This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Island Hub Restaurant & Lounge located in Charlotte on Monroe Road a couple blocks from Independence Blvd and Wendover Road.
Island Hub Restaurant & Lounge Don’t let the exterior deceive you!
This Caribbean restaurant specializes in Haitian Cuisine including jerks, curries, and other island dishes.
Dora here. Don’t let the rather plain outside deter you from giving Island Hub a try. The interior was nice and clean. But empty!?
Granted, it’s new, but this place should be jammed!
Where is everybody? Granted this eatery just opened in March, but this place should be jammed! Maybe the lack of patrons has something to do with the neighborhood, which looked a bit…tired. Or it could be that Yelp indicated they open at 11:30 on Sunday, but the sign on the door showed noon. Oops. Whatever, they were accommodating and friendly by letting us in early. Thank you, Island Hub!
After living most of my life in Florida, I have tasted a wide variety of island foods prepared many different ways, so I was optimistic going into this restaurant. For my lunch, I chose my absolute favorite, Griot, fried pork chunks marinated with a seasoning blend along with sides of cabbage and collard greens. This dish was outstanding; the pork was well seasoned, fried to perfection and served with an equally good dipping sauce. The cabbage was great, cooked al dente, with just the right amount of bite and as a twist, included thinly sliced carrots. The collard greens were full of flavor and delish. This place is a gem that’s waiting to be discovered. And we did.
Griot, fried pork chunks with cabbage and greens. Delish!
Dora here. Somehow I knew Ernie wouldn’t share his fried pork chunks. But take a look at that serving size! Sheesh, I only managed to snag a tiny bite. 🙂 So I settled for the Curry Chicken, Mac & Cheese, and Fried Plantains. lol. Just kidding, no settling involved. With a bold, hearty flavor, the chicken curry teased my palate but didn’t burn my mouth. The Mac & Cheese was just the right texture, firm and cheesy, and soooo good. Be aware, though, that the chicken comes on the bone. Doesn’t this picture make you want some? Drooling again…
Curry Chicken with Mac & Cheese and Fried Sweet Plantains. Huge portions. Bold, hearty flavors without burning my mouth. YUM!
Giant portions, great value, and friendly service. Let’s fill this place!
What’s your spice level? Chicken, on bone or off bone?
We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.
Weaving a Legacy of Grace 