Saffron´s is Floribbean with a strong emphasis on the ¨-ibbean.¨ The restaurant´s Jamaican jerk, Johnny cakes and even curried goat give it more island cred than the token plantains, mangoes and red beans found in most Floribbean establishments — though Saffron´s has these items as well. The cuisine here doesn´t pull any punches; even the drinks are spicy, and there´s a special menu for diners with sensitive palates. Folks in the know go for the tender conch and sweet potato fritters, the soca shrimp marinated with ginger and Red Stripe, and of course, the jerk chicken. And though they´ve got a good list of fruity rum drinks, our favorite libation at the joint is the Caribbean iced tea made with ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon and clove. But if you need a bit more boost, a ¨Dark and Stormy¨ mixes the tea with dark rum. Live music on weekends and a general party atmosphere make Saffron´s a spot where it´s cool to be hot.
Saffron´s, 1700 Park St., St. Petersburg, 727-345-6400, www.saffronscuisine.com.
This article appears in Sep 22-28, 2004.
