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The Breadfruit
108 E. Pierce Street | 602-267-1266

‘Tastes of My Island’ tells story of Jamaican chef
By Dale Messmer

Dwayne Allen never adjusted to burgers and fries.  From the time he arrived from his native Jamaica as a junior in high school, he missed the food of the island.

“My palate was pretty much set since I came to America so late,” he said.  “I had some issues with eating.”

Nearly 20 years later, Allen and his partner, Arcadia High graduate Danielle Leoni, have created a tiny piece of Jamaica in downtown Phoenix.

The Breadfruit concept is simple.  Good food that is good for you.  The kind of place I visit once.  I like burgers and fries.

Yet I am drawn again and again to The Breadfruit.  There’s nary an animal on the menu that once walked on hooves, but every dish is a delightful mix of spicy and sweet that is downright addicting, even if it is good for you.

You’ll smell what I mean the minute you walk in.  Every herb they use is locally grown, and the aroma of fresh spices is heady stuff.  They even grow their own rosemary, use organic veggies whenever possible and cage-free chicken. There isn’t a can opener or a deep fryer in the place.

It works, and it’s inexpensive.

One the Taste of My Island side of the menu (entrees), everything is $9.75.  The Jerk Shrimp is $13.75 and everything is good.  My favorite entrée is the Coconut Curried Tofu.

The most expensive appetizer is Oven Roasted Plantains ($5).  Have some even if more come with your dinner.  They seem like they should be eaten by the dozen.

Allen and Leoni started the place after working downtown.  Nowhere to have lunch led to talk of his recipes and those talks lead to Breadfruit, where they have created a healthy place to celebrate food.