Babble on Babylon, Elwood by Big Fil

I've known of this place for ages but only recently got around to visiting. The only Jamaican style café that I know of in Melbourne, the food here is surprisingly spicy but good.

The Café itself is not much to look at from the outside. The best seats are at the back around the large communal table. The first couple of times I visited reggae music was playing in the background, adding nicely to the atmosphere.


The stamp and go - fried salt fish fritters - were tasty while waiting for main orders. As with most of the dishes here if you aren't used to chilli watch out for the little red bits on top, they are quite fiery and include the seeds.

The Johnny cake (at the back right) similar in size and shape to a flat fried scone - was firm and slightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.


I liked the yam chips but Snooze wasn't such a fan. They taste similar to fried sweet potato chips but have a firmer and slightly woody texture. I liked the colour of these ... dark almost purple on the outside and amber in the middle.


The salt fish with ackee and plantain was a new taste to me, simultaneously salty and hot. I was a little disappointed in the small amount of plantain on the side, but loved the unusual flavour combinations with the salty fish mixed in with the chilli.


The chicken jerk with rice and peas (beans) was the most familiar style of dish, reminding me a bit of blackened chicken. The skin of the chicken is blackened but not burnt so while quite dark in colour the chicken inside is moist and tender. The rice and peas were flavourful and filling.


Lastly, the goat curry with rice and peas. The goat was nicely flavoured and beautifully tender, with the curry sauce quite sweet. Even though we got the small sized serve to share, it was very filling and I'm not sure we would have wanted a larger serve.


Overall
If you are looking for something a bit different for breakfast or lunch well worth a try. The food is simple but well prepared and presented, and different to the normal run of cafes. The staff are very friendly and efficient. Well worth making the effort to visit.

Verdict
Ambience - 7
Service - 8
Food - 7.5
Price - 6.5

Address
85 Brighton Road
Elwood VIC 3184
Tel: (03) 9531 4211