On Saturday, I just needed a quick, late afternoon lunch. Decided to dine at Ruby Tuesday, since it was at a location close to some stores I needed to go to. I was greeted pleasantly and seated quickly but had to wait too long for a waitress to take my order. I requested same and one came shortly after with a smile and apologies.
I ordered the New Orleans Seafood (Spicy broiled Tilapia topped with sauteed Shrimp and rich Parmesan cream sauce served with a choice of two sides) for $14.99US +tx. I have to mention the bread biscuits that followed. Soft and flavourful. Best I’ve tasted. I would take those over garlic bread any day. The food came in a reasonable amount of time and was hot! Loved that. The dish looked nothing like the picture on the menu though. The presentation was not appealing and the portion size of the Tilapia that was not even near spicy, could be slightly bigger. The fish and shrimp were overcooked and the sauce was nothing to write dear Ja about, but it could be eaten and satisfied my hunger.
The atmosphere was decent with a little sports bar and there was a fresh garden bar that looked interesting and more appetizing.
Average food chain restaurant. Not likely to return.
Hope you all lost your Pre-Christmas pounds because the temptations are real! This shake was thick, creamy and full of cookies. It was awesome but I still think the Oreo Milkshake from Fuddruckers in DC was better.
There are many more flavours to choose from at Steak ‘n Shake though…. Christmas specials of Egg Nog, White Chocolate and Peppermint Chocolate Chip are available along with the usual Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Cup, Snickers, Very Berry Strawberry, Ultimate Banana and more!
SuGa Comments: It is always a little too cold for comfort. The quality of food is not nearly as good as early days after their opening. Thankfully the Pastas and Quesadillas are still decent. The menu is revised from time to time, for instance, Chicken in Chimichurri sauce was added. However, they need to offer more sides other than the dry rice served with it. The Chicken complemented with the Chimichurri sauce was tasty though. The service for at least the past 2 years continues to be horrible, from waitresses forgetting orders, waiting forever on food to arrive with no updates as to the status of it (always 35 minutes or more), to hardly any pleasant faces besides when they are forced to do their perky Birthday Jingles. Thank goodness the Oreo Madness is divine though the topping is a borderline toothache and it is definitely for two based on serving size, however there is a price option for half the serving. But what is up with NEVER having mint to make Mojitos?! Unacceptable. Support our Jamaican farmers and reaping homeowners. Disappointment to the franchise. Miami and DC still booming!
Want a more private environment to have a drink with friends or go on a date? Monte Carlo Gaming Lounge is the place. The service and food are good. They don’t serve liquor by the cue but those Bartenders will not be mixing you any weak drinks. If you play the slots you can drink for free.
The waiters are extremely attentive and the food provided on their menu is simple but tasty and very affordable. It is also one of the best places to go for a burger. The chicken burger that comes with fries is a good serving and only costs $900JMD.
Mix it up and hit Monte Carlo from time to time, you are guaranteed to win!
I returned to Di Grill Shack mid-April for the Salmon burger, one of my favourites on the menu. It was a Saturday night, but didn’t look so busy. All the paintings were removed from the walls, leaving the decor a bit plain, however a few plants were added indoors close to the seating areas.
The service was still good, staff remained well dressed and pleasant and food was delivered in a timely manner. I ordered the Piña Colada again and it was just as good. The Salmon burger was almost perfect but the temperature could have been on the warmer side. It was as if the burger had to wait a little on the fries because the fries were hot. Other than that, the burger was as tasty and well seasoned as expected.
Although it was a Saturday night, I didn’t stay for more drinks. I was not inclined to with dreary songs like ‘Endless Love’ playing in the background. The decor is also too decent for the name ‘Di Grill Shack’, so perhaps they should revise decor and give the place a bit more of a buzz. My experience in February was better. Rumour has it that there has been a change in management. If true, will Di Grill Shack in Courtyard 71 last? Time will tell.
Di Grill Shack has expanded its franchise from an eatery at Sovereign Centre’s food court to a dine-in restaurant and bar at The Courtyard. It is now situated where Grill 71 used to be, so what is the difference? Di Grill Shack has already developed its customer base, gaining popularity as a gourmet fast-food eatery. The dining areas are now expanded with more seating indoors and outdoors to facilitate preferences for patrons who I am sure would prefer the ambience to Sovereign’s food court. The decor has changed, adding vibrant colours, though the paintings may not reflect the same perspective. The setting and new location seems great for family outings and the prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food offered.
A few persons expressed dissatisfaction with service, food availability and quality during the opening week of the restaurant, however teething pains are expected. I went to Di Grill Shack almost two weeks ago and had a great experience. The service was excellent. So I encourage persons that had a negative experience to return. Though I am a fan of their Salmon Burger, I had the Garlic Chicken Pasta that was superb and so was my Piña Colada. Usually bars are polite with the alcoholic content of Daiquiris and Piña Coladas, but mine certainly had a kick to it. My beau was pleased with his Cajun Chicken Pasta and Chef Siri Brown, who also dined that day enjoyed her Raspberry and Strawberry Daiquiris. Note that the most expensive cocktail is a Long Island Iced Tea for $535JMD. Impressive.
It was a bit chilly while dining indoors, but the temperature of the air conditioning was quickly adjusted after notifying the waitress. Other than that, the staff were pleasant and attentive, the food came 15 minutes after ordering and the serving size was more than satisfying.
Di Grill Shack has extended its opening hours, Monday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 11am to midnight or until, Sundays from 12pm to 9pm or until as well, depending on the weekend crowd. So if their good service, management, food quality and quantity are consistent, along with extended opening hours, wide variety of items on the menu, comfortable seating, reasonable prices and most importantly old and new customers, Di Grill Shack should last longer than Grill 71 at The Courtyard.
Ph#: 876-978-6665
Address: The Courtyard, 71 Lady Musgrave Road. Kingston 10
