The Ricketts family is a Mill Woods institution, both in food and in sport. Back when we were Avenue Edmonton, we profiled Tosaint Ricketts, who currently plays his soccer for the Vancouver Whitecaps of MLS.
The family also runs Irie Foods, the longstanding Jamaican-food spot located near the corner of Mill Woods Road and 28th Avenue.
And, our latest visit — while we had to do take-out due to COVID-19 concerns — only served to illustrate why Irie Foods continues to be one of Edmonton’s top spots for Caribbean flavours.
The jerk chicken was so tender, it fell off the bone with just the slightest coaxing from the plastic cutlery. The jerk spice, smoky with hints of bitterness and a gentle, warm peppery heat, built up with every bite, but never got overpowering.
Have them with the dirty rice and a Jamaican dumpling, which is golden fried, but substantial and bread-like inside. Break the dumpling open and it’s great for soaking up the leftover sauce.
2807 Mill Woods Rd. NW, 780-414-1341,
This article appears in the November 2020 issue of Edify
