A Gastronomic Travel to Jamaica's Restaurants

A new LOUNGE in town!

2008-12-15T17:01:00.005-05:00

The latest vogue in bars and restaurants is what people are calling a lounge. What defines a lounge bar or cafe is the type of ambiance provided by the seating arrangement and style and, of course, the music.

Lounge music ranges from beautiful instrumentals to modern electronica: chillout or downtempo. Despite the style, this music always maintains its focus on retro-space-age cultural elements.

Lounge music is a form of mood music, intended to create the feeling of another place such as a jungle, an island paradise, or even space.

This new trend of cafes and bars is present in most capital cities and it’s been around for quite a while. It was time that Kingston had its own lounge bar and this was recently inaugurated at the MarketPlace last week under the name of Fiction Lounge/Bar.

The first sensation that you get when you enter Fiction is the same that you can feel when you set your foot in a bar of these sorts in Europe, the States or even in big citiess in Latin America. But Fiction is really arty-crafty. Wide lounge filled with blown out luxury pictures, white sculptures, private booths, two bars, stylish stools and tables and even an elaborate tapas menu. No soul.

It's visible that the owners really made their research and you feel it in the cool vibe to it.

Nevertheless, there are some details that they need to pay attention to. Lounge bars and cafes are defined by their style. Although Fiction décor is eclectic, their leitmotiv is missing and this makes this bar extremely pretentious, which can be judged by their cover charge of $1,000.

Do not get me wrong. I do not want to say that it is bad to be pretentious. I just want to make clear that it is bad to be pretentious and not be up to par.

The waiters are misinformed about their menu selection and neither are they able to explain nor to pronounce what it’s written on those booklets. Poor things the menu is in itself very confusing.

Since you are starting, get people interested in your lounge by charging a lesser cover. It could be kind of a Christmas offer or even better, include a drink with such cover. Welcome drinks are always nice baits!

Your bartenders can create a drink bearing your name…what about that!

But my critique wants to deal with the food. I tried it. Food is great. Albeit a little bit too pricey for what you can get, again pretentious, flavours are very well organised and thought of.

I would have made them all bite sizes… this is a lounge not a restaurant! It is very uncomfortable to eat this kind of food in the lounge seats.

My friends of Fiction, the more you promote your place and make of this an experience for the customer, the more successful you will be to make out of your name a brand of style in the city.

So far, it seems a little bit improvised. Let me say that paying a thousand dollars for listening to the audition of a DJ does not cut it for me. It was not a GREAT experience.

My dear blog readers, if you go to Fiction, pay attention to these details and let me, and them, know. In terms of the food, try everything, because their chef is doing a great job in that kitchen. She should rethink size portions… that’s all!

A piece of advice to you, customer, do not eat on the lounge seats! Ask for a table.

I want to take advantage of this post to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

My best wishes to you all!

Keep on eating!

Nothing express about KATANA EXPRESS

2008-12-05T16:03:00.002-05:00

I was passing by Loshusan Shopping Centre and I decided to try KATANA EXPRESS, which is located inside the supermarket.

I had been here several times before and it seemed to me like a fair and nice option for a speedy lunch time. What gave this place the attribute of NICE was the service they provided because it was friendly, efficient and EXPRESS.

Well, those are things of the past. They have neglected their service and the quality of their food under the very same supervision of the owner.

I entered their little space at 12:35 PM and I was seated by the entrance. Suprinsingly, it took them approximately 10 minutes to come to my table and throw their menu at me. No explanation provided. Then, it took them around 15 minutes to come back and ask me if I was ready to order.

Finally, I did place my order and the food arrived 25 minutes later. Meanwhile, I was trying to figure out why the waitresses were so disorganized and why the owner, or who I supposed it is the owner, was peacefully sitting at a table in a corner without noticing the disdain and carelessly attitude of her staff.

Food wise, I have to say that Katana’s rolls were not really worth the price I paid for them and flavour was not outstanding at all. If they meant to be any kind of side option for East at the Marketplace, they have lost heir mark.

What really surprises me is that they were not able to maintain their service standards for the time they have been in operation. Although it has never been top quality sushi, it used to be a nice lunch experience... after all.

However, somewhere in that process, they dropped the ball.

Shame on them!

I do not recommend KATANA EXPRESS at all and I really encourage its owner to pay more attention to details such as dirty cutlery and plates, servers attitude and speed… after all they want to call themselves EXPRESS.

So, my dear blog reader, keep on eating!

Thanksgiving Galore!

2008-11-28T14:36:00.008-05:00

There I was, getting in late for my Thanksgiving dinner invitation at Susie’s. I have to say that I was kind of excited about Susie’s Bakery new phase. I had been to the bar and I was content with the experience, mostly because the service is outstanding. You see from the start that there is an interest from the ownership to satisfy the customer.

