If you’re looking for Caribbean food in DC, come satisfy your craving at Spark 12. This new smokehouse located off North Capitol Street is a communal dining room filled with bustling crowds that order a variety of small plates. The smells radiating throughout the dining room have your palette salivating before you even sit down.
You’ll fall in love with the guava rum grilled oxtails which have been marinating for 48 hours. The jerk wings served with house made mango mustard was full of immense flavor. Let’s talk about the smoky tenderness of the lacquered chicken, pork belly and jerk brisket which will leave you wanting more. A must try dish, believe it or not is Hen of the Woods. Do yourself a favor and go ahead and order an additional serving. Other highlights include the house smoked cheddar mac n’ cheese and brown butter mash potatoes which were both demolished at our table. Chef Peter Prime was kind enough to come by our table and provide us some complimentary fry bread. This piping hot homemade bread is accompanied with a couple of dipping sauces: curried garbanzos, coconut collards and cucumber relish. When all is said and eaten, finish off your meal with a twist and try the Urban Legend dessert. This savory dish consists of banana beignets, rum and coke syrup and yes Pop Rocks! There were definitely a whole bunch of flavors ‘popping’ in this savory dish.
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Caribbean food featured: pork belly, Hen of the Woods and smoked lacquered chicken
Overall, Spark 12 certainly satisfied our Caribbean appetites with their jerk and smoked meats, delicious appetizers and unique dessert. Reservations are highly recommended and be sure to ask for a tour of the entire restaurant (a former Old Engine 12 firehouse) which has great space and additional floors perfect for hosting your next event.
Spark at Engine Company 12
626 North Capitol Street NW
Washington, DC
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