When one thinks of the word Genesis, what comes to mind? Answer: The origin or mode of formation of something. At this restaurant, they sure back up the name by representing true Jamaican roots of caribbean flavor through their authentic recipes and savory dishes. Located in Hillside, Genesis is just a few blocks away from the heart of Jamaica Avenue, Queens. It is one of the well known Jamaican restaurants in Southeast Queens, so you are sure to come across it or at least hear about it.
Yes finally! A Jamaican restaurant close to my home that is true to taste and has a broad menu to choose from. Walking into Genesis restaurant for the first time the smell had me reassured with that voice in my head saying, "this might just be it." Needless to say, it is defintely it and furthermore tastes just like it smells. So, upon my first visit I did call my order in, just because it was a hot Summer day and I did not feel like waiting around for my food. I decided on the large boneless jerk chicken dinner with rice and peas, which come with cabbage and plaintain. I would usually opt for bone-in chicken, but for some reason I was tempted to try something a little different than what is offered in most other caribbean restaurants. Plus after browsing the menu, my mind decided "boneless jerk, boneless it is then lol." The inside of the restaurant is a bit small with available high top seating if dining were allowed had we weren't going through the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a cut out window on your left side for ordering and a small door on your right side for pick up. Flyers are offered on the tables for your leisure. Also, there seems to be a lot of servers in the back to prepare food, so service is usually fast and efficient.
I had to call about three times before someone finally answered the phone so that had me a bit impatient, but otherwise no big deal. I finally put in my order to the woman over the phone who sounded a little agitated however, taking my order with patience. After about 15 minutes I went and picked it up and continued on my way home to see what my taste buds were in for. My first dish from Genesis was not photo friendly, so I proceeded to take a bite.
The chicken was a tad too salty and almost soup like in texture. The rice and peas were good with a strong taste of coconut milk in the rice almost cutting down the saltiness of the chicken. The cabbage was steamed well with added vegetables to compliment. The fried plaintain was cut thick which made it a little dry when bit into. I was almost certain that maybe I didn't get the right dish and was sure to give it another try.
A few weeks later oxtails were echoing my name....Serrriinnnaaaaa and from the looks of other recommendations, Genesis happened to come to mind. They are best known for their oxtails and bone-in jerk chicken, so I knew hands down this was my go to for that night. When I say that I was extremely satisfied with the taste of these oxtails, I WAS. Suckling bone sounds and all. The gravy was rich and thick, so much so that even the bones had flavor, and the meat was braised like a Jamaican oxtail should be with the perfect caramelization. In addition to great rice and peas and perfectly steamed cabbage, they were redeemed from that last dinner I ate. Just browse my photos below and you will see why Genesis remains one of my top visited caribbean restaurants in all of Queens thus far. read more