When I saw they were going to participate in KRW 2008, I was kind of puzzled because I was accustomed to the idea of Susie’s as a bakery. Although I knew about their lunch service on their both locations and even their very famous breakfast service on Sundays at Southdale Plaza, the idea of seeing Susie’s participating in the same category as East, Aubergine, Jewel of India and Strawberry Hill disoriented me a little.

From what I heard and the look at the menu that I took, their offer was remarkable and people’s comments were good. Everybody was recommending Susie’s as the new hottest spot in town. Therefore, the Thanksgiving dinner invitation was really the best opportunity to see Susie’s at its best.

Well, the menu, which I would have preferred to see in writing, was nice and although I was wanting a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, the Jamaican Christmas selections were getting me already in the season’s spirit.

I asked for their lamb chops and let me tell you that these have been one of the best ones that I have tried in a long time. They were also offering rib eye steak, curried shrimp and sliced lamb.

We got our dishes and off we started to eat. I was not very satisfied with the presentation of my dish and I quickly glanced at my party and they all looked the same. I have to say that, presentation wise, these were not very attractive. I also have to mention that there were mixed feeling across the table and not everyone was as happy as I was with my chops.

This is to be taken care of because good service and quality food have to go hand in hand with a constant delivery of good flavor and presentation throughout their selection.

My advice to Susie’s is to tune up those details in order to achieve a flawless delivery. The key of a winning high-level dish is not in the exaggerated amount of food thrown in a plate, as I felt it was done in the case of my Thanksgiving dinner, but in the right combination of quality food, eye appeal and right flavors.

Susie’s is really the hottest place in town. The bar is really nice and the ambiance is superb, but they need to work on few details of their dinner experience to reach their standards they have apparently set for themselves.

As I end this review, allow me to take advantage of these celebrations and the true meaning of Thanksgiving to thank all the persons that read my blog and participate in good spirit.

Your support has been a true blessing.

So, my dear blog readers … keep on eating!

KRW 2008... MY REVIEW!

2008-11-19T00:20:00.007-05:00

Dear blog readers,

I am finally here with my KRW 2008 review.

I wish I would have had more time to enjoy this fantastic idea out of Stephanie Scott’s bag, which makes me reflect upon the fact that just ONE week is not enough.

KRW’s should be extended to at least two weeks. I selected my picks and decided to devote my WEEK to visit them all, but I could not reach my goal. Between my work obligations and meetings my selection was narrowed down to only 4 out of 6 of my original list.

Notwithstanding, I enjoyed my KWR 2008 experience: general good ambiance, good media coverage (although a little bit rushed at the very last minute), good selection of restaurants, excellent menus and lovely people.

This is why I say it should be extended!

I started with MAC’s. It was a fantastic experience and this is the top restaurant in service. You can really feel that the high level concept is well spread all over this venue. The ambiance is set for you to be well served during all your dining experience and it is visible that there is somebody taking good care of this business.

My choices from their menu were delicious: escargots, shrimp and a pavlova for dessert. I really recommend this place for any special occasion that you have in mind, since the service matches the taste of the dishes.

I have been there before and I have to say the taste is constant, which really says a lot about quality… but, speaking of the latter, I got sick from my escargots! I could not believe the perverse effect of those little creatures on my stomach.

I really spent an awful night after being there!

I do not want to say that this is the rule if you visit MAC’s and I still love the flavour of their food and the concept of the restaurant, but something went wrong with my escargots and this is something that must be taken into account by the owner.

I will keep visiting MAC’s… I know this is an unusual accident.

And when you go, try their PAVLOVA… it is really a heavenly dessert!

Once I felt better, I decided to go PALM COURT. This is the latest idea of the HILTON family. It’s a buffet restaurant that is located above the lobby. Their menu sounded delicious… it really did, but it did not reflect the taste.

I did not enjoy any of my menu choices there. Flavour and grace were to be found on their dishes, which is really unfortunate because they are doing their best.

Ambiance was good and servers were extremely helpful and up to par. I am going to give it another try during lunch, because it seems to be a nice and not-too-expensive restaurant choice in the busy New Kingston.

After the disappointing visit to PALM COURT, my next restaurant was the relaxed BIRD’S NEST. I was surprised. I selected this out of curiosity because their menu was not really attractive, but I wanted to see how they prepared for this week. I mean, you always dress well when you are invited to a party.

Nice flavour, expected fair food quality and nice servers!

This unpretentious place really won me over with their escoveitched, their curry goat and their chocolate cake! Good job and thumbs up for the people of BIRD’S.

My last restaurant selection was the complex MELTING POT. I was really overwhelmed by their menu, which, in my opinion, was the most colourful of this edition of KRW.

