Ingredient appreciation — what makes Escovitch Fish special

What sets Escovitch Fish apart is the handling of thyme. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the boldly spiced 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 roadside rum bar 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, Escovitch Fish is the place to start.