It’s 5 a.m., but since I’m jet-lagged, I’m writing my last summer NYC post so I can get started on the Hong Kong, Seoul, and Beijing entries later on this week. I was trying to get it done while I was in Asia, but there was absolutely no time. Sight-seeing and eating takes a lot of work, and I have the blisters — but fortunately no abdominal woes — to prove it.

At the height of the summer, what seems like ages ago, David and I set sail on a ferry to Governors Island (Ferries leave on the weekends from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street. See schedule for times.) for a little island fun, New York style. There were no gentle ocean breezes or white sandy beaches (the man-made beach at the Water Taxi Beach doesn’t count), but we did get our spicy Caribbean fix courtesy of Veronica’s Kitchen.

After a little exploring on Governor’s Island, me on my bike and David on foot (David planned to rent a bike, but they ran out of bike rentals when we got there. And although the two of us tried riding my foldable bike together, it’s not cute and romantic as it appears in the movies. It’s just uncomfortable and hurts your butt.), we settled at the Picnic Point with an order of Curry Chicken Roti ($6), a small order of the Jerk Chicken ($6.50), and a view of the Statue of Liberty.

The roti at Veronica’s Kitcken is of the dhalpuri variety, meaning there’s a filling of mildly seasoned split peas inside. I wasn’t expecting it, so it was a nice surprise, but the roti was a bit hard since it wasn’t just made or properly heated up. The curry chicken, however, was fragrant with a good dose of thyme, and the meat was fall-off-the-bone tender. The roti also came with some sweet candied yams, which probably wasn’t necessary since there was already a lot of carb action going on already, but I liked it nevertheless. I’m a big fan of sweet potatoes and yams.

The Jerk Chicken, with cooked cabbage and rice and beans, was even better. The Jamaican Dutchy is still my favorite street jerk chicken, but Veronica’s Kitchen doesn’t trail too far behind. The chicken was very bright with a strong taste of spicy peppers, and again, very soft and tender. The only thing missing was some smokiness, which I always look for in jerk anything, and a cold Red Stripe.

Summer is over, but ferries to Governors Island are still ongoing on the weekends through October 11th. Sure you can pack a picnic before you go, but if you want some “local island flavor”, Veronica’s Kitchen will be serving jerk chicken and rotis all day. Just remember to bring your bike and a few Red Stripes.

Veronica’s Kitchen
Near the Picnic Point at Governors Island (southwestern side of the island)

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