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Gabby from SuGa Lifestyle Checks Out What the New Chef has to Offer at Strawberry Hill
Last Sunday evening for a dinner date, I headed up to Strawberry Hill in the heart of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains in Irish Town, just 20 minutes from Papine by the foot of the hill. Upon arrival, the breathtaking, picturesque view of the mountains, botanical gardens, Georgian-style cottages and infinity-edge pool, formed the perfect ambience for romance.
We were greeted pleasantly by 2 waitresses simultaneously that happened to be coming from different directions. Now that was a reflection of their eagerness to show hospitality and a sign of good things to come.
It was Marva who seated us and issued or menus instantly. I was excited to see what their new French Chef had to offer. Over the years, I think Strawberry Hill has had their ups and downs where good quality food is concerned, but thankfully less of the latter. They seem to have a commendable reputation regardless.
I heard Chef Martin started at Strawberry Hill in March of this year. The variety of Appetizers popped out more to me compared to the Main dishes, however I am sure if persons wanted to try something they haven’t had in a while, they would surely find something they could choose.
I started with the Smoked Marlin cannelloni with cucumber and caper dressing. Doesn’t that sound interesting? It surely was. A unique blend of flavours that worked well together teasing my taste buds.
Braised shank of Lamb with Jerk and orange sauce, mashed pumpkin and glazed vegetables followed, tender to the cut and succulent. I was also pleased to find out that they buy local. Their meats are from a variety of local farmers, particularly small farmers, such as St. John’s Boscos, a local butchery in Mandeville, which funds orphans and teaches them the trade.
I indulged in warm Bread Pudding for dessert, of which it was the sauce that enhanced the taste. I tried a bit of the Stuffed Puffs with Coconut Ice Cream that was enjoyable but seemed to be missing the Hot Chocolate sauce that was mentioned on the menu.
Other tempting items on the dinner menu included Escoveitch Shrimps, stuffed and spicy Crab Backs, Tomato and Mozzarella Stacks salad, Vegetarian Lasagna with Callaloo and Tomato and an 8oz of Tenderloin of spicy Grilled Beef. A wide selection of Beverages are available as well. Ladies should have Marva mix them that special Piña Colada, its fire!
The service was on point throughout, ‘on cue to top up my glass’ style. Food came out in a timely manner but still with sufficient time to converse and enjoy the lovely ambience. The serving sizes were decent, slightly more than some restaurants but just right because I left feeling full but not stuffed.
Strawberry Hill continues to impress and sustain excellent service with an ambience like no other.
Strawberry Hill Resort
Ph#: 876-944-8400
Address: Irish Town
Date of visit: 10/8/14
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Decor: ★★★★â˜â€
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★★
Food quality: ★★★★★
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★â˜â€
Value for $: ★★★★★
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★★
Di Grill Shack (Part 2)
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
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
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★â˜â€
Ambience: ★★★★â˜â€
Decor: ★★★☆â˜â€
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Speed: ★★★★★
Food quality: ★★★★â˜â€
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★â˜â€
Value for $: ★★★★★
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★â˜â€
South Avenue Grill Restaurant Ratings
South Avenue Grill
Ph#: 876-754-1380
Address: 20A South Avenue. Kingston 10
NB. Ratings fill 5 stars maximum
Parking: ★★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Decor: ★★★★â˜â€
Comfort: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★â˜â€
Speed: ★★★☆â˜â€
Food quality: ★★★★â˜â€
Serving amount: ★★★★★
Plating: ★★★★â˜â€
Value for $: ★★★★★
SuGa Endorsement: ★★★★â˜â€
Comments: Quality of service not consistently great but Pastas have consistently good quality and large serving amounts. Lobster Fettuccine and the Chicken & Lobster Fettuccine Alfredo are new on the menu! You can actually see and taste a copious amount of lobster. Delicious dish.