Spicy Rosemary Mussels - $JMD

Broken Plate or Broken Teeth? New Restaurant in Town

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot
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Gabby a.k.a Suga from Suga Lifestyle (L) with her ‘Eat Good Crew’ coming to a Restaurant near you! – Tiffany Simmonds (C) and Gillian Jackson (R) took it to the streets with Suga for GNO last Saturday, June 2, 2018 with Broken Plate as the first stop.

Suga’s Ratings for Broken Plate

Date and time of visit: Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 8:15pm

No. of diners: 3

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Décor: ★★★★☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★☆☆

Speed: ★★★☆☆

Food quality: ★★☆☆☆

Serving amount: ★★★★☆

Plating: ★★★★☆

Value for $: ★★☆☆☆

SuGa Endorsement: ★★☆☆☆

Comments: 

New restaurant with modern décor and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating by a faux garden. It was an expected full house on a Saturday night, 3 weeks after opening. I think the full house affected the attentiveness of the staff and the speed of the kitchen. The quality of the food was fair, borderline poor and at the end of the night I felt like I made a bad gamble in Vegas and lost. A Wine and Spirits list is currently available. A Bar with Blended drinks and Cocktails are in future plans. The Restaurant has potential and I will probably return, but I am in no rush to do so.

Suga’s Breakdown

Appetizers

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Spicy Rosemary Mussels – $1350JMD +tx

We started off with the Spicy Rosemary Mussels and Duck Bruschetta. The Mussels were flavourful, succulent and indeed spicy. The Duck was tasty, but the bread was over toasted. It was deeply charred instead of golden brown. We could not bite into it. The use of tomatoes, which are traditionally added to Bruschettas was absent.

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Duck Breast Bruschetta – $1250JMD +tx

Entrées

The Oxtail Bolognese only had a trace of Oxtail and was predominantly minced Beef. When two of us ordered the Oxtail Bolognese, we were told it would have some minced Beef in it. We said no problem, but when it arrived, although it was savoury, it was predominantly minced Beef with a trace of Oxtail. I told our waiter, Chris that they need to rename the dish on the menu. Maybe they ran out of Oxtail too, but if so, we should have been advised.

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‘Oxtail’ Bolognese – $1850JMD +tx

Thankfully our friend who was just returning from Cabo and tasted authentic, richly flavoured Tacos enjoyed her Seafood Tacos even though she said the shrimp was a bit salty.

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Seafood Tacos with Shrimp – $2150JMD +5x

Dessert

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Crispy Duffle Sandwich (Top- $1550JMD+tx) and Maple Glazed Bacon Cookie Sandwich (Below- $1300JMD+tx)

The Maple Glazed Bacon Cookie Sandwich and Crispy Duffle Sandwich for dessert was tough as rocks. No wonder it was served with a kitchen knife. Note that we made that choice for dessert because the Fruit Parfait looked like a mixture of yogurt and canned fruit. But we still didn’t win. Tough cookies. Literally.

Service

I could see that with the full house, they tried and probably did their best, but the full house affected how attentive they were. Appetizers took too long to come out as well as our bottle of wine. The Wine we wanted was not chilled, so we told Chris that he could bring it out with the main. He seemed to have forgotten, so by the time we got his attention, we were almost through and just asked for a glass.

Suggestions from Suga

★ Hire additional staff for the Opening rush.

★Revise the Dessert menu.

★ Have the supervisor or manager take a walk around the restaurant now and then to get honest feedback from diners.

Good Luck to Broken Plate because I understand the concept and vision. We need more Restaurants that think outside the box, breaking away from the traditional menu in Kingston!

Broken Plate

Location: 14 Canberra Crescent off Munroe Road. Kgn. 6. Ja.

Ph: 876-667-6891

Email: [email protected]

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 10pm

Facebook & Instagram: @brokenplateja

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Review, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Lunch from Chef Dave Paul!

by Chefs, Bakers and CaterersHealth & FitnessRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

I regretfully admit that I have had Chef Dave Paul’s contact information and Lunch menu from last summer and just decided to use it yesterday. Why? It’s so hard for me to decide what to eat, much less from the day before. I am also still working or just settling in by the time the order is to go in.

