REVIEW: Raggas Caribbean Cafe / Bar Bold Street, Liverpool
On a wet and dreary Wednesday evening it was with eagerness and hungry bellies that we made a voyage to the latest eatery to join the Raggas empire situated in a prestigious location on Bold Street. Over the years I have watched Raggas grow and expand and have been a frequent visitor to its Smithdown Lane and Lark Lane takeaways. I've always particularly loved the food and ambience of Smithdown Road and viewed it as a haven that takes me back to my mothers kitchen. Being of Jamaican descent and having a palate seasoned in the culinary delights from the Caribbean, Raggas has always been a happy place for me especially as my mum who is more of an expert in cooking lives some two hours away. I think nothing of making the 40 minute journey across the Mersey to get my Raggas fix. In view of my affinity with the brand, I was intrigued to check out the new establishment and was hoping that it was in keeping with the Raggas that I know and love.
We were greeted warmly by Miles and shown to our seats. Curtis - a partner in the business took our orders and was very attentive. The cafe / bar consists of a long benched seating area which runs along the length of the premises and another elevated area which consists of some round tables and additional padded bench like seating. The reggae music that played in the background was perfect for creating the atmosphere in keeping with the Jamaican roots of the place. If you closed your eyes, you could easily be transported to the sunny climes of the Caribbean. It was positively mood altering. The music was neither too loud or overbearing. It was conducive to allowing a catch up between friends without the need for shouting.
 |
| Photo credit - Liverpool Echo |
We were greeted warmly by Miles and shown to our seats. Curtis - a partner in the business took our orders and was very attentive. The cafe / bar consists of a long benched seating area which runs along the length of the premises and another elevated area which consists of some round tables and additional padded bench like seating. The reggae music that played in the background was perfect for creating the atmosphere in keeping with the Jamaican roots of the place. If you closed your eyes, you could easily be transported to the sunny climes of the Caribbean. It was positively mood altering. The music was neither too loud or overbearing. It was conducive to allowing a catch up between friends without the need for shouting.
 |
| Wine n' Grind Wednesday |
 |
| Big Tings menu - Part 1 |
Wednesdays are "Wine n' Grind Wednesdays" which means that for £15.95 you can order 2 courses and have a bottle of house wine per person. Alas, we did not avail ourselves of the offer due to driving but I think this would be a great deal to make the most of in the future. My party consisted of me, my 12 year old daughter and our friend John. In view of our hunger, we decided to order from the "Big Tings" menu as opposed to the "Quick Tings" lighter options.
The menu is perfectly balanced and reflects well the main dishes so characteristic of authentic Caribbean cuisine. You get a choice of Tilapia fish, vegetable curry, brown stew chops, West Indian style curry chicken, Jamaican Jerk chicken, Curry goat, ackee n' saltfish and brown stew chicken. Various accompaniments are on offer too including rice and peas, sweet potato mash, coconut rice, coleslaw, steamed veg, festivals, plantain and fried dumplings.
I love the use of Jamaican patois - (Jamaican dialect) on the menu. Big tings being the larger meal options and you guessed it Quick tings being the lighter bites. We ordered different items off the menu and ignored all etiquette and shared off each others plates. I ordered ackee n' saltfish which is undoubtedly my all time favourite Jamaican dish. It is like chicken soup to the soul for me. I am a harsh critic when it comes to the dish and was hoping that the chef would not skimp on the saltfish. To my relief the chef was magnanimous with the fish and the ackee (an unusual yellow fruit) was cooked to perfection.
My daughter order the curry goat and John ordered the brown stew mutton chops.Unlike at the takeaways, the goat is served off the bone. It was succulent, rich in flavour and the serving was generous. The crockery was brightly coloured and in keeping with the decor of the restaurant. The theme of the sunny Caribbean flows beautifully throughout the venue.
The brown stew chops were delightful, The meat fell off the bone and the stew was jam packed with flavour. My friend John struggled to finish the generous serving.
Raggas also offer a full breakfast of the English, American and Caribbean variety.They have traversed the day to evening location quite brilliantly. If you want to pop in for a light bight or a larger meal it caters to your needs quite adequately. Raggas is owned by brothers Gareth and Verdain Griffin. It's a true family affair.
"Big tings a gwan" for Raggas in other words, life changing events are on the horizon for the founders of Raggas. Watch this space as the family of entrepreneurs and chefs aspire to world domination whilst educating about the delights of Caribbean cuisine along the way. The integrity of the brand has not been compromised with the Bold street cafe / bar and Caribbean food is now readily accessible to visitors to the city. For a veritable serving of sunshine and quality food, book a table or pop into Raggas today. It is more than just food, it is an uplifting experience.
Like Raggas on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter
Visit their website
Telephone: 0151 708 0482
Bold Street, Liverpool, L1
 |
| Big Tings menu - part 2 |
 |
| Raggas menu |
 |
| Ackee n' Saltfish with rice and peas and plantain |
 |
| Curry Goat served with rice and peas. Side order of fried dumplings. |
My daughter order the curry goat and John ordered the brown stew mutton chops.Unlike at the takeaways, the goat is served off the bone. It was succulent, rich in flavour and the serving was generous. The crockery was brightly coloured and in keeping with the decor of the restaurant. The theme of the sunny Caribbean flows beautifully throughout the venue.
 |
| Brown stew mutton chops |
Raggas also offer a full breakfast of the English, American and Caribbean variety.They have traversed the day to evening location quite brilliantly. If you want to pop in for a light bight or a larger meal it caters to your needs quite adequately. Raggas is owned by brothers Gareth and Verdain Griffin. It's a true family affair.
"Big tings a gwan" for Raggas in other words, life changing events are on the horizon for the founders of Raggas. Watch this space as the family of entrepreneurs and chefs aspire to world domination whilst educating about the delights of Caribbean cuisine along the way. The integrity of the brand has not been compromised with the Bold street cafe / bar and Caribbean food is now readily accessible to visitors to the city. For a veritable serving of sunshine and quality food, book a table or pop into Raggas today. It is more than just food, it is an uplifting experience.
Like Raggas on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter
Visit their website
Telephone: 0151 708 0482
Bold Street, Liverpool, L1
Comments
Post a Comment