Flavors of Jamaica
Jamaican restaurant · Pontiac ·
Authentic Jamaican eatery with flavorful jerk chicken, curry goat
Authentic Jamaican eatery with flavorful jerk chicken, curry goat
"I picked up Jamaican dishes from Chef Reniel Billups’ carryout operation that opened amid the pandemic and limited in-store entry to four customers at a time." - Brenna Houck
"For Week Three’s Caribbean offerings, I saw Flavors of Jamaica prepare an Ital stew over rice and beans with sweet fried plantains, using products sourced from local Black producers such as Deeply Rooted Produce and Uncorked Spices." - Monica Williams
"I observed chef Reniel Billups open her new Pontiac restaurant, Flavors of Jamaica, and despite initial fears the community came out to support a steady increase in daily carryout sales during its limited first week; still, she chose to close on March 29 until the executive order lifts because safety and responsibility to the public and staff mattered more than making money. During service she asked customers to call in for curbside pickup and posted a menu and instructions on the entrance, but many people didn’t read and wandered inside, requiring staff to guide them back; staff and customers were also unsettled by masks and employees worried about commuting by public transit. Billups said closing temporarily felt like the responsible choice, that she hopes the restaurant will return soon, and expressed gratitude for the community’s understanding." - Brenna Houck
"Reniel Billups was just weeks away from her restaurant’s grand opening. After three years of planning and eight months of construction, Flavors of Jamaica was scheduled to debut on April 4. Then, the novel coronavirus happened." - Brenna Houck
"Opening April 4, this new casual sit-down restaurant from pop-up and catering outfit Irie Occasions will serve classic Jamaican fare from chef Reniel Billups, with highlights such as curry goat, oxtails, and jerk chicken." - Brenna Houck
