The Real Jerk — a Toronto restaurant celebrated for its gorgeous Caribbean dishes — is now in the limelight after being featured in Rihanna’s new music video, “Work,” with Drake.
The restaurant has been a cherished dining spot by both locals and tourists in Toronto for over 30 years, according to its website.
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Edward and Lilly Pottinger are the husband-and-wife duo who own the Caribbean eatery. They were nervous when video producers called a few weeks ago to ask if they could shoot their video for 24 hours that Friday (their busiest night).
“I value my customers, who come from all over… They come from far away, so when they come and see a closed restaurant, it’s not really nice for them,” Edward told CTV News.
But producers convinced him by promising a full shot of the storefront in the video, which introduced the world to this culinary star among eateries. For foodies, this gastronomic gem that brings traditional Caribbean cuisine to Canada easily steals Rihanna and Drake’s show.
There is no question where @rihanna and @Drake shot the #WORKvideo https://t.co/imOhQ7oIC6 @RealJerkToronto pic.twitter.com/rmvz9fEgxU
— CBC Toronto (@CBCToronto) February 22, 2016
“We don’t just sell food — we sell culture, and I’m very happy to share our culture of the Caribbean,” Edward said.
Bursting with enticing Caribbean flavours and natural ingredients, the dishes served at The Real Jerk are thrilling to the taste buds and the eyes. From hors d’oeuvres to hearty Jamaican dinners, the restaurant celebrates Caribbean comfort food in all its glory.
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Oh, and no eatery in Canada does jerk chicken better than The Real Jerk.
This popular Toronto destination also offers refreshing drinks and cocktails that instantly transport your imagination to a distant Caribbean island upon the first sip.
Island Vibes at The Real Jerk #restaurant – #cocktails #rum #dinner #toronto #TDOT #thesix #the6 #the6ix #gta #IRIE pic.twitter.com/sRuTLnqBJf
— Real Jerk Restaurant (@RealJerkToronto) February 10, 2016
Enjoy the island vibes at TRJ – #caribbeanfood #rum #NBAAllStarTO #Toronto #NBAAllStarWeekend #thesix #TDOT #the6ix pic.twitter.com/DHgDfVEVLf
— Real Jerk Restaurant (@RealJerkToronto) February 10, 2016
Did we mention the superfluous amounts of rum? The Real Jerk boasts an offering of over 60 types of rum as well as a monthly rum tasting — because what Caribbean experience is complete without rum?
They are also masters of the Bob Marley shot, which is basically alcohol art.
Between The Real Jerk’s newly discovered international fame and the uniquely vibrant eating atmosphere, the Pottingers are sure to deliver culinary satisfaction to both loyal and new customers for the next 30 years to come.
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