Jamaican Me Crazy at Vital Dining in Montclair

February 25, 2017 newjerseyisntboring

It’s not a secret that I will eat pretty much anything. Since I started New Jersey Isn’t Boring I’ve been exposed to food that I would have never thought to eat, and that’s a great thing. However, I had never been to a Jamaican restaurant (despite a love of jerk chicken). That’s why my trip to Vital, a Jamaican restaurant in downtown Montclair was so special.

To start our meal at Vital, we decided to get two of their signature juices. Vital also serves as an amazing juice bar, making freshly pressed juice, smoothies, elixirs, and signature drinks. We decided to get a Vital Lemonade (lemonade, basil, and pineapple) and a Pina Colada (a hibiscus iced tea). The juices are served in cute mason jars and they are DELICIOUS.

We started our meal with a few appetizers. Our first appetizer, the vital hummus, is something that should not be missed. It’s not your typical chick pea hummus, it’s actually made with black eyed peas, and it’s served with plantain chips. It’s incredible, and I found myself almost licking the bottom of the bowl. It’s also a vegan and gluten free option.

Another vegan and gluten free option is their stuffed avocado, a fresh avocado stuffed with arugula, almonds, pico de gallo, and house vinaigrette. Not only it is delicious, but the presentation is beautiful.

Rounding out our appetizers, is the Jerk Shrimp which is served with traditional Jamaican johnnycakes and a mango salsa. Beware that the jerk sauce is not for the faint of heart. It is hot and spicy…and should be eaten carefully. That’s why they only drizzle a little bit on your food!

For entrees I decided to go with something on their specials list, a curry lobster served with red kale and quinoa. As a big seafood fan, I loved that the lobster was served OUT of the shell and paired well with the quinoa and kale. It was delicious, light, and filling. It is the best thing I’ve eaten so far this year.

My husband got the Escovitched Fish, which is an entire fried whole snapper. For those who cannot handle spicy, this is definitely a meal for you. I was also impressed that my picky eater husband actually ate the whole thing. That’s how you know it’s good!

Despite being stuffed, I could not pass off the dessert which was being offered…a pistachio cheesecake. It was SO good. They also have vegan desserts to offer like their ice cream sandwich and their chocolate mousse.