Ingredient appreciation — what makes Oxtail Stew special

What sets Oxtail Stew apart is the handling of thyme. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the fiery and aromatic result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

Jamaican jerk cooking traces to the Maroon communities who preserved meat with allspice and chilli. The a Kingston jerk pit atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had sorrel drink as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Oxtail Stew is the place to start.