Blessing Caribbean Restaurant

If you’re not familiar with this place you may find it a little intimidating, but don’t let that stop you. People here are friendly. Go in, stand at the counter and order. You won’t be sorry.
I had a stew with meat, plantains, potato, dumplings. Clove was a prominent spice. Very exotic.
I’m a white American guy and when we were on our way out a woman who worked there said «I’m surprised you ate that. I’m glad you did. We want more foreigners to come here».

Since my first visit, till now, they are steadily declining in service and food quality. Someone needs to get the original owner, Fritz, back because Blessing is turning into a curse

tl;dr: Not your typical restaurant experience. Felt a bit like walking in on neighbors hanging out who are welcoming but slightly surprised to see an unfamiliar face. Friendly, but at a more relaxed pace than a typical restaurant or takeout place. The atmosphere is basic, but the food is the point. The food was fairly unique, thoroughly delicious and not too expensive. Leave your expectations outside, chill out, come in, and get served some delicious food.
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I’d passed by this place on a few walks and finally decided to check it out. There’s usually just a few regulars hanging out and a bit of traffic in and out for takeout, and this time was no different. The food’s on display like a cafeteria, and it seems like they run out of some of the dishes pretty early in the evening. It’s not buffet style, but you get a hefty portion size for your money.
I have to admit the experience of coming in and ordering was a bit unusual. I kinda felt… unexpected? I’m not sure if I showed up a bit late (7:00pm ish), but the place kinda had a vibe like business was mostly done for the night and everybody was just relaxing. Still, when I came in I was welcomed, offered a menu, and given an explanation of what was still available. Some of the prices had changed from what was on the menu, but I was told that immediately up front, all good.
It took me a while to decide what to get but nobody seemed to mind. I stepped out of the way while a couple regulars came through and ordered, one of whom made some suggestions for my meal. Even the diners were welcoming; nobody treated me like an obstacle even though I certainly was.
Ultimately I got a small Lalo (mildly spicy roast pork with super spicy onions), Legume (non-​vegetarian vegetable porridge/​stew), fried plantains, and a side of rice. All delicious, and plenty of food for two people. The pork had a texture kind of like chicharron but less fatty. The legume was mild, savory, slightly meaty. The rice reminded me of the rice my mom (from the south) would make: more moist, soft, slightly salty and perhaps lightly buttered. Mmmm. Oh, right, and the fried plantains weren’t sweet at all, more like a flattened, crunchy french fry without all the salt and grease. I was thoroughly happy with everything I ordered, glad I decided to stop in.
I’ll be back. I’m determined to try the other dishes I missed tonight!