Spotlight on Jrk! Jamaican Eats with a Miami Beat
- eileen strauss
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Founded in 2020, Jrk! was born from a shared passion to bring authentic Jamaican cuisine to the vibrant Miami food scene. What started as a pop-up at Aventura Mall, Jrk! quickly made its mark on South Floridian food culture.
While locals typically flock to neighborhoods like Brickell, South Beach, and Coconut Grove for high-end international eats, Jrk! redefined food court fare, offering a unique blend of Jamaican flavors and a dash of Miami spice, with every dish crafted with love.
Co-founder/owner, Kavan Burke, began his culinary journey in the Jamaican countryside, where his love for cooking was nurtured by his grandmother, who ran a local canteen in the 1970s. “Watching her create magic in the kitchen, I developed a deep passion for food,” Kavan shared.
Reggae in the Kitchen
From Jerk Barbecue to Blue Mountain Curry, Jrk’s menu is a celebration of Jamaican cuisine. With the restaurant’s "build-your-own" concept, guests can create personalized meals with fresh ingredients, healthy options, and authentic flavors. “Jrk! is a version of a Jamaican fast casual concept,” explained Kavan, “offering a customizable dining experience with a focus on quality and wellness.”
Alongside his partners, Harrison Bernstein (company president) and Executive Chef Wayne Sharpe, the group launched Jrk! in the midst of the pandemic, facing challenges head-on. “We weren’t going to let anything stand in our way,” Kavan recalled.
Feelin' Irie
Jrk! was built on the passions and shared desires of three friends, yearning to bring healthy, authentic Jamaican Vibes to the masses. And though the business has enjoyed rapid success, the Jrk! team remains dedicated to the familial, neighborly values that laid the original foundation for the brand.
By blending traditional Jamaican techniques with a focus on health and eco-consciousness, Jrk! serves up dishes made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Whether it's classic island-inspired meat dishes or vegan-friendly options, every bite reflects the brand’s commitment to authenticity, quality, and sustainability.
Jrk! to the World
“Hand-picking each item on our menu, we value the importance of natural, health-centric ingredients,” Kavan continued, “promoting wellness and providing health-conscious options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.”
Sharing di Love
The partners’ commitment to quality, however, goes far beyond food. Dedicated to serving the local community, “we donate excess food to nonprofits, ethically source ingredients and packaging, and strive to leave our communities, the environment, and the planet better than we found them.”
So how do they do it?
"Operating as lightly upon our earth as possible," Kavan offered, "we source all ingredients ethically and all of our packaging is 100% sustainable!"
Irie Spirit
“We launched Jrk! with the goal of building on Jamaican techniques, flavors, and influences in a way that’s honest, health-conscious, and sustainable,” Kavan revealed.
With a focus on community, authenticity, and quality, “Jrk! is all about sharing the warmth of the island spirit.”
Whether in the kitchen or greeting guests, Kavan, Wayne, and Harrison think of Jrk! as their home, and their guests as family.
“We welcome everyone to partake our fiery vibes, rhythmic beats, and community spirit —and we always have room for one more at our table.”
Featured Dishes (Available for Dine-In, Delivery, and Take-Out)
Signature Bowls:
Classic Jerk: Rice and Peas, Jerk Chicken, Pineapple Plantains, Cabbage Slaw, Pineapple Mango Salsa
Jerk BBQ: Rice and Peas, Jerk BBQ, Crispy Yuca Sticks, Jerk Corn, Stir-Fried Cabbage
Vegan Jerk: Jerk Quinoa, Vegan Jerk, Pineapple Plantains, Crispy Yuca Sticks, Pineapple Mango Salsa
Blue Mountain Curry: Jerk Fried Rice, Curry Chicken, Pineapple Plantains, Pineapple Mango Salsa, Cabbage Slaw
Jerk Shrimp: Rice and Peas, Jerk Shrimp, Pineapple Mango Salsa, Pineapple Plantains, Stir-Fried Cabbage
Oxtail: Rice and Peas, Oxtail, Jerk Corn, Stir-Fried Cabbage, Cabbage Slaw
Build Your Own:
Bases: Rice and Peas / Jerk Fried Rice / Jerk Quinoa / Green Spring Mix
Proteins: Jerk Chicken / Jerk BBQ / Vegan Jerk / Curry Chicken / Jerk Shrimp / Mango Shrimp* / Oxtail* / Curry Goat*
Toppings: Stir-Fried Cabbage / Chili Roasted Broccoli / Cabbage Slaw / Pineapple Plantains / Jerk Corn / Pineapple Mango Salsa / Crispy Cassava Yuca Sticks / Fresh Herbs
Sauces:
Smokin' BBQ: Tangy barbecue with a touch of jerk
Rude Boy: A killer scotch bonnet kick
The Tropics: Ripe pineapple with a scotch bonnet kick
Cool it, Raita: Refreshing cucumber-yogurt-mint sauce
Jerk Ranch: Classic creamy ranch jerk sauce
Island Vinaigrette: Sweet citrus orange juice with honey, olive oil, and rice wine vinegar
Jrk! at Home
Whether guests are craving a meal at home or looking to enjoy island-inspired dishes on the go, Jrk! offers convenient delivery and take-out options that bring the authentic taste of the Caribbean straight to your doorstep.
