The fish dishes at the Front Page Jamaican Grille are elusive and require planning. The menu suggests ordering them 15 - 30 minutes in advance, making it difficult to try any of them during a lunch, unless you phone ahead. On previous visits I had sampled the Jerk Chicken and Curry Goat, but had yet to taste any of the fish dishes which Thi Nguyen write about so effusively in his piece in the LA Times last year.
On a recent visit I had the foresight to call in advance and order the whole grilled Red Snapper, which was $18.50 for a large fillet, (x-large is $2 more). It was served with rice and beans, a slaw of vegetables and fried plantains. The sauce made the dish as it was full of garlic and Caribbean spices and the fish was imbued with it through and through so that every bite was literally dripping with flavor.
The Front Page Jamaican Grille is a no frills spot with no more than half a dozen small tables in a minimall near the airport. It appeared to do more takeout than dine-in business. It is a little incongruous to pay $20 for a lunch entree at such a humble establishment but if you enjoy Jamaican food and love fish, you will find it well worthwhile.
The house-made reddish purple sorrel beverage (known as Jamaica in Mexican establishments) was a pleasant accompaniment to the fish and sides.
Front Page Jamaican Grille: 1117 West Manchester Blvd, 1 block East of Aviation. Phone: (310) 216-9521. Website: http://www.frontpagejamaicangrille.com/index.html
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