Last year, Lunch orders had to be in by 10pm the night before and currently, the deadline is even earlier. Orders need to go in to Chef by 8pm the night before. I am sure this is how he keeps his system structured, so it’s either you make it work for you or you don’t.

A set menu is used daily, which is updated from time to time. Customized lunch orders are welcomed. Customers have options of Seafood, Chicken, Pastas, Wraps, Salads and Vegetarian meals.

It is stated that Punctual delivery is not guaranteed. So even though I requested an 11:30am delivery, I stated that it could not be later than 12 noon. My lunch arrived at 12 noon.

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Presentation and branding were impressive. Communication was also effective.

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Chef Dave Paul’s Oven Roasted Chicken with Jerk BBQ sauce, a side of Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Mash and side Salad – $900JMD inclusive of Delivery in Kingston

I asked for light Jerk BBQ sauce and got just that. It gave the tender and well-seasoned Chicken a zesty flavour. The Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Mash was satisfactory. Sometimes healthy is boring and I took one of the healthier side options, so didn’t expect much from it as a side. The raw vegetables in the side Salad were fresh and I loved the added crunch and sweetness from a few cuts of gimbilyn (a.k.a carambola/star fruit) and raisins.

To top things off, lunch came with a moist towelette. I am guessing that Chef Paul knows that his Chicken was saucy and finger-licking good.

#SugaEndorsed

Chef Dave Paul 

Pre-Order Gourmet Lunch

***Orders must be placed the night before by 8pm***

Instagram: @chefdavepaul

Ph/Whats app: 876-433-5904

Email: [email protected]

 Delivery Hours & Costs:

Mon-Fri, 11:30am – 2:30pm

*Exact Delivery Time Not Guaranteed*     Kingston ($100JMD); Downtown ($150JMD); Portmore ($400JMD for 2 or more Meals)

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

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Support our budding Jamaican Chefs!

by Restaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

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UTECH, Jamaica School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Final Year Students are launching an International Cuisine series starting tomorrow!

Every Friday evening from February 23- March 23, 2018 at Lillian’s Restaurant, the following cuisines will be featured:

Feb. 23    – KOREA

March 2  – WEST AFRICA

March 9  – MIDDLE EAST

March 16 – BRAZIL

March 23 – ITALY

Show our ‘Chefs to be’ some support while enjoying delicious cuisines from across the world!

***Reservations Recommended***

Lillian’s Restaurant

Location: 237 Old Hope Road. Kgn 6

Ph: 876-560-8111 (Orville Waugh); 876-391-1016 (Shanique Stephenson)

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @international_cuisine2018

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Do you have your Tickets for Jamaica Food & Drink Festival?!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & RatingsWhat's Hot

The Caribbean’s No. 1 Urban Food Festival starts this Saturday!

All days should be a treat. If you must choose, check out where your favourite Chefs and Restaurants will be on www.jafoodanddrink.com. Picante and Crisp are stacked with Suga’s faves.

Hope you have secured your tickets! If not, here is the information you need:

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Schedule, Venues and Costs for Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF)
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JFDF Ambassadors on Instagram and JFDF Ticket Outlets

Enjoy 7 World Class Food Events at 7 Iconic Kingston Venues.

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Executive Chef Mark Cole from The Jamaica Pegasus that cooked divine dishes for President Barack Obama, Prince Harry and Princess Ann – CRISP!

There was a Sneak Taste on Tuesday at The Steak House on the Verandah, Devon House which had its opening last Sunday. Check out a few of the highlights!

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Bar B Que Pig Tails served with a Ginger Mango glaze on a Bammy Crisp topped with Crumbled Bacon by Chef Débè-Ann Lange-Chen of Cutting Edge Gourmet- PORK PALOOZA!
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A thrilling Five spiced Baked Salmon Fillet with a Sesame Chill Glaze from Chef Evrol Ebanks of Rainforest Seafoods – CHOPSTIX!
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Colin Hylton’s Malaysian Spiced Braised Beef Short Ribs with Mahogany Glaze, Toasted Shaved Coconut and Sushi Rice Balls – PICANTE!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Cheesy, Vegetable Casseroles for the Win from Black Orchid Restaurant!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings

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Two Saturdays ago, I went to Black Orchid Restaurant, upstairs in Eden Gardens to redeem my Fine Vegetarian Cuisine Special for two.

