The Lewin’s Jamaican Cuisine 

Lewin’s Jamaican Cuisine brings bold Caribbean flavor to Monroe with a personal story behind every plate. Co-owner Arlana Lewin said the restaurant grew out of her husband’s cooking, which first impressed her when they met in Toronto. After moving to Louisiana in 2019, the couple traveled and sampled Jamaican food across several states, an experience that pushed them to invest in his dream and open their own restaurant. Now at 4703 Pecanland Mall Drive, the husband-and-wife-run spot continues to grow its presence in the community, serving walk-in customers and catering for local events. “Nothing could really touch his flavor and his taste,” Lewin said. 

By: Blade Gowen

REVIEW of Oxtail, Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Seasoned Rice and Peas ($25.99)

I ordered the oxtail with seasoned rice and peas and garlic mashed potatoes. The oxtail stood out most, covered in a sweet, peppery sauce that added flavor without being too much. The meat came out tender, almost like steak, and made each bite worth it. The rice and peas worked well with everything, and the garlic mashed potatoes tasted exactly how you want them to—smooth, comforting and just solid all around. Overall, the meal felt filling and well put together, and Lewin’s stands out as a spot worth checking out if you want something different in Monroe. 

By: Blade Gowen

REVIEW of Stew Chicken (Full Plate), Rice and Peas, and Festival Bread ($17.99) 

For those who may be reserved to give oxtail a try, Lewin’s stewed chicken is something you should consider. Similarly to the oxtail, the cooks coated the stewed chicken in brown rich gravy. The sauce had a sweetness that was further enhanced by the cooked peppers, and the potatoes added a nice starchy element. While a few pieces of chicken were a bit tough, the majority were tender and shredded easily with my fork. The rice and peas paired nicely with gravy on the chicken, almost feeling like its own main dish. The festival bread—slightly sweet, deep-fried dough—had a subtle crunch that reminded me of a crispy beignet. While I did not enjoy it paired with the stewed chicken, on its own it was a nice treat.  

The customer service was excellent, and everyone was really friendly. For a full plate of phenomenal food for less than $20 and an overall great experience, The Lewin’s Jamaican Cuisine is worth the visit. 

 By: Stirling Terry