAndFlirts.com
or send us an Email!
Copyright 2008 - SMiLES+FLiRTS Singles Entertainment
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way with author credit information.
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The Reef Menu – Dated March 2008
(check with the restaurant for updated version as they may be subject to changes)
BRUNCH
Breakfast tings
- Paradise Beach – seasonal fruit salad drizzled with honey and yogurt
- Sam Lords Breakfast – traditional two egg breakfast with your choice of bacon, chorizo, jerk chicken sausage or veggie sausage served with hash browns and - toast
- The Wee Little Pirate – one scrambled egg, one strip bacon with hash browns and a really cool fish tank in the back to look at
- Island of Eggs – bowl of two poached eggs, cheddar, rice’n peas and salsa
- Huevas Rancheros – two sunny side eggs on a crispy corn tortilla with refried black beans, melted cheddar, fresh tomato salsa, sour cream and hash browns
- Jolly Roger Waffles – topped fresh fruit, chocolate fried banana, whip cream and maple syrup
- Mo’ Bay Frittata – three eggs with chorizo or veggie sausage, tomato, onion, cilantro, and cheddar cheese served with hash browns and toast
- Classic Benny – choice of grilled black forest ham or tomatoes on toasted English muffins topped with medium poached eggs and citrus hollandaise served with hash browns
- Jamaica Me Crabby – Caribbean saltcod and crab cakes on toasted English muffins topped with medium poached eggs and citrus hollandaise served with hash browns
- Jerk Salmon or Jerk Pork Benny – our signature jerked salmon or pork tenderloin on toasted English muffins topped with medium poached eggs and citrus hollandaise served with hash browns.
Mid Day Tings
- Plantain chips – with jerk mayo
- Kingston Quesadilla – jerk chicken stuffed in a flour tortilla with sweet peppers, cheddar cheese and refried bean, served with salsa and sour cream
- Ital Quesadilla – jerk tofu stuffed in a cheddar-jalapeno tortilla with sweet peppers, cheddar cheese and refried beans served with salsa and sour cream
Caribbean Special Tings
- West Indian Curries – served with white rice, coleslaw, mango chutney. Your choice of beef, goat, chicken and ital (vegetarian)
- Trini Roti – your choice of beef, goat, ital (vegetarian) with jerk tofu all wrapped in a flatbread seasoned with tumeric and cumin and served with coleslaw
- Ackee and Salt Fish – Jamaica’s national dish of ackee fruit, salt cod, onion, tomato and peppers with rice’n peas and coleslaw
- The Jamaican Jerk – Choice of 1/4 chicken breast, pork tenderloin, wild salmon or tofu served with rice’n peas and ‘slaw
- Calypso Oxtail – Savoury beef stew (bone in) with potato, carrots, and rice’n peas
Libations
- Passionfruit
- Greyhound
- Screwdriver
- Seashore Caesar
- The Good Day-O Smoothie
- Mango Green Tea Smoothie
- Bottomless Coffee or Tea
- Decaf Americano or Espresso
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Mocha Latte
- Chai Latte
LUNCH
Salad
- Exotic Greens – tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and pumpkin seeds with sweet ginger vinaigrette
- Chana – warm curried chickpea salad with West Indian flatbread, exotic green and dahi
- Reef Caesar – tomatillo and lime dressing, fried capers and shaved Grana Padano
- Grenada Salad – spinach, grape tomatoes, red onions, chevre and cassava with sugar cane vinaigrette
- For a little mo’ spice add jerk chicken tenders, jerk wild sockeye salmon or jerk tofu
- For a little mo’ flava add add mango chicken breast
Yummy Tings
- Jamaican Patty – beef or vegetable with pineapple tamarind chutney
- Plantain Chips – with jerk mayo
- Yardie Yam Fries – with jerk mayo
- JAH Dip – jalapeno, spinach, artichoke and cream cheese dip with fried tortillas
- Kingston Quesadilla – jerk chicken stuffed in a flour tortilla with cheddar cheese, bell peppers, refried beans, salsa, and sour cream
- Ital Quesadilla – jerk tofu stuffed in a jalapeno-cheddar tortilla with cheddar cheese, bell peppers, refried beans, salsa, and sour cream
Sandwiches
(served with your choice of plantain chips with jerk mayo or exotic greens)
- The Coco Bun – choice of jerk chicken, jerk pork or blackened snapper in a Jamaican sweet bun with coleslaw and sour cream
- The Caribbean Chicken Burger – grilled and marinated in mango and garlic, topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and jerk mayo in a coco bun
- The Jerks and Caicos – your choice of jerk chicken or jerk tofu wrapped in flour tortilla with cheddar cheese, tomato, mint salsa, lettuce and atomically Caesar salad
- The Tobago Rap – curry and lime marinated chicken wrapped in a flour tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and reef tartar
- Mo-Ca Lamb Burger – with blue cheese, red pepper jelly, jerk mayo, lettuce and tomato
Caribbean Special Tings