My husband, Randy and I had the Fine Dining Restaurant to ourselves that night at 8:45pm.

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Décor at The Black Orchid Restaurant

Our host/waiter for the night that emerged from the Tulips Restaurant downstairs was quite hospitable.

He took our order of Moussaka and Vegan Pasta, then realised instantly that they did not have Eggplant for the Special we already paid for.

Moussaka is a layered eggplant or potato-based dish that sometimes includes ground meat. Many versions have a top layer made like a custard. In Greece, the dish is layered and typically served hot. In Turkey, it is served warm or at room temperature after being sautéed and served like a casserole. The Arabs usually eat it cold.

Our host reassured us that they had a competent Chef who had experience working with the Cruiselines and that he would come to speak with us shortly. Chef Xavier got an idea about what we expected, i.e. the layered eggplant casserole and the Vegan Pasta, also with Eggplant and Parmesan. He told us that he knew what he would do for us even though he didn’t have Eggplant or Squash, but other vegetables.

To our surprise, about half an hour later, our host arrived with not two, but three dishes! I got both the Vegan Pasta and the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole. Randy had a Cheesy Eggplant Casserole as well, but his was a combination of other Cheeses since he told the Chef he didn’t mind which Cheese was used. Chef Xavier looked like he also found a small amount of Eggplant stashed away and had just enough to put in the Casseroles, but not the Vegan Pasta.

The Casseroles had a mixture of eggplant, other vegetables and potatoes in a freshly made tomato sauce layered with cheese. While the Vegan Pasta had a mixture of vegetables as well, topped of with grated parmesan cheese. All dishes had distinct flavours that pleased us both.

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R-L (Top row): Piña Colada; Vegetable Pasta; (Bottom row) – Vegetable and Cheese Casseroles

I just planned on having the Vegan Pasta and tasting the Casserole but as I had a little of both, I had a lot of both. Chef Xaver did an exceptional job. Cheat Day times two!

I really appreciated them extending such a courtesy when they saw we were not going to get what we expected. They actually exceeded our expectations.

Our Blended Drinks were delish as well!

I can’t speak to other items on their menu, but if you are ever feeling for Cheesy Casserole Dishes, go to Black Orchid and pray that Chef Xavier didn’t sail away in a Cruiseline Kitchen.

Black Orchid Restaurant

Location: Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa @ 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston

Ph: 876-946-9977

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Food and Service at Jamaica Liquor Warehouse’s Deli is still up to Scratch

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings

It was a pleasure to return to Jamaica Liquor Warehouse for Lunch 2 Saturdays ago and still experience good quality food and service.

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Crushed Green Plantain Bruschetta with Feta Cheese – $700JMD

Their tasty, Plantain Bruschetta is a delightful starter that can be shared.

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Lentil Stew with Pumpkin rice pilaf and Garlic sautéed vegetables – $1350JMD

The healthy, Lentil Stew was delish. The Pumpkin rice pilaf was dry though.

They altered the Crispy Fried Boneless Chicken Breast ($1750JMD) on the menu to a Grilled Chicken Breast for my other half, which he was satisfied with. It was served with Garlic mashed potato and sautéed vegetables.

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Frozen Mint Lemonade with White Rum

Their Mint Lemonade was a Refreshing Creeper!

The Bread pudding was no Fromage Bread pudding. It was missing that gastronomic crumble on top. But it’s texture was phenomenal and it went down even smoother with the ice cream on the side. Two thumbs up!

