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Z-Bar |
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As a person entertaining the notion he
has discerning taste as regards to quality cuisine, I have long bemoaned the
fact that it is hard to locate an establishment-serving top of the range
Caribbean food in London. I’m not alone in my quest. Other similarly
concerned people have asked this question, and to date none of us can
identify precisely why it is so difficult to locate such eating-places in
the capital. How delightful, therefore, finally to find a restaurant and bar
more than fulfilling the promise of scrumptious food in a very animated
ambience. The Z Bar, on Acre Lane, Brixton, is a buzzing, vibrant eatery, custom-made for my requirements, and it may be for yours too. Admittedly, my primary interest was the food, though the music and general backdrop certainly allowed me to savour their wares in comfort. Beyond the long bar space is a restaurant area Known as Café Jam. Perusing the menu, what startled me was how intriguing and imaginative it appeared to be. I tucked into the food with
confidence and was not disappointed, starting with the surreally named
Finger and Lick Up Prawns. And what a delectably dark, spicy sauce dish this
turned out to have. My gastronomical juices whetted, I
couldn’t wait to try the equally flamboyantly named Calypso Chicken. This
contrasted very favourably with what I had already put away. I
found it less fiery, with chunks of tender chicken (and highly tasty
Callallo rice), enriched by a creamy sauce leaving a lingering, smooth,
mellow after taste. After a few glasses of their choice house red, my
palette was again enlivened and I went for the Callaloo and lentil balls.
These balls make a superb snack all on their own and in many ways
compensated for there not being a sweet menu. The décor was to my liking. Pastel grey
walls bland well with large, framed black and white prints. For music buffs,
the Zbar entertains with a list of prominent Djs including Choice FM’s
Gordon Mac & Jigs. The music played seems to be linked to what night you go. On Wednesdays it’s SOULSA which is 70s, 80s and 90s disco soul funk boogie and groove. On Thursdays its nice soulful house, Fridays Upfront r&b with favourites Gordon Mac & Jigs, Saturday night is VIBES classic backwards and forwards sets of rare groove with the here and now. Sundays is Funked up, with Neon soul broken beats and funk. The Zbar is perfect for meeting up and
unwinding with friends or colleagues on large, well-situated, leather sofas.
The staff were friendly and warm and the clientele well catered for. I can
envisage a time when this will be one of the most popular Caribbean eating
establishments in south London. One of the staff told me: “Quality is what
we serve best”. I think she is right. By Farley Chambers April 2003 Source: Live Listings Magazine
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