As usual, I’ve written the name of the place (this time a restaurant), along with a brief location at the top of the page. But this time more than any other, it won’t be of any benefit to you (the title that, is not the review). Cottons is a Caribbean Restaurant on Chalk Farm Road (right next to Nando’s). Thanks to both its location (far enough past the Lock not to entertain your feet on any sort of regular basis), and nondescript shopfront, unless your brain includes an automatic googlemap-app, you won’t have noticed it’s even there.

But you should. If you enjoy Caribbean food, or if you simply don’t dislike Caribbean food, it’ll impress. The down to earth café type eatery boasts such names as Ms Dynamite, Lemar, and Sam Jackson (Samuel L. Jackson) amongst its fanbase. So why does such a modest looking restaurant boast big name clientele and a cheapest main course price of £12.95? Well let’s see shall we?

Apparently you can choose from 3 separate dining rooms. Either plant(ain) yourself in Margarita, St. Lucia, or Barbados. Which is where, what is each one like? Don’t ask me. I was simply lumped onto an available table, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you if Barbados was anything like the country, because I’ve never been there. But I can tell you that if it’s anything akin to its Cottons namesake, then I wouldn’t mind going. The restaurant feel must come alive during these Summer months. The hot, arid evenings of 2010 will be the perfect atmosphere to treat yourself with a Caribbean dining experience. Standout dishes include Pan fried fillet of Monkfish Tails, with a spinach, potato and black-eyed bean Sag Aloo, garnished with crispy bacon and served with a saffron sauce (£13.95). Or Jerked Spatchcock Baby Chicken slow roasted with pimiento and spices served with fried savoy cabbage, jerk sauce, served with rice n peas (£13.95). For the furry-legged-lady-loving, hemp-wearing, acoustic guitar-playing, book-reading amongst you, the best of the vegetarian menu (from four options), Open Ravioli of Caribbean vegetables, with a red pepper & coconut sauce, covered with a light shaving of parmesan cheese.

One thing I love about this place... is that the food is fantastic, a little pricey but for the standard it’s nothing. But it’s not pretentious whatsoever. The menu comes with a friggin’ Glossary!

‘Callaloo [Ca-la-lu]

A vegetable closely resembling spinach in appearance and flavour.’

BEER SELECTION: A substantial 6 page cocktail menu means you won’t give a shit if they have Hoegaarden on tap or not. ****

COST OF A MEAL: 2 courses for about £25 inc. drink. But order from the set menu and it’s £21.95 for 3 (no drink) . **

STAFF: Un-pretentious regarding my watery ears with Caribbean food, full of smiles, and helpful atmosphere. ****

FOOD: Well worth the price, if you can afford it. Make up for presentation with taste, and knowledge. *****

SKIRT RATIO: Great place for a date, it’s got that ‘Diamond in Rough’ quality. Friendly, quiet, inspiring atmosphere. Brilliant. *****

Overall: I’ve never been to the Caribbean, but when there are places like this to visit in London, who needs to?! *****

Cottons - Camden - Brought to you by James Wormald -