It was a great way to kick off the New Year, fine dining at Le Vendôme Restaurant (Ig: @levendomenegril) at Charela Inn (Ig:@charelainn), one of the Caribbean’s Best kept French secrets on the 7-mile Negil strip.
Watch “Suga’s Sunday Dinner Special from Le Vendôme Restaurant, Negril !” on YouTube here:
I enjoyed my Birthday stay there last year and admired the old love story of how Charela Inn came about after seeing a tribute to late co-owner, Sophie Grizzle in the lobby.
Le Vendôme Restaurant at Charela Inn is a Family owned, community operated, farm to table Restaurant and Hotel owned by the Grizzles.
Jamaican, Daniel Grizzle met Sophie at a nightclub in Birmingham and after running into her a second time, he knew she was the one and they eventually got married.
Hearing his father was ill after securing a job in Africa, he took Sophie to Jamaica, stopping in Negril, where she also fell in love with Jamaica. In addition to their farm, they acquired Charela Inn in 1980.
As correctly quoted by Sophie, ‘Charela Inn is nestled by the seashore where you can quietly dine al fresco to the calming sounds of Negril’s seven-mile beach’s bluest waves’. However, they now have live jazz music from time to time that diners enjoy. I would love to return for one of those nights.
I appreciated that their staff made us feel that they were so happy to have us there, even on a busy night. Mr. Grizzle was there himself, dining with his daughters and even came over to ensure everything was fine with our wine order. He seemed to be keeping a close eye on his New staff, which is crucial in any business. An owner’s presence is usually the key to continued success, especially in Jamaica. #SugaSnaps
Our starters were the Soup of the day and their savory Escargot.
We followed up with their Duck cooked to tender perfection and their delish Seafood Pasta cooked in a light house sauce.
We didn’t have dessert, but Le Vendôme Restaurant with adequate, secure parking on the 7-mile Negril strip is #SugaEndorsed and it should be one of our regular stops moving forward whenever in Negril.
Happy Sunday!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Founder/Owner, Suga Lifestyle)
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