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Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream

Jamaica Liquor Warehouse, Deli & Bar

Location: 17 Lindsay Crescent, Kingston

Ph: 876-925-9427

Opening hours for Deli & Warehouse:  Fridays: 11am – 12 midnight;

Saturdays: 9am – 12 midnight;

N.B. Kitchen closes an hour before 12 midnight

Tuesdays to Thursdays: 11am-10:30pm

Sundays: 11am-8pm

***Closed on Mondays***

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Suga’s Birthday Dinner at the Marriott!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings

My husband, Randy wanted to treat me to Dinner for my Birthday a few weeks ago. I preferred to go somewhere that I hadn’t been before, so I checked my list and chose the Courtyard by Marriott that is by Emancipation Park.

On Saturday, June 10 at 8pm, we arrived at the Marriott to pleasant greetings and clean, modern décor.

I immediately noticed that there was access to televisions in the seating booths. I was happy I could see the races from the Racers Grand Prix up close and did not have to cut dinner short or keep walking to the Bar counter to see the races properly.

We ordered soon after we browsed the menu and everything arrived to the table like clockwork.

Soups, Salads, Appetizers, Snacks & Sandwiches

Randy had the Chef’s Soup of the Day, which was a Vegetable Soup ($5.50US). It was a big serving that was tasty and he enjoyed it.

I had the Zesty Fried Shrimp with a flavourful Passion fruit sauce for $12US.

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Zesty Fried Shrimp with Passion fruit sauce

They have Salad Options that range from $9.50US to $12.50US and Appetizers such as Quesadillas, Wings and thin crust Pizza that range from $6.50US to $10.50US. They also offer Sandwiches and Burgers a bit less than $16US.

Entrées

I had the Smoked House Bliss that included Smoked Salmon, Smoked Chicken and Smoked Turkey tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce ($23US).

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Smoked House Bliss ($23US) – Smoked Salmon, Chicken and Turkey in Alfredo sauce

I appreciated the fact that my Alfredo sauce was light and I loved the pronounced flavours of the Smoked Meats in the Pasta, which were not lost in the sauce.

I enjoyed my dinner with a Hummingbird, which was not on the Drinks menu, but the Bartender agreed to make it and did a good job too.

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Classical Duo ($30US) – Garlic Shrimp and Braised Beef Ribs with a Red Wine sauce

My husband also lucked out with the Classical Duo ($30US) consisting of succulent Garlic Shrimp complemented by a delightful sauce and deliciously seasoned, Braised Beef Ribs with a Red Wine sauce. He enjoyed his main with a strong Rum Punch.

Other Entrées included a variety of Pastas with costs ranging from $15.50US to $23US and a variety of Rib dishes ranging from $22US to $30US. There were also options such as Garlic Shrimp ($29.50US), Grilled Salmon for $25.50US, Pork Chops ($25US), Hoisin Glazed Snapper ($18.50US), Southern Fried Chicken ($19.50US) and most interestingly, Spiked Over-Proof Curried Goat for $22US.

Desserts

More Birthday Dessert for Suga!

The pleasant lady in charge who seemed like the Maître d’, came to our table mid-course, wished me Happy Birthday since she took the reservation and also ensured that service was going well. She then told us that our Dessert would be Complimentary for my Birthday and we should enjoy and return to the Marriott soon.

Randy and I shared the Oreo Cheesecake, which was divine!

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Oreo Cheesecake ($6.50US)

Other Dessert choices on the menu included Cakes, Puddings and Fruit medleys that ranged from $5.50-$6.50US.

Suga’s Endorsement

Marriott is pricey but totally worth it. The food was delicious across the board with good presentation and our waiter, Andrew was very attentive and courteous throughout our courses. #sugaendorsed.

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A happy Birthday Girl, Gabby from Suga Lifestyle dining at the Courtyard by Marriott with her husband, Randy Burgess.

Courtyard by Marriott

Location: 1 Park Close. Kingston 5. Jamaica

Ph: 876-618-9900

Website: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/kincy-courtyard-kingston-jamaica/

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

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A Restaurant you can Dress Up and Go To in the Capital of Casual, Negril!

by FoodpornRestaurant Reviews & Ratings

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On the last Saturday night of April, Bongos Restaurant saved the day for me and my husband’s Anniversary Dinner after a mix up with Reservations at another Restaurant in Negril.

Bongos is located at the modernly refurbished, Sandy Haven Resort on the popular Negril Strip.