- West Indian Curries – served with white rice, coleslaw, mango chutney and dahi. Your choice of beef, goat, chicken and ital (vegetarian)
- Trini Roti – your choice of beef, goat, ital (vegetarian) with jerk tofu all wrapped in a flatbread seasoned with tumeric and cumin and served with coleslaw
- Ackee and Salt Fish – Jamaica’s national dish of ackee fruit, salt cod, onion, tomato and peppers with rice’n peas and coleslaw
- The Jamaican Jerk – Choice of 1/4 chicken breast, pork tenderloin, wild salmon or tofu served with rice’n peas and ‘slaw
Calypso Oxtail – Savoury beef stew (bone in) with potato, carrots, and rice’n peas
Breakfast (served until 3pm)
- Sam Lords Breakfast – traditional two eggs any style with your choice of bacon, chorizo, homemade jerk chicken sausage or veggie sausage served with hash browns and toast
- Mo-Boy Fittata – three eggs with chorizo or veggie sausage, tomato, onion, cilantro and cheddar cheese served with hash browns and toast
DINNER
Salad
- Exotic Greens – tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and pumpkin seeds with sweet ginger vinaigrette
- Chana – warm curried chickpea salad with West Indian flatbread, exotic green and dahi
- Reef Caesar – tomatillo and lime dressing, fried capers and shaved Grana Padano
- Grenada Salad – spinach, grape tomatoes, red onions, chevre and cassava with sugar cane vinaigrette
- For a little mo’ spice add jerk chicken tenders, jerk wild sockeye salmon or jerk tofu
- For a little mo’ flava add add mango chicken breast
Small Tings
- Jamaican Patty – beef or vegetable with pineapple tamarind chutney
- Plantain Chips – with jerk mayo
- Yardie Yam Fries – with jerk mayo
- Jerked Wings – baked not fried
- North Coast Jerk Chicken Tenders – homemade jerk sauce with boneless tenders
- JAH Dip – jalapeno, spinach, artichoke and cream cheese dip with fried tortillas
- Caribbean Calamari – chili and lime dusted with cooling cilantro yogurt
- Coco Prawns – rolled in coconut shreds with sweet soy dip
- Oistin’s Flying Fish – delicacy of Barbados; gently fried in Bajan spices with reef tartar
- Kingston Quesadilla – jerk chicken stuffed in a flour tortilla with cheddar cheese, bell peppers, refrijtos alongside fresh tomato salsa, and sour cream
- Ital Quesadilla – jerk tofu stuffed in a jalapeno-cheddar tortilla with cheddar cheese, bell peppers, refrijtos alongside fresh tomato salsa, and sour cream
Caribbean Special Tings
- West Indian Curries – served with white rice, coleslaw, mango chutney and dahi. Your choice of beef, goat, chicken and ital (vegetarian)
- Trini Roti – your choice of beef, goat, ital (vegetarian) with jerk tofu all wrapped in a flatbread seasoned with tumeric and cumin and served with coleslaw
- Ackee and Salt Fish – Jamaica’s national dish of ackee fruit, salt cod, onion, tomato and peppers with rice’n peas and ‘slaw
- The Jamaican Jerk – Choice of 1/4 chicken breast, pork tenderloin, wild salmon or tofu served with rice’n peas and ‘slaw
- Calypso Oxtail – Savoury beef stew (bone in) with potato, carrots, and rice’n peas
Big Tings
- Mo-Ca Lamb Burger – with blue cheese, red pepper jelly, jerk mayo, lettuce and tomato
- Bonaire Snapper – pan seared in tomato and mango reduction with rice’n peas and slaw
- Maracas Bay Mahi Mahi – curry and lime pan seared fillet topped with a cooling jicama and apple slaw served with coconut rice and seasonal vegetables
- Bajan Fried Chicken – as good as it sounds! With macaroni pie, gravy and slaw
- Island Thyme Chicken – coconut milk marinated quarter chicken, slow cooked in Jamaican thyme with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables
- Sancocho – traditional Dominican tomato stew of chicken, chorizo, yams and vegetables with white rice
- St. Bart’s Lamb Shank – braised in a rich red coconut curry with mashed potatoes and vegetables
- Stiki Tiki Ribs – slow cooked pork ribs glazed and finished with a pineapple and honey bbq sauce, served with mashed potatoes and slaw
DRINKS
House wine – Peller Estate Cab/Merlot and Pinot Grigio
Red Wine
- Mount Boucherie Gumay Noir BC
- Dancing Bull Zinfandel California
- Peter Lehman Shriaz Australia
- Golden Mile “Road 13” Cab Franc/Merlot/Pinot Noir BC
- Sandhill Cab/Mer BC
White Wine
- Simonsig Chenin Blanc South Africa
- Red Rooster Reisling BC
- Smoking Loon Viognier California
- Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc BC
- Phaffenheim Gewurztraminer France
- Henkell Troken Piccollo Sparkling
Bottled Beer
- Sleeman Honey Brown Lager BC
- Da Equis XX Special Lager Mexico
- Brahma Brazil
- Carib Trinidad and Tabago
- Stella Artois Belguim
- Heineken Holland
- Newcastle Brown England
- Red Stripe Jamaica
- Dragon Stout Jamaica (exclusive to the Reef)
- Strongbow Apple Cider England
- Guiness Pub Draught Can Ireland
- Warsteiner Fresh De-alcohlised
- Buckets of Carib (3) Good patio thinkin’
- Buckets of Red Stripe (3) stubby it up!
