New Restaurant Brings Grandma's Island Cooking To Harlem

HARLEM, NY — A new Caribbean eatery from a seasoned restaurateur looks to prosthelytize the deliciousness of island cuisine — and her 93-year-old grandmother's cooking lessons.

The recently-opened Island Grill, at 576 West 125th St. near Columbia University's new Graduate campus, is Jamaican-born Nicole Brown's third restaurant.

But it's her first in Manhattan, and she's excited to share the wonders of Caribbean food with people who have never had it before.

"My dream is to bring Caribbean food to those who have never had it," Brown said.

Growing up in Jamaica, Brown learned to cook authentic Caribbean cuisine from her grandma, now 93-years-old, who she still lives with in the Bronx.

The menu offers a wide array of dishes, including Jerk Chicken, Roti, Ackee and Saltfish, Curry Coconut Shrimp, Curry Chicken, Soca Ship, Jerk Salmon and Island Pasta — plus much more.

"What makes Island Grill so special is our homemade sauces and dishes," Brown said.

After emigrating to the Bronx and graduating with a business degree from Manhattan College, Brown opened Code Red — a fine-dining restaurant and bar — and later, the first Island Grill location, both in the Bronx.

So far, Brown says the community reception in Harlem has been nothing but warm, and that she is looking forward to cooking up healthy meals for local school kids, who are already lining up for her special mac & cheese.

To learn more, check out their Instagram page here.