We were relieved to still have somewhere elegant to dine. There was a choice between indoor dining and outdoor dining on the terrace. We decided to stay indoors, where the lights were turned down low, but a bit too low. The ambience was not affected too much though. Seating was comfortable and the décor was unique. There was a Bar and Lounge area indoors as well.

The members of staff were courteous and knowledgeable of the items on the menu.

The menu had a wide range of items that represented a fusion of European, Asian, African and of course, Caribbean cuisines. Prices listed in US were subject to 10% tax and 10% gratuity.

Appetizers, Soups and Salads ranged from $7-$10US.

I had the tasty Jerk Shrimp Brochette ($8.50US) and my husband had the Crab and Corn Chowder ($8US), which had a rich flavour. My Brochette could have done without the lettuce on top though.

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A) Crab and Corn Chowder – Crab meat sautéed with fresh corn and onion in a garlic cream sauce drizzled with a spicy chili oil; B) Jerk Shrimp Brochette ($8.50US) – Shrimp tossed with fresh tomato and onion on top of a garlic bread drizzled with mango balsamic syrup

For Entrées, there were Vegetarian and Vegan options such as Vegetarian Paella, Mixed Bean Stew, Vegetable Linguini and more ranging from $12-$30US.

Other options included Fish any way you like it ranging from $17-$23US depending on size, Curried Coconut Lemon Shrimp ($18US), Asian Stir Fry Beef Sirloin ($17US), Jerk Chicken Pasta ($16.50US), Cuban Pork & Bean ($20USD), Bongo’s Seafood Paella ($19US single/$35US double) and more.

It wasn’t Lobster season but I had a craving for any type of Surf and Turf, which wasn’t on their menu. The waiter and the Chef collaborated to make me happy and offered me the Filet Mignon with large Shrimp Skewers.

My husband ordered the Filet Mignon on its own.

Although the wait was extremely long, we had a year of marriage to reminisce on as well as exciting thoughts for our future and the wait was worthwhile when the food arrived.

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A) Surf & Turf – Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Shrimp Skewers; B) Herb Crusted Filet Mignon ($30US) – Grilled Beef Tenderloin served with sautéed vegetables, cajun potato wedges drizzled with mango mushroom demi-glaze.

Our cuts of Beef came medium rare, as requested. So we were pleased with the tenderness and succulent juices and flavours emerging from the Beef.

We were too full for Dessert but we enjoyed a few drinks from the Bar. I have had better Mojitos but the blended drinks were on point.

I recommend Bongos Restaurant for a decent place to dine in Negril if you are not famished or in a rush. The wait may be long but you have the leisure of having a good chit chat over a few drinks in a lovely ambience until delectable food arrives.

Bongos Restaurant @ Sandy Haven Resort

Location: Norman Manley Boulevard. Negril, Jamaica

Ph: 886-957-3200

Opening Hr: 6pm

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Expensive Jamaican Cuisine at the Grog Shoppe

by Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

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Grog Shoppe Restaurant

Ph#: 876-906-7165; 876-908-4310

Address: Devon House, Hope Road. Kingston

Date of visit: 14/08/15

NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum

Parking: ★★★★★

Ambience: ★★★★☆

Decor: ★★★☆☆

Comfort: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Speed: ★★★★☆

Food quality: ★★★★☆

Serving amount: ★★★★★

Plating: ★★★☆☆

Value for $: ★★★☆☆

SuGa Endorsement: 3.5/5

Comments:

Good service: Waiter was polite, able to explain menu to a large group, attentive and service was quick.

Indoor and Outdoor dining.

Prices were high for Jamaican cuisine, especially for a regular Jamaican lunch. Some of the other dishes on the menu include Braised Oxtail ($2200JMD), Boneless Jerk Pork ($2000JMD) and Ackee and Salt Fish with Bammy ($1500JMD). Serving size was good though.

For their International cuisine menu, some items are high while some are comparable to other restaurants. They have Braised Lamb Shank for $4500JMD, Smoked Marlin Platter for $3000JMD. Pastas range from $1300-3000JMD.

They also have a menu for Kids and a Drink menu with a wide range of items to pick, choose and refuse.