Draught Beer
- Shaftesbury 420 Lager
- R&B Dark Star Oatmeal Stout
- Lighthouse Race Rocks Amber Ale
- R&B Red Deveil Pale Ale
Non-Alcohlic Caribbean Drinks
- Ting - carbonated Grapefruit
- Tiger/malta - thick sweet and nutty
- Pellegrino – sparkling water
- Caribbean juiced – soursop, guava and passionfruit
- Kola Champagne – Jamaican cream soda
- Homemade Ginger Beer – steeped ginger beer and sugar
- Homemade Sorrel – hibiscus and soda
- Virgin Island – look at our cocktail list
A Reef Guide to Enjoying Caribbean Rums
(Mixin’ Rums Enjoy with a splash of Cola Soda or Gingerale)
- Appleton V/X amber Jamaica
- Mount Gay amber Barbados
- Cruzan amber St. Croix
- Cockspur amber Barbados
- Lemonhart dark Guyana
- Screech dark Jamaica/New Foundland
- Young’s Old Sam dark Guyana
- Pusser’s British Navy dark B.V.I.
- Bacardi 151 Overproof amber Jamaica
- J. Wray and Nephew Overproof white Jamaica
- Appleton 151 Overproof dark Jamaica
- Brugal dark DR
Cocktail Rums…nice with juice or pop
- Sailor Jerry Spiced Virgin Is.
- Havana Club Reserva amber Cuba
- Gasling’s Black Seal dark Bermuda
- Flor De Cana 5 yr amber DR
- English Harbour amber Antiqua
- Ron matusalem 10yr amber DR
- Appleton Reserva amber Jamaica
- Appleton Extra amber Jamaica
- Cruzan Single Barrel amber St. Croix
- Mount Gay Extra amber Barbados
- Flor De Cana 7 yr amber DR
- Barbancourt 8 yr dark Haiti
Sippin’ Rums…ice or straight
- Ron Matusalem 15 yr Reserva amber DR
- El Dorado 12 yr amber Guyana
- Ron Pampero Aniversario amber Venezuela
- El dorado 15 yr amber Guyana
- Barbancourt 15 yr dark Haiti
- Appleton 18 yr amber Jamaica
- Old Jamaica amber Jamaica
- Old Barbados amber Barbados
- Old Trinidad amber Trinidad
- Pusser’s “Nelson’s Blood” dark B.V.I.
- Murray McDavid amber Guyana
- Pyrat 15 yr amber
Island Cocktails – available by the pitcher as well
- Reef Rum Punch (Anguilla) - dark rum, triple sec, cranberry, O.J., mango, pineapple and grenadine
- ABC Mango Cocktail (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) - amber rum, blue curacao, lime, mango slush
- Lo Rider Sangria red wine and fruit juice cocktail – just like the Laines used to make’em
- The Goombay Smash Bahamas - coconut rum, amber rum, pineapple juice and apricot brandy
- Dark ‘n Stormy – Bermuda – dark rum, the Reef’s homemade ginger beer, soda and lime
- B’nannas Smoothie Barbados - dark rum, coconut rum, pineapple, fresh banana
- Pina Colada Puerto Rico - coconut rum, pineapple, coconut milk
- Caipirinha Brazil - national libation of muddled lime ice cacacha (rum) and simple syrup
- Ipanema Caipirinha Brazil - this girl adds a little passion(fruit) to her Caipirinha
- Mojito - Cuba white rum, fresh mint, lime, simple syrup, and soda
- Mo- Gingajito (Mojito’s big bro) - white rum, ginger beer, fresh mint, lime, simple syrup, gingerale
- Mo-Jita (Mojito’s little sista’) - raspberry white rum, fresh mint, lime, simple syrup, and soda
- Mr. Gee’s Rude Boy Barbados - three ounces of dark rum, triple sec, coconut rum, o.j., grapefruit, pineapple, angustura bitters, nutmeg served in a coconut shell
- The Original “Get Juiced” Punch Jamaica - three ounces of J. Wray overproof rum, dark rum, white rum, and tropical juices served in a coconut shell
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