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Back in 2010, the black-owned family business began as a food truck before opening a brick-and-mortar at the corner of Fort Lowell Road and Country Club Road in 2013.
Some refer to D’s Island Grill JA (JA for Jamaica) as a secret island getaway. D’s owner Duwayne, aka “D,” grew up in Jamaica and learned to cook by helping his mother as a child. And, the colorful food truck, which still hits the streets of Tucson, is often on display in the parking lot at 3156 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
The menu features a hodgepodge of chicken, shrimp, pork, and fish prepared as curries, sandwiches, and more. Duwayne’s entrées are all gluten-free and include rice and peas and a choice of crunchy vinegar-based coleslaw or steamed vegetables.
During the winter — especially on days when the high is in the 50s here in the desert — a warm Jamaican stew can add a little pep in your step. Over at D’s, the Oxtail Stew is served with stewed vegetables and a large helping of Jamaican gravy. The tender meat goes well with the bell peppers.
These bell peppers also make an appearance in the Jerk Chicken with allspice in Duwayne’s peppery-sweet jerk sauce.
Both dishes bring a nice peppery heat that’s balanced by the tangy, refreshing coleslaw or a classic Jamaican drink. A side of rice ties it all together, letting the bold island flavors shine.
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday – Saturday, and closed on Sunday.
D’s Island Grill JA is located at 3156 E. Fort Lowell Rd. and can be reached at (520) 861-2271. For more information, visit dsislandgrill.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
