IQ Bar & Grill (Island Quizine) Restaurant Disappoints

by Denise N. Fyffe

Let’s dig in.

We went to Island Quizine to dine in and did not realize that they separated the order section, which no longer had the cozy eat in section as before. So, the staff sent us the door over; that’s when realized that this was a Bar vibe (all BLACK). The place no longer had a homey vibe about it all, which was disappointing.

We scanned the place and realized that the staff were mostly in the next section with the barn doors open having a STAFF MEETING, which is a big NO NO. This took away from the ambiance. Additionally, some staff members were going back and forth with their kids, throughout the restaurant and carrying on conversations.

No issues with kids, but understand what customers expect from this setting.

After a while, the hostess came out. She was pleasant, greeted us and showed us to our seats, with a clear view of the staff meeting through the barn doors.

TINY TABLES

I looked around and became perplexed when I realized that the tables were tiny. The lady beside us started to COMPLAIN that her meal was not going to fit on such small tables. She ordered finger foods; we ordered a meal, so you know we struggled on those tiny tables as well. Also, that should have indicated that the EXPENSIVE servings were going to be tiny as well. Hindsight, I would have left just then. Because the only big thing we got was the BIG FISH. However, that was a rubbery disappointment.

STAFF MEETING IN PLAIN SIGHT

While the staff was in a meeting, being hungry and nearly starving and a DIABETIC, I decided to cut to the chase and asked the hostess “please can we get bowls of soup while we wait on the waitress.” They said she would come in 3 minutes, later I realized she too was in the meeting. The order did NOT go in and we had to wait about 15-20 minutes including for the waitress to finally come and take the order again for the soup.

Then the big bowls came, curious I peeked in and was greatly disappointed. It only contained about half a cup of soup. And this is a Jamaican restaurant where one expects Jamaican soup with all manner of foods, meats, dumplings and ting. So, I thought “Ok, let’s see what happens to main course.” The soup was the only tasty thing that night, because MAGGI does not disappoint with it’s saltiness.

RUBBERY FISH

When our meals came, the fish was STIFF, DEAD and DRY on the plate. When we specifically requested that we did not want a dry fish during our order, the waitress had convinced us to take an escovitch over steam or stew fish. To add insult to injury, we got a tiny cup of rice. It too was dry, with no gravy or sauce in sight. I requested a stew fish gravy or something to at least moisten di food.

Ahh that’s a “NO!” said the waitress.

IN SUMMARY

OK, let’s try this pasta. Pasta was bland. Whatever was used killed every flavor. So though edible, it was anticlimactic for a Chicken & Shrimp Reggae Pasta.

The cup of rice and peas was a tiny insult. Especially for the cost! We didn’t even finish it.

The fish was rubbery and proved problematic to eat or manage, for $60.

The drinks were 3/4 full of ice, and only allowed 3 sips. for $8. Then Done!

The tables are tiny.

The utensils unwrapped and exposed to germs in the air.

The $150 price tag was not worth it!! I felt cheated and hugely disappointed.

My guests did not even eat half the meal. They were Africans and you know this speaks volumes if they are not eating, enjoying and asking for seconds.

My guest’s feedback was that the little Island Quizine at Windsor Mill which had only 3 tables, in an informal setting, had better food than this. Even CHEF BOBBY D’s restaurant in Baltimore, where we did take out, had far tastier and superior RASTA PASTA than this. Worse even CHIK FIL A Cobb salad and chicken strips meal tastes way better than this and was only $25.

My Jamaican pride took hit on that one!

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND IQ BAR & GRILL IN BALTIMORE

IQ bar and Grill Overall 1.5/5 stars.
The intent was to give 3/5 stars but I am still uncomfortable even giving 2/5.

Overall, what should have been a celebration turned out to be a DISAPPOINTMENT. Go to Negril’s in Mitchellville, even a local Chik fil A but definitely not this place! The worse part for me was still to come. I had ordered the dessert – rum cake with vanilla ice cream. They used a TINY CONDIMENT PLASTIC CONTAINER which normally you see holds ketshup for take out meals? Yes, they used this to put the ice cream!

WHAT WE RECOMMEND?

Sometimes we aim for more and lose what makes us good and unique in the first place. Again, Island Quizine please do better by BRAND JAMAICA.

My recommendation for Jamaican foodies is to travel to Allentown Pennsylvania and visit one lovely Jamaican restaurant in that area. An older gentleman with really good stories, he runs it. The food will have you licking your fingers. Even just for the rice and gravy alone! And you don’t taste meat yet!!! People all over the country has him cater and ship the food to them.

Happy Dining!

*****

About the writer:
Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 books, for more than ten years, and enjoys volunteering as a Counselor. She is a trainer, publisher, author, and writing mentor; helping others to achieve their dreams.

Check out her book Weddings in Paradise

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