By Reena Das
Ledgewood, N.J. is located minutes away from the Lake Musconetcong recreational area, a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. A 30-minute drive from Ledgewood takes you to the serene, 127-acre Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown. "Surrounding a magnificent Colonial Revival mansion, the woodlands, meadows, beautiful gardens and distinctive collections of trees and shrubs of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum make the ideal setting for leisurely strolls," says the arboretum's website. Ledgewood and its locales also offer several dining choices, including Jamaican food.
Jamaican James Jerk Pit Restaurant
The Jamaican James restaurant is located in Ledgewood and offers authentic Jamaican Jerk recipes to travelers. The menu features jerk-style chicken seasoned with special herbs and spices, along with jerked-barbecue pork, stew chicken, curry goat and roasted fish stuffed with vegetables. Jamaican James is a BYOB facility, so bring your favorite drink to enjoy with your meal. Daily specials are also available.
Jamaican James Jerk Pit Restaurant
1034 U.S. 46
Ledgewood, NJ 07852
(973) 252-4339
jamaicajames.com
Under D Tree
An hour drive from Ledgewood takes you to another popular Jamaican restaurant called Under D Tree, in Harlem, New York. Located in the historic Theresa Hotel, this casual and elegant restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily.
Guests to Under D Tree can enjoy ethnic Jamaican entrees such as curry chicken, jerk chicken, oxtail, along with ackee and codfish, escovitch and steamed fish. On the side menu include, macaroni and cheese, rice and peas, plantains and garlic-mashed bananas. For drinks, patrons can enjoy an assortment of Jamaican drinks like Sorrel, Irish moss and ginger beer.
Under D Tree
182 Lenox Ave.
New York, NY 10026
(212) 410-1183
underdtreeinc.com
Real Jamaican Jerk an' Ting
Located in Somerset, N.J., the casual restaurant boasts of "serving real Jamaican food in real Jamaican style."
Real Jamaican Jerk an' Ting was noted for the Chef-owner's contribution to the New Jersey dining scene in the Nov. 15th, 2009 edition of "The New York Times." Kelly Feeney says, "The jerk here owes much of its flavor to Ms. Thompson's dry rub, which includes peppers, thyme, scallions, onions and garlic. She likes to marinate the meat for several days."
Patrons can indulge in an exhaustive list of Jamaican favorites like jerk chicken wings, "Appleton" fish bites, coconut-crusted shrimp, Jamaican patties, along with homemade soups and sandwiches. Also included are entrées like oxtail with buttered beans, curry goat and brown-stew chicken. Real Jamaican Jerk an' Ting serves lunch and dinner, and offers dine-in and take-out.
Real Jamaican Jerk an' Ting
500 Hamilton St.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 745-7300
realjamaicanjerk.com
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About the Author:
Reena Das is a professional freelance writer prominently featured on many online publications. She specializes in well-researched articles on parenting, education, shopping and relationships, among other topics. Das holds a master's degree in English literature and a bachelor's degree in education. She has been pursuing her passion for creative writing since 2005.
