Montego Bay Bakery

With the fast paced nature of our lives these days, cooking, for many, has become "so 1990s". The fact remains that you gotta eat and let's face it, fast food is for kids and the health unconscious. Besides that, can we really handle another sandwich shop? God knows the choices are under whelming, but it sure was refreshing to know that I can hop in my car and take a drive to Montego Bay - the Caribbean dining establishment, not the physical Jamaican resort spot.

Comfortably camouflaged in Baltimore's steely Park Heights section, Montego Bay offers both Caribbean fare as well as a grocery section for you to make all your spicy dishes at home. There are many "Caribbean" food stores littering the area, but few, if any, are Jamaican owned and operated with a Jamaican chef at the helm.

If you have ever been, the sights, sounds, and smells are reminiscent of the geographical Montego Bay; if you have never been, it is definitely inviting.

The space, unfortunately not fit for dining-in, is wisely utilized and divided between the grocery area and the dining counter. Both are clean, well lit and well maintained.

The service is quick, attentive, and personalized, much like what you would expect at a vacation resort - in Montego Bay.

I must say that I was really impressed the first few times I ate here. Now I just come to expect their high standard of quality. The food is quite flavorful compared to other Caribbean places in the area. For those who are used to East and West Indian cuisine, the spice (or spiciness) level is just above tame. The menu is also quite extensive so you have a wide array of meals to choose from for breakfast, lunch or dinner. My personal favorite: stew peas and rice - just like mom used to make.

In the mood for a traditional Jamaican breakfast that youdon't have to cook? Their Ackee & Salt fish is simply to die for. Ready for a healthier alternative? Sample the Snapper or the King Fish. Want to go down memory lane or have something truly traditional? They also have Cow Cod and Goat Head soups. Grab a beef/chicken/veggie patty and coco bread if you're just stopping by for lunch.

Portion sizes are appropriate, which means that you will eat and be satisfied. You may even have enough for leftovers, and if not just make another trip to the best Jamaican/Caribbean food spot in Baltimore, or book a mini vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies. I guarantee the food will taste the same.

Montego Bay Bakery

3602 W. Rogers Ave., Baltimore, M D 21215; (410) 367-3450