Jamroc 101 Caribbean Grill is an island paradise in the coastal city of Encinitas. Brightly colored walls and reggae music greet customers as they walk into the restaurant, and the smell of spices permeates the building.
Located on Coast Highway, Jamroc 101 is an anomaly of sorts, standing out from the rows of Italian and Mexican restaurants that line the Encinitas strip. The restaurant serves up Caribbean fare, which includes a unique blend of seafood, meat and spices.
“The (idea of) the restaurant is for everyone to feel like they are in the islands,” said Tina DaCosta, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, David.
The DaCostas opened Jamroc 101 in November of 2004 to a warm North County reception.
“(The community) embraced us,” David said. “(Jamroc 101) is something the local beach community is proud of.”
The restaurant features authentic Caribbean fare including Jerk chicken, plantains and Jamaican patties.
David, who was raised in Jamaica, said the Caribbean's flavorful food is derived from the area's diverse heritage.
Spanish, English, Chinese and African tastes are evident in Caribbean recipes, as the various world regions have large historical and modern day presences in the Caribbean.
Tina recommends newcomers to Jamroc 101 start with the jerk chicken or Caribbean BBQ chicken. Vegetarians may prefer the Rasta-Rap, a thin, tortilla-like bread, grilled and stuffed with curry eggplant.
No meal is complete without a Jamaican patty, which is similar to an empanada. A flaky baked pastry filled with chicken, beef or veggies, the patties are one of Jamroc 101's most popular items.
Beverage options include Jamaica's Red Stripe beer, coconut water, and Jamaican sodas.
In addition to bringing the flavor of the Caribbean to
Located on Coast Highway, Jamroc 101 is an anomaly of sorts, standing out from the rows of Italian and Mexican restaurants that line the Encinitas strip. The restaurant serves up Caribbean fare, which includes a unique blend of seafood, meat and spices.
“The (idea of) the restaurant is for everyone to feel like they are in the islands,” said Tina DaCosta, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, David.
The DaCostas opened Jamroc 101 in November of 2004 to a warm North County reception.
“(The community) embraced us,” David said. “(Jamroc 101) is something the local beach community is proud of.”
The restaurant features authentic Caribbean fare including Jerk chicken, plantains and Jamaican patties.
David, who was raised in Jamaica, said the Caribbean's flavorful food is derived from the area's diverse heritage.
Spanish, English, Chinese and African tastes are evident in Caribbean recipes, as the various world regions have large historical and modern day presences in the Caribbean.
Tina recommends newcomers to Jamroc 101 start with the jerk chicken or Caribbean BBQ chicken. Vegetarians may prefer the Rasta-Rap, a thin, tortilla-like bread, grilled and stuffed with curry eggplant.
No meal is complete without a Jamaican patty, which is similar to an empanada. A flaky baked pastry filled with chicken, beef or veggies, the patties are one of Jamroc 101's most popular items.
Beverage options include Jamaica's Red Stripe beer, coconut water, and Jamaican sodas.
In addition to bringing the flavor of the Caribbean to