Caribbean Experience

With a multitude of '''Taste of Buffalo''' awards under its belt and a strong claim on the title of best Jamaican food in town, the "experience" here is astoundingly good, if a bit strange at first. The odd way the restaurant is set up is usually the first impression for first-time visitors to Caribbean Experience: the front room is a handsome if usually empty bar with a pool table, and the counter where you order your food is in the back (ring the buzzer in front to get the owner's attention). In between is a large dining room, sparsely but pleasantly decorated with Jamaican flags adorning the dark wood panelling of the walls. The food served here earns no points for innovation — Caribbean Experience's menu sticks to the standards, but does so with aplomb. The jerk chicken is flavored perfectly, not overpowering in its spiciness but with a meaty, somewhat smoky aroma and none of the sweetness that occasionally pops up at places like '''Curly's''' or the recently closed '''Mangoz''', and the culinary excellence carries over to the other selections as well: curry goat, brown stew chicken, oxtail, escoveitch fish, and a few others. Authenticity is the rule, and portion sizes are huge especially considering the prices. All meals are served with fried plantains, red beans and rice (they'll cover it with delicious, spicy jerk gravy if you want — highly recommended), and steamed cabbage; all your favorite island beverages are offered as well, from ginger beer to Irish moss to rum punch.