“Good To Go” is good!

[rating=4]If you like Jamaican cuisine, but can’t travel, take a trip up to Evanston ( just at the border) and you will find Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine. This restaurant is just a few doors East of Theo Ubique Theatre and we found this spot thanks to Dr. Paul Lisnek at the last opening. We had a slight taste trying just the jerk chicken ( and loving it) so tonight we went back for a menu sampling. Frank, Jane and I arrived as they were prepping for a private party ( they also have live entertainment on weekends). Our server Jeanette was quite knowledgeable about the menu ( they have two). Since Covid, they do not have a paper menu but as many other restaurants, a code that allows you to copy the menu to your phone. I miss the printed page.

Those of you who are familiar with our eating habits know that Jane is not real good with spicy or hot items, Frank eats about everything and analyzes the ingredients and I like everything as natural as possible. We are not the easiest trio to feed. I have always felt that the chef is in charge and the way they prepare it is the way it should be eaten. For example, when eating sushi why use soy sauce? If you do , every piece will taste the same, so why not savor the flavor as the sushi was prepared?

Jamaican food is prepared with some “heat” and some items have more of a kick than others. Frank started with a Manhattan and I enjoyed a very well poured Vodka martini. Jane is into water when she cannot decide, so that was her drink for the evening. For our appetizers we selected Shrimp Spring rolls and Oxtail Mac& Cheese ( this is a new menu item- they also offer Lobster or bacon mac n cheese). I loved the flavor and since I am the Mac guy I will say this was something very special. I am sure the other choices would be up to the same level and Jane already said “Next time it is the lobster”. There are a great many choices so you can come often and never repeat.

For our entrees, we chose the Fried Chicken ( large platter) , four wonderful pieces of juicy chicken fried to perfection. The second choice the Jerk Rib Tips ( tender pieces of pork simmered down that melt in your mouth). The seasonings used to marinate are what makes this so special and tasty ( and yes, there is a kick!) and the third choice the curry GF, a popular dish in the islands. There is something special about the Jamaican curry blended with thyme, allspice and island spices- loved the flavor.

The dinners come with sides. We had so many choices we had to slow ourselves down. We did have the plantains ( perfect), the steamed cabbage, the rice ( both dark and white) and I must tell you the dirty rice was a treat. We passed on some of the items we love like corn bread as we just had some earlier this week ( and both Jane and Frank are calorie watchers)

Good To Go has several steak combinations and of course loads of fish items and we passed on the rack of lamb until our next visit.

They have outside seating with very neat plastic igloos so for those who are concerned with potential germs, you can dine outside or inside and feel secure. The dining room is huge and the cocktail lounge is a place to dine and watch the sports scene. They also have a stage with entertainment on weekends. I am sure you can check this out by visiting www.goodtogorestaurant.com

To call for reservations, 847-868-8226

Good To Go is located at 711 Howard Street in Evanston ( I told you at the border) and they have parking in the lot directly across the street in Chicago.

Good To Go is open:

Monday- Thursday from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 10 am til 11 p.m.

Sundays  10 am til 8 p.m.

BRUNCH

Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

If you are unable to visit Jamaica, you will get the feeling of doing so by meeting the folks at Good To Go Restaurant and enjoying their beautiful menu.

We never got to dessert but they looked spectacular- Passion Fruit Cheesecake, as well as other flavors: banana, strawberry and Mango- Thanks Paul for leading us to the island

www.goodtogorestaurant.com