Diners Enjoy Jamaican Cuisine at Breadfruit in Downtown Phoenix. Photo by Branden Eastwood
The smell of jerk chicken and coconut should only be accompanied reggae music, or so say the patrons of The Breadfruit. First Fridays bring live reggae music and every other day brings a laid-back atmosphere and some of the only Jamaican cuisine found around Phoenix (just blocks from ASU Downtown).
Foodies can choose from “Coconut Curried Tofu,” “Pan Seared Sea Scallops” and “Ginger Sweet Potato Pudd’n,” among other island dishes that Breadfruit owners Dwayne Allen and Danielle Leoni say are made from fresh, Arizona-grown ingredients. Most of the Breadfruit’s produce, such as its organic pineapple, kiwi, sweet potatoes and garlic, comes from local farmers markets and farms in Perryville and Lavine, AZ.
Jamaican food is traditionally spicy as a result of spice jerk — a common ingredient used in a variety of dishes. Luckily for the spice-sensitive, the heat can be calmed by the prevalent use of coconut and ginger. In addition to spicy jerk-soaked meat, plates can come with grilled pineapple, corn and a unique cole slaw to counteract the spiciness. Allen says he wants diners to enjoy the experience eating.
“We don’t offer take-out because I embrace the philosophy that the time eating is as important as breathing,” Allen says. “It’s more than just chewing food and digesting it. It’s a 100 percent engagement with the brain and how the body fully benefits from all the ingredients used.”
Allen moved to Arizona when he was 16-years-old and brought with him Jamaican cooking styles and recipes.
“It’s all rooted in Jamaican traditions, but it transcends Jamaican culture in order for our diners to enjoy it,” Allen says. “It’s all typical of Jamaican cuisine, but there are modifications in presentation and recipes for a different mind of food.”
Entrees range in price from $8.50 for tofu and chicken to $14.75 for seafood.
“If you really care about what you put into your body, this place is a good option,” Allen says.
Allen and Leoni opened The Breadfruit in May 2008. “The idea had been brewing for a few years,” Allen says. “It was more of what I wanted to experience rather than what diners experience. It was recognizing what was missing Downtown, what types of restaurants were in short supply. We wanted a place that provided good quality food and that was part of the community rather than just a place to grab a bite to eat.”
ASU finance and international business graduate David Muller discovered The Breadfruit on Urbanspoon, a Web site devoted to restaurant reviews by critics and bloggers. It was his first time there, but he says he likes the atmosphere.
“It’s pretty cool,” Muller says. “It feels like we’re in a Bob Marley song.”
If you go…
108 E. Pierce St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 267-1266
www.thebreadfruit.com
Hours:
Monday — Thursday
Lunch: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m.- 9 p.m., Friday until 10 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Contact the reporter at erica.m.rodriguez@asu.edu.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
MMmmm it’s getting close to lunch-time and just reading about this place is getting my mouth watering! I love Downtown Phoenix and all the unique local restaurants it has to offer. I almost wish I lived in Downtown Phoenix instead of Scottsdale so I’d be that much closer to all the attractions.
I definitely went here today after reading this article. Delicious!