Greetings All, My partner and I went to the Calypso restaurant last night. It just recently opened (about a week and a half ago, I think). I have been passing by the place on the bus in the evening and it has been full every night. So, last night I decided to see what it was like. The sign on the door when we entered said that they were taking reservations and it won't be long before they become necessary. The menu is a mix of many ethnicities (as is the Carribean in general). We started out with conch fritters with a lime mustard sauce. They were very nice and light (a little too airy, perhaps?) and the sauce was a good complement. My partner then had the Cuban black bean soup. It was standard fair, mildly spicy, but still very good. I had the chicken soup which I thought was pretty tantalizing. Made with capers, peas, tomatoes, chicken -- it had a nice tang to it. We then shared the jerked spiced mango chicken. It was really good. The heat level of the spice was perfect (not the kind that keeps building up) and the sauce was very much like a mango chutney. The vegetable was chayote, sliced thin and sauteed. Rice and beans were served with the meal as well. For dessert we had Key lime pie and it was a very good refresher. They are currently trying to get a alchohol license because they have a petition for those people interested in having beer or wine with meals. The bill was under 30 dollars (just) and I considered the place to be above average if not great. regards, Trent at the Market
Seattle, WA
Calypso Restaurant on 80th And Roosevelt
I too ate at Calypso last night, also the Jerk Spiced Mango Chicken, and enjoyed it very much. I sopped up every last drop of the sauce, which complemented the spices nicely. I doubt I'll be returning soon, however. The entrees are priced between $13 and $18 (the chicken dishes are all $13), and while the portions aren't small, neither are they large. I'd have been quite satisfied at about $9. At $13, I would have liked to have left the restaurant with a fuller stomach. However, I have a larger appetite than most people, and consequently I place a premium on food quantity (Mediterranean Kitchen earns big points for their large portions-- it's a wonderful bonus that the quality is high and price reasonable to low). I don't want to pay a premium for tiny morsels presented artfully. When I go out, I want a satisfying meal. The dish I had at Calypso was delicious, but ultimately overpriced for my tastes. Your mileage may vary. - Peter