I enjoyed their presentation and their effort. And I will certainly go back… this was a “mouth opener” for me!

I tried their pumpkin and gnocchi soup, their rasta ravioli and their delicious trio brulee… FANTASTIC!

Had I pick a winner among my restaurant choices, I would give the GOLD MEDAL to the MELTING POT.

Nice service and very well thought and intelligent menu, good ambiance… they were really a pleasant surprise and the best way to sell a concept!

So, my dear blog readers, here they are! This was my experience. What about yours? I heard many of my friends talking about different places: SUSIE’S, COLUMBUS and even GLORIA’S. This week for me was an enormous success and it certainly was the talk of the town.

Hats off to the organizers and the person behind this idea… excellent promotion for the participating restaurant and sponsors…. and a beautiful opportunity for us FOOD LOVERS to enjoy Kingston’s culinary scene at its best!

Keep on eating!

DIM SUM disaster!

2008-11-09T17:51:00.006-05:00

I feel kind of obliged to write this review.

Following the recommendation of a group of friends, I went to Dragon Court to try their DIM SUM, which means "heart's delight" and includes a variety of snacks such as steamed dumplings, shrimp balls, pastries, and spring rolls.

The place was packed and it was evident that the end of the service of DIM SUM was approaching. Even the Prime Minister was there! Sometimes the amount of people is a good thermometer to see if a place is good or not.

Well, let me say that this was not the case.

DIM SUM was good: spring rolls, buns of all sorts and steamed and fried dumplings. However, the service was really BAD and SLOW. We were served the first order and drinks arrived when we had already finished eating.

We decided to order some more food, but it was so disorganized that they brought us the same items we ordered first.

The food was good, but we were desirous of trying different items from their menu. Well no… they had already decided for us.

This was my first time there and I do not know if I want to come back. I don’t know if this chaos was caused by the presence of the PM or if it is their regular atmosphere.

Dragon Court should be more respectful of their clientele and pay more attention to the service they offer. It cannot be just a matter of numbers and pieces of papers where their slow servers take the orders; they should have a system and more efficient servers.

We, as clients, we want to enjoy our food and the experience that comes with it. CONFUSING is not the key to this experience!

So, my dear blog readers, DIM SUM at Dragon Court is not at all the synonym of a calm and peaceful SUNDAY.

Keep on eating!

KWR 2008 kicks off this Sunday November 8, 2008!

2008-11-06T23:00:00.012-05:00

Hi blog readers!

I am ready for some food action after a short 3-week break. I'll be reviewing my picks for KRW 2008:

MAC's

Columbus Restaurant & Palm Court

Melting Pot & Waterfalls

The Bird's Nest

Eat out and enjoy Kingston Restaurant Week 2008, which starts this Sunday.

Do not miss the opportunity!

Check their website and make your choice... if you still find some places available!

This is truly the culinary EVENT of the year.

http://www.go-jamaica.com/krw/

So, my readers, keep on eating!

KWR 2008! Here we go again!

2008-10-09T17:33:00.003-05:00

It’s this time of the year again!

Under the theme: 'Eat. Drink. Savour the City', Kingston Restaurant Week 2008 will run from November 8-15. Customers can begin to make reservations NOW.

This annual restaurant “rendez-vous” includes the participation of 35 restaurants that will be offering “prix fixe” dinner menus at 30 per cent off their usual cost.

This dinner includes a choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Bear in mind that beverages, GCT and gratuity are additional.

The classification of the participating restaurants falls into different categories:

Epicurean: $3,500
Mac's Chop House
Regency Room - Terra Nova

Delectable: $3,000
Café Aubergine
Columbus Restaurant - Jamaica Pegasus
East Japanese Restaurant
Palm Court - Hilton
Jewel of India
Norma's on the Terrace
Red Bones Blues Café
Strawberry Hill
Susie's Bakery & Coffee Bar

Savory: $1,600
Acropolis Gaming & Entertainment Centre
Carlos Café
China Express
Cuddy'z
Dragon City Restaurant
Gimbilyn Restaurant - Alhambra Inn
Grog Shoppe
Guilt Trip
Habibi Latino
Hotel Four Seasons
Kabana Restaurant & Garden Bar
Melting Pot - Knutsford Court Hotel Morgan's Harbour Hotel & Marina
Prendy's on the Beach
Restaurant Cocoro
Rib Kage Bar & Grill
TGI Friday's
Waterfalls
Whitebones Seafood Restaurant

Tasty: $1,350
Bamboo Village
Gloria's - Port Royal
Shang Hai Restaurant
Starapples
The Bird's Nest Restaurant and Bar

High rollers: $1,600
Acropolis Gaming & Entertainment Centre

Although some of these places have not gotten good reviews on my page, they really prepare for this annual event and we could be surprised.

