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D&J's Cafe has familiar flavors
By JOUNICE L. NEALY © St. Petersburg Times, published March 28, 2001 Chicken gizzards were not what my taste buds had in mind when I walked into this little cafe at the end of a small strip mall. On a recommendation from a co-worker, my mouth was tuned up for jerk chicken. However, there was only enough left for one meal. A good sign, I thought. Lots of people must like it. I just wasn't sure if I could get my fiance in the mood to share the jerk chicken dinner ($4.95). So, I figured I'd better get a chicken gizzard dinner ($4.95) too. Seeing the reluctance on my face, I was offered a sample. My taste buds were dazzled. Never, ever, ever have I tasted stewed gizzards so tender and so flavorful. "Tender. Real tender," my fiance, Brent, said. "Everybody can't do gizzards like that." After I was sold on the gizzards, I had to pick the side dishes. The guy behind the counter also persuaded me to try the black beans. It's hard to mess up black beans, so I went along. He assured me they were good. He said the same said about the gizzards, so I trusted him. After one bite, there was no argument. The black beans alone are enough to make a special trip to D&J's. We were hooked by the chunks of pork in every bite. The jerk chicken was moist and juicy, too. The jerk seasoning didn't mask the chicken, it enhanced it. The collard greens were fresh-tasting, although they contained more stems than we're used to. D&J's promotes its Cuban sandwich ($3.45) and its barbecue pork sandwich ($3.95) as its specialties. The pork sandwich features the chef's secret sauce. They were pleasant, but I think the cafe has better features in the jerk chicken, gizzards and black beans. Lunch items listed on the menu include cold subs, hot subs, hot dogs, wings, salads, soups and chili. However, customers should always be ready for a surprise. D&J's has savory additions that vary and are not listed on the menu. The cafe also serves breakfast for $1.99. Actually, D&J's Cafe on 16th Street N is the new location of the cafe, which used to be in McCrory's downtown. The store closed in 1999 and the owners had to find a new spot. Even when the restaurant was downtown, customers could buy inexpensive breakfasts or lunches of bacon and eggs, burgers and sandwiches. Soul food specials were served on Wednesdays. D&J's still serves up hot, home-cooked meals fast and inexpensively. It's perfect to-go food for working people who want that kind of food without the work. D&J's Cafe
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
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From the Times Taste section From the features wire |
