The small
transformed South Laguna cottage has a laid back vibe and pungent aromas of cumin,
curry and garlic permeated the air. It
is hard to fathom only weeks ago Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen in South Laguna was closed
due to an early morning fire in the storage area. The temporary hindrance forced Chef/Owner Eva
Madray to prep ingredients, blend spices and mix marinades from her
home.
The
Caribbean décor of bright orange ceiling rafters, pale green walls and
whimsical wall mounted face masks set the tone for an enchanting evening of succulent
Cajun jumbo white prawns, Aubergine Choka and soothing spirits. I observed as several large groups of thirty
something hipsters appeared to compete for Eva’s attention and engaging personality.
Eva - from a
large cooking family in Ghana – acquired ownership of the restaurant approximately
11 years ago when locals knew the place as Drew’s Caribbean Kitchen. In conjunction with local South Laguna
resident and eight year employee, Melanie Stablein, the two operate this
neighborhood gem where lovers of the exotic elixir may enjoy over one hundred
world class rums.
My special
rum punch of the evening was handmade earlier in the day by Eva. A tumbler of organic citrus juices, spices
and rum was served with a thick mango slice stir stick. The stealth like libation quietly permeated my
senses with a smooth, yet powerful, strike.
Shortly after, Eva kindly offered me a shot glass full of creamy, rich
rum from Ghana. The milky rum infusion
was a nice alternative to typical clear rums served in most bars and
restaurants.
While most
every seat in the restaurant was full, I dined solo at a corner table. Eva and Melanie kindly took turns checking on
me and brought me samples of various rums to taste. The stellar service had me feeling as if I
were the only patron in the place.
For lovers of
capsaicin I recommend the organic Jadori Jerk Chicken. Marinated for two days in house made jerk
sauce, grilled and finished off in the oven the result is moist chicken
swimming in spicy-hot jerk sauce with Scoville units off the charts. Eva has managed to perfect the technique of properly
cooking poultry – my chicken was evenly cooked throughout. Daily menu items include
Jerk salmon, jerk pork loin and jerk steak. Clam, lobster and tomato are the base for Callaloo
Soup with ribbons of spinach, okra and coconut milk from Trinidad making up the
flavorful broth.
After
telling Melanie that evening was my first time dining at Eva’s, she kindly
served me a complimentary dessert and aperitif.
My coconut crème brulee had a wafer thin caramelized crust and strands
of tender coconut throughout the rich custard. With my spoon I gently tapped the top of my
dessert cracking through to a heavy tropical coconut crème beneath.
My future
trips to Eva’s will include tasting conch fritters and sampling flights of exotic
rums. I sipped Zaya rum from Trinida and
realized not even a destructive fire could shut down a beloved neighborhood
restaurant where locals and tourists alike may dine on the best Caribbean food
around while sipping rums from all around the world.
Closed
Mondays; outdoor courtyard dining
Beer, wine
& lots of rum