From jerk chicken to oxtail, each dish is crafted with the same love, spice. With a simple click, Jrk! ensures that the vibrant, delicious flavors of Jamaica and the energetic Miami mood can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
Jamaican Bites, Miami Nights
True to its roots, Jrk! has remained a community-centered business, expanding to a second location and dueling concept in the Miami Diamond District in 2023. While Jrk! serves flavorful dishes from a casual counter in Aventura and Downtown Miami by day, Mangrove transforms into one of Miami’s hottest dining spots as night falls. An inviting laid-back lounge, set in the center of the bustling city, this lively sister restaurant combines Jrk’s fast-casual vibe with an upscale menu and Miami lounge experience.
Jrk!’s alter ego, Mangrove redefines the casual fine dining experience, adding to the heart and soul of Downtown Miami. A space where culinary expertise and community converge, “Mangrove offers a dining experience that elevates Miami's food scene while celebrating Caribbean culture.”
Named one of Miami’s Best New Restaurants in 2024 by the Infatuation, Mangrove is the perfect mix of chill island vibes and upscale Miami sophistication.
"From late-night reggae sounds to an immersive dining experience, Mangrove unites rhythm with exceptional flavors, inviting patrons to relish every dish, enjoy every note, and savor every moment.”
Embracing the brand's mantra, 'Real food, done betta,' Mangrove features a full main course, starter, and cocktail menu with refreshing concoctions like "Could This Be Love," made with gin and watermelon juice, "Get Up Stand Up, " an espresso martini, and “Red Red Wine” with white rum.
By breaking down barriers and uniting people through food, music, and culture, Mangrove is more than a restaurant; it’s an all-consuming experience that takes guests on a nostalgic journey—”a place where history meets the present and where every detail matters.”
A testament to the owners’ collective love for all things Caribbean, “we curated a space where every dish, every note, and every moment transports you to the heart of Jamaica,” offered Co-Founder and Executive Chef, Wayne Sharpe.
FAQs
What is Jamaican cuisine best known for?
Known for its bold and vibrant flavors, with a strong emphasis on seasoning and spices, popular dishes include jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and rice and peas. The cuisine often features tropical ingredients like plantains, yams, and coconuts, combined with aromatic herbs and spices such as scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and ginger.
What is jerk seasoning?
A flavorful blend of spices typically used to marinate meats like chicken, pork, and fish, jerk is a mix that includes ingredients like scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, garlic, ginger, thyme, and cinnamon.
What is "rice and peas"?
The ultimate power couple, Rice and peas (actually, rice and beans) is a traditional Jamaican side dish, typically made with rice, kidney beans (or gungo peas), and seasoned with coconut milk, thyme, scallions, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Despite its name, it is made with beans rather than peas.
What language spoken in Jamaica?
The main language spoken in Jamaica is Jamaican Patois (also known as Jamaican Creole). It is an English-based Creole with influences from West African languages, Spanish, Portuguese, and various other languages due to Jamaica's diverse history.
Jamaican Patois is widely spoken in everyday conversation and cultural expression, English is also used in formal settings, education, and government.
What does "Irie" mean?
"Irie" is a versatile term in Jamaican Patois that means everything is good, great, or cool. It reflects a positive state of mind and contentment.
Does JRK! offer vegan options?
Yes, Jrk! offers several vegan-friendly options like curry vegetables, rice and peas, vegan jerk (using plant-based proteins), and callaloo (a leafy green).
What is a Jamaican "patty"?
A flaky, golden pastry filled with savory fillings such as spiced ground beef, chicken, or vegetables, a Jamaican patty is often enjoyed as a quick snack or meal. The crust is typically made from turmeric, giving it its signature yellow color.
Does Jrk! (Downtown) deliver in Miami?
Yes! The easiest way to order is by placing an order on the Jrk! (Downtown) direct delivery page, where you can browse the menu, choose your items, add them to your cart, and complete your order. Visitors are able to review, place, and track their order easily from there.
Contact Info
Aventura: 19565 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180
Downtown Miami: 95 NW 1st St., Miami, FL 33128
Menu: www.eatjrk.com/menu
Instagram: @eatjrk
103 NW 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33128
website: Mangrove.com
Instagram: @mangrove.miami
By Eileen Strauss
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