Jerry and I are both die-hard foodies. When we go on a trip, everything we do is planned around eating and shopping. Not kidding!
Last weekend, we took a quick trip to Atlanta to visit Jerry’s son and his family. Of course, we wanted to know of some great places to eat. Kevin had been to a Jamaican restaurant with co-workers, and knew we loved good jerk, so we were definitely game!
It was around 8:30pm or so, and when we first walked into Rodney’s Jamaican Soul Food, the first thing we noticed was the laid back, relaxed atmosphere. It was a Friday night, and there was a DJ playing music, but it wasn’t so loud that we couldn’t visit; and it wasn’t so loud that it bothered Kevin’s kids, ages two and one. We also noticed the smell. Omg, the aromas in that place were so amazing.
Jerry and I with the fabulous Mama C, love this lady!
We encountered several employees while there, and they were super friendly and helpful. One of the ladies was Constance, or “Mama C” as she’s affectionately called, and she was from Louisiana! Baton Rouge, to be specific, and she was even familiar with the area where Jerry used to live. What a small world!
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We couldn’t make up our minds as to what we wanted because everything on the menu looked very tempting, so they were super helpful in their recommendations. Jerry and I decided to each order completely different things, and we would share everything. He ordered the jerk pork, collard greens, and corn bread; I ordered the oxtail stew, rice and peas, and fried plantains.
They actually make all their food, it’s not canned or processed, so it did take a bit of time, but not overly so. While we were waiting for our meal, the ladies were very attentive and kept checking back to ensure our drinks stayed filled and to let us know the status of our orders.
Jerry’s jerk pork, collard greens, and corn bread
When we got our food, I could swear I died and went to Heaven. We’ve actually been to Jamaica, and hired a driver who took us to local places, and we had authentic jerk. Rodney’s was better. The jerk pork was tender and spicy, but the spiciness was a flavorful spice, not just plain heat. The collard greens had an unusual flavor, almost a sweet undertone. They weren’t slimy, greasy or wilted like canned greens, they still had some texture. When Kevin tried Jerry’s collards, he even ordered a separate bowl of them, which his wife ate…lol! The corn bread was equally delicious, soft and not at all dried out.
My oxtail stew, rice and peas, and fried plantains
I love spicy foods, I love when my lips are burning long after eating. So, I was a bit apprehensive when I was told the oxtail was not spicy. However, since she said it was really good, I trusted her, and she was right. I didn’t even care that it wasn’t spicy because it had so much flavor. The seasonings were well-rounded and the meat literally melted in my mouth. The rice and peas were fluffy but not dry, and the fried plantains were tender but not mushy.
I swear these people make magic happen!
The service was stellar. The employees actually seemed to have fun and enjoy their jobs, and they were extremely attentive and welcoming, but not annoying- that’s a difficult balance to achieve! Jerry said it was the best thing he’s had all year, and one of the best meals he’s had in two or three years. Even if Kevin and his family were to move, I would still be willing to go back just for Rodney’s Jamaican Soul Food.
Going, going, going…. almost gone!
If you’re in the Atlanta area, make sure to pay a visit to Rodney’s. They are currently located at 2092 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna, Georgia 30060. They will be relocating soon, but only a few blocks away, to a larger building- which makes sense since their food is so delectable! You can contact them at 770-272-1956. Check them out at www.rodneyscuisine.com, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Rodneyscuisine.
