Buffalo Rising Online

Feb 12th 2007, 8:21am By Christa Glennie Seychew

Looks can be deceiving. The unassuming building at 1410 Main Street blends into the streetscape. It may look like every other slightly shabby Main Street location, but once you step inside you’ll find a whole different story.

Floyd’s Steel Drums Restaurant has been open since 2003 and its regulars love it. The interior, divided into two main rooms, boasts high ceilings and a colorful palate. The first room is dedicated to the bar which is overlooked by a towering etched mirror. The bar itself is a happening night spot on the weekend, specializing in Red Stripe and Carib (both favorite beers from the islands), an assortment of Caribbean style sodas and the standard offerings of American beer and liquor.

The second room is an expansive dining room. A stage and dance floor stand in the far corner where jazz and reggae bands entertain the clientele on select evenings. The most obvious feature is a large and colorful mural which adorns a long brick wall. Showing a city skyline at night, it highlights the sheer size of the room. During the day sunlight filters in the windows, brightening the space with a natural glow.

Floyd grew up in Jamaica. Though he was never interested in cooking, as a child he spent a lot of time in the kitchen while his grandmother prepared food for her catering business. One day, his grandmother fell ill and was unable to make the food for a large order. Floyd put all that he had unintentionally observed to work, saving the day and satisfying a large wedding party and its guests. He tells me that people in Jamaica still talk about that meal.

The food at Steel Drums is very mild, atypical of what you find in most Jamaican restaurants. “If it burns your lips, it is not good.” Floyd tells me. “You will only feel my food in your throat, not on your lips.”

The menu features roti (a traditional flatbread from India) stuffed with curried beef, goat, chicken, vegetable or potatoes. Seafood and fish offerings fill an entire page. There is also classic jerk chicken, covered in Floyd’s secret blend of seasonings. In addition to jerk chicken, oxtails and Stir-fry Tropicale (veggies, beef, jerk chicken or shrimp in a sweet sauce with rice) are two of the most popular dishes. I myself, as a big fan of Jamaican patties, will whole-heartedly endorse the version available at Steel Drums.

Those uncomfortable with Jamaican food also have a selection of “American” foods to choose from. Steak, ribs, wings, deep fried shrimp, lobster and fish fry can be found on the menu.

Steel Drums restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Call ahead if you’re interested in going on a night when music is offered.

Floyd’s Steel Drums Restaurant
1410 Main
888.7220
www.steeldrumscaribbean.com