It might not feel like Jamaican weather conditions right now, but Nickesha Simpson is bringing some heat to Sudbury’s downtown core.
Nikki’s Jamaican Kitchen, at 176 Larch St. in the former location of The Gory Hole, opens its doors this Thursday, April 3.
Simpson was part owner of Flames Caribbean Kitchen on Notre Dame 11 for years before moving on. She said she is excited to continue offering all familiar favourites like oxtail, jerk chicken, roti and curried goat along with some new twists and fusions.
“I’ve created ‘Reggae Stacks’, an Island burger featuring hamburger and mango salsa,” Simpson said, admitting a lot of her island-inspired creations are dreamed up by tapping into the creative juices of her mother, Merline Taylor.
Simpson has also created an appetizer menu that will feature ackee, a tropical fruit in Jamaica blended into a saltfish spring roll. There’s also a handmade jerk chicken spring rolls and vegetarian callaloo spring rolls, which are made with Jamaican spinach.
Simpson will also introduce a jerk chicken poutine, something her son envisioned given his love for all things poutine.
“We often would sell food at festivals and the jerk chicken poutine was always a hit, so I decided to give it a permanent spot on my new menu,” she said.
Simpson has also created a bar space in the restaurant and is working on getting a liquor license.
“I want island-inspired cocktails and drinks. I see Jamaican beer on that menu, too,” said Simpson, who has roots in Trinidad.
“The mantra on the wall of the restaurant is ‘come for the taste and stay for the vibe’ and that’s something I really want for the downtown, especially having a bigger space now,” she said. adding dominoes and other game nights are future possibilities.
Simpson spent the past two months painting, plastering and creating an earthy, open and roomy space for customers in an effort to bring Jamaica to them, complete with an ode to reggae musician Bob Marley painted on the main wall of the restaurant.
Simpson has plans to offer a seafood brunch on Sundays this coming summer.
With patio doors off the front of the restaurant, Simpson will also have an outdoor patio.
“When I moved to Sudbury more than 10 years ago, it was known for its chip stands,” Simpson said. “The palate has changed and it has been amazing to watch Sudbury diversify its culinary offerings and there is more to come.”
Nikki’s Jamaican Kitchen will be open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Summer hours are still being determined.
The Jamaican eats will also be offered for delivery on Skip the Dishes and with Uber Eats.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.