Kitchen King; serving authentic Jamaican Cuisine since 2012

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

When you think of great vibes, good music, delicious food and tasty cocktails, I know the Caribbean comes to mind instantly. However, from time to time we all want a taste of home and wondering where to go.

One of the most popular questions I get asked is, where is a good spot for Jamaican food in Toronto or which Jamaican restaurant is your favourite? My answer is usually I am still searching for one since I’m fairly new to the city.

It so happened that last year I was at a birthday party when my friend said she had some jerk chicken and let me tell you it was love at first bite. I told her I needed to visit this restaurant. Then I decided instead of keeping this culinary secret to myself I would feature this Jamaican gem tucked away in Scarborough.

Michael Francis who hails from Saint Thomas, Jamaica is the visionary behind Kitchen King’s operation. Michael says his determination and passion allowed him to make his dream a reality.

He has always been business-minded and had a passion for restaurants. After trying his hands at many things, in January of 2012, he decided to answer his true calling, and he opened Kitchen King Jamaican Restaurant and Catering Service, which was first located at McCowan Rd and Nugget Avenue in Scarborough. In 2018 He wanted to expand his vision, so he had no choice but to relocate to 885 Progress Avenue, the same place in Scarborough.

Kitchen King prides itself on serving the finest authentic Jamaican Cuisine in Toronto.

Entering Kitchen King, you are captured by the sweet aroma coming from the Jerk pan, with some reggae music that sets the tone for a good dining experience while giving you a real Jamaican vibe. Before I got the opportunity to try some of KK’s delectable offerings, I had to ask Michael some questions.

What makes Kitchen King’s food unique?

“The food is cooked fresh daily and we cook in small batches. That way we control our flavours and serve good quality. He further explains that for him it’s always quality over quantity.”

What’s your number one seller on the menu?

“The jerk chicken without a doubt” he quickly answered and smiled. “8 of 10 customers order the jerk chicken, then oxtail would be the second favourite.”

What makes Kitchen King Jerk chicken different?

“The seasoning and preparation are key. Our chicken is marinated in homemade spices and slow cooked on a Jerk pan all year round over coals and cooked to perfection.”

Kitchen work is not for the faint of heart, even more so managing and cooking at the same time. I had to ask Michael what keeps him going? He explained that the customers keep him going but most of all his passion for authentic Jamaican food and his aim to leave a legacy and to pave the way for others that they too can have a dream and know that it can be a reality.

What do you think makes a successful restaurant?

“To be successful in the restaurant business you have to listen to your customers, be willing to adapt, stick to crowd favourites, be willing to take feedback, be open to changes but always stay grounded. The location is a bonus, but food has to be good because the food speaks for the business.”

What’s your advice to anyone who wants to open a restaurant?

“Be ready to work hard, make sacrifices and don’t expect to be rich. There is profit but it comes with hard work and time. Focus on what matters, get involved, be consistent and not greedy.”

I had the opportunity to try their curried goat, braised oxtail, red peas and even took a jerk chicken for the road. The food is authentic and flavorful. Michael let us in on a little secret that Kitchen King is also a must-stop for most celebrities that comes to Toronto. They have cooked and catered for some of the top names in the game.

What’s also unique about Kitchen King, Michael added is that you can also catch some of Jamaica’s traditional food, such as tun cornmeal, stew peas with corned pork or beef. They also offer teamed fish to order along with Jerk pork fresh off the grill.

So, the next time you want a taste of Jamaica and you are in the Scarborough area remember Kitchen King is the place for authentic Jamaican food. You can catch daily lunch specials from 12 pm – 3 pm Monday – Friday for $5.99 You can also find them on ubereats.ca.

They have a great atmosphere, food, and staff. They have a lot of options on their menu for you to choose from. You can’t go wrong.