A recipe full of dreams

The McLeod family is proving the "American Dream" is still obtainable for those who cook up the right recipe for success.

Clifton McLeod finally gave into suggestions from friends and family that he serve his special Jamaican recipes, passed down by his grandmother and great-grand mother, in his own little restaurant.

Last week he opened The Jerk Center Jamaican Restaurant. The eatery's name refers to the special Caribbean style of seasoning that gives each dish its unique flavor.

Clifton came to the states as a teenager, around 1980, working tough construction jobs to put food on the table for his family. He always hoped and dreamed of opening his own restaurant.

He envisioned a friendly, fun place that reflected the flavor and carefree ambiance of his Caribbean island homeland.

Over the years the jerk-style recipes he and other family members created at home became their signature dishes at barbecues and gatherings of family and friends.

It was family members, he said, that gave him the inspiration and support needed to open the restaurant when the location at 303 S. Pinellas Ave., which for several years was home to Mr. Bill's Donut & Deli, became available.

He saw it as the perfect opportunity to make the dream of his family come true.

His daughter, Kirstin Coleman, who was born in Tarpon, said she remembered going to Mr. Bill's for lunch most every day while attending Tarpon Springs High School.

It is great that her family has been able to continue its tradition as a fun meeting and eating place, she said.

The menu features jerk-style chicken dishes, wings and ribs.

Specialties include curry goat and ox tail, Aki salt fish, pulled pork, fried dumplings and beef and chicken patties. Most meals include rice and peas flavored in traditional island seasonings and a garden salad.

Kirstin, who also works as a manager for the local Arby's, said she is happy to see the restaurant is getting repeat customers. Their big sellers so far are chicken and curry goat.

Brandy McLeod, Clifton's daughter-in-law, works as a medical technician at Tampa General Hospital, but she has helped with the restaurant's opening.

She's been greeting newcomers with a friendly smile, noting it has been fun to meet all these new friends.

She said they were surprised by how many people came the weekend they opened.

Many had seen their sign and were just waiting for a chance to savor authentic Jamaican food without having to travel to Tampa or St. Petersburg.

They were surprised when one woman asked to purchase a case of the special Jamaican fruit sodas they feature.

Monshadee Mathis, a Tarpon resident, said she has already visited the restaurant several times because she loves Jamaican food.

She used to travel all the way to Tampa to find her favorite authentic Jamaican dishes. Now she is glad to find it right here at home.

Another local, Maria Liacuris, said the food reminded her of Jamaican dishes she enjoyed while in Washington D.C., particularly the curry goat and beef patties.

"It's all very authentic and very affordable," she said.

Clifton said they have been made to feel very welcome by all the residents and people from all around the area.

The city code enforcement was a little less welcoming, citing him for the $1,500 sign in front as being too large.

It isn't easy getting started, Clifton said.

A grand opening celebration is planned for Saturday, May 16.

The The Jerk Center Jamaican Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.