Indulge in the JaMexican Festivities

A traditional Jamaican Christmas involves so much, from decorations and gifts to family gatherings and lots of drinking. A big dinner is one of the things we can expect for the season, but what do you do when it’s time for lunch? It’s such a busy time of year that we often forget (or choose not) to fuel our bodies in the middle of the day. I know I have been guilty of what I like to call “the Christmas fast”. This very thing happened to me recently, and so I decided to satisfy my hunger and swing by Chilitos to check out their seasonal menu.

Chilitos serves a fusion of Jamaican and Mexican dishes, giving us the best of both worlds on our plates and on our taste buds. This restaurant has been located on Hope Road for more than a decade and is a well-known social spot for Kingston’s young people. There is always a mixed crowd inside, and the menu is often tailored for certain times of the year, including Easter, Christmas, and, of course, the famous Cinco de Mayo!

This year, the Christmas menu introduced items such as the JaMex’Mas Sorrel Bomb, which is local Red Stripe sorrel beer poured into a glass and served with a shot of tequila to be dropped inside; the sorrel maragarita, which is a Jamaican spin on the traditional Mexican drink, and, last but not least, chicharrón tacos! Chicharrón tacos are usually made with deep-fried pork belly or pork rinds, and Chilitos has definitely put its stamp on it with the addition of a sweet-and-spicy coleslaw and sorrel salsa. The tacos are served in your choice of crunchy or soft shells, and the fusion of flavours is nothing short of amazing. The sweetness of the sorrel combined with the hint of spice in the coleslaw and the texture of the shells makes it a match made in taco heaven. The sorrel margarita is as refreshing as it is ‘turnt’, and the JaMex’Mas bomb is not for the faint of heart. It’s safe to say that Chilitos has come right out this Christmas! Everything is delicious.

Ordering is not limited to the Christmas additions; the daily menu has great items as well. Chimichangas and the Nacho Supreme deserve their spot in heaven, burritos and salad bowls give great variety, and you can choose salsa that has just the right amount of kick to give your food some added flavour. There’s also a fully stocked bar on location for those who are of the legal drinking age and care to indulge while they eat. If you’re in the mood for something quick and tasty this Christmas, check out Chilitos JaMexican food at 88 Hope Road. Special days are Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and Burrito Fridays. View the full menu on their Instagram page, @chilitosjamexican.

Adiós until we eat again, and remember, the answer to food is always yes.