Friday, August 20, 2010

Tabica Grill: Odd mediocrity - Jupiter, Florida






Tabica Grill
901 West Indiantown Road (Jupiter Reserve Plaza)
Jupiter, Florida 33458
561-228-0108
Lunch – Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Dinner – 5 pm-close seven days

By Jane Feehan
Enter Tabica Grill with caution. The menu is expansive (and overpriced), and in some cases, the food strange. It’s tough to describe their cuisine. It ranges from seafood to pasta to steaks (there’s even meatloaf) served up with a few Caribbean and Louisiana ideas.

Etoufee (about $17) came overloaded with sausage and shrimp tempura on the side. Strange indeed.  Needless to say, this is nothing like etouffee served along the Gulf Coast. No Mama influence here - a necessary Louisiana ingredient. I can’t imagine what twist they put on Louisiana BBQ shrimp. The other dishes we tried, very tough jerk chicken and an oddly cut piece of pork (each about $18) were equally disappointing. Bread delivered before the meal was a microscopically small loaf that we managed to divide into three slices. No salad included. To Tabica’s credit, they know how to cook up some delicious - and authentically Caribbean - plantains and black beans and rice.

The décor is odd as well. Lots of rough wood – almost a ski lodge look – but in a rail road car setting. Tables and booths are arranged in three neat rows down the room – good for maximum occupancy but not for comfort and design. While seating is geometrical and defined, the menu and food lack consistency and cohesiveness - an odd juxtaposition. Perhaps they should try it the other way around. Service: fair. Full bar, party room and catering available. © 2010. Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Tags: Jupiter restaurants, Jupiter dining, Florida dining