Gather up and visit these places during KWR. See you around!

I would love to hear your comments about the best service in town.

Keep on eating!

JG

Poll Winner: Dragon Court

2008-09-28T21:52:00.011-05:00

As promised, I headed this past Sunday to Dragon Court on South Avenue for a little Chinese.

DC is definitely a good restaurant and is not expensive at all.

Although their food selection isn’t much different from what you find in other places that hoist this culinary flag, they make sure that their guests are well served and feel welcome.

This welcome starts from entrance door where a smiling host is waiting for you and invites you to be seated.

Moreover, servers and managers are very nice and they are always passing around the tables to check that everything is going well. No wonder why this place is often full of smiling clients and people wanting to celebrate.

I do not recall visiting DC without witnessing a celebration taking place.

This time wanted to try something that I had not tried before from their menu and I went for their SALT CHILI SHRIMPS. I was delighted to get that chili kick from the first shrimp that I ate. This is a dish that I recommend blindfolded.

Try also their Fish in Black Bean Sauce and their CHICKEN WITH BROCCOLI. These are exceptional and out of this world.

When visiting Chinese restaurants, I always advice friends to be adventurous. Often times, you will be pleasantly surprised. Trying something new will make you aware of the kaleidoscopic variety of flavors of Chinese cuisine.

You might end up with a different new favorite Chinese dish, which was the case for me this time.

So, dear blog readers, although I am still in the quest for the best Chinese in town, I can honestly say that the poll recommendation was accurate and DC was the best out of that list.

A piece of advice though, DC should pay a little more attention to their restroom facilities. Maintaining this place clean and presentable at all times adds up to the dining experience.

There is nothing worse than going to a nice place that has an awful restroom. That latter image could stay in your head and mar your dinner or lunch.

Dear blog readers visit Dragon Court and recommend this place to all your friends.

Keep on eating!

Ambrosia Restaurant at the Loshusan Shopping Centre

2008-09-24T19:38:00.005-05:00

I have tried this place twice and I am not still convinced that it works.

There is something about that background noise of slot machines and roulettes that is really a deterrent.

When it first opened, I was glad to see a new place on that busy corner of the Loshusan Supermarket. But my first attempt was not very memorable.

Nonetheless, I decided to give it another chance and invited some friends to accompany me to the noisy restaurant. I do not want to sound repetitive, but those machines are exactly that... a constant REPETITION of blares and blooms and dins… strident NOISE!

We ate and let me tell you that their food was terrible. Apart from their appetizers, the rest of the food was really despicable.

I asked for a Jambalaya and it was like frozen paella that had been sitting on the kitchen counter for at least three days. I’d kill for a good Jambalaya, but their version of this dish from New Orleans was completely different from what I know.

I tried it though… BAD!

I saw my acolytes’ faces and it was not a pretty picture. Just imagine, they could not even finish their dishes.

Service was good, but our experience was completely marred by the BAD quality of the food.

They need to revisit the restaurant idea… serve just appetizers… call the TAPAS. Escape from the erroneous formula of CASINO and FINE DINING RESTAURANT that you are trying to pull off.

It’s not working.

So, my dear BLOG readers…. When in the mood for a nice dining experience at Ambrosia, you’d better try the CASINO!

Think it twice!

Keep on eating… and BETTING!

Hectic weeks! Jamaican, Japanese and more!

2008-09-17T22:35:00.011-05:00

I have had some hectic weeks after Hurricane Gustav, but here is a compendium of what I have tried lately.

I was desirous of trying the new place at the Orchid Village, but it all resulted in disappointment when the person at the gate showed his lack of vision of what a new business place should offer.

This was on a Friday's night and the place is supposed to have a live band. Our party of eight was asked to pay for the cover, but we mentioned to this person that we were there for tapas and drinks.I was longing to try Chef Abrahams' tapas.

I am still curious about Jamaican tapas, since this Spanish concept is an art in various international cities.

The place was empty and he did not see that we would be ending up spending more money eating than sitting for a show that we did not want to see.

If you ask ME, you guys started off on the wrong foot!

Businesses need to know that they are to lure their clientele in different ways. If you want to put this new place in the Jamaican scene, it will not suffice to stick with old formulae.

This lack of vision made us run to Guilt Trip and let me tell you that this was the BEST thing that could have happened to us.

GT's food is excellent and their menu is whimsical and innovative.

I went for shrimp on a passion fruit sauce and it was FANTASTIC!

Unfortunately, GT's lack of change shows some neglect.

The place looks old fashioned. Dim light, plastic chairs and tables and poorly presented menus contribute to the allure of neglect that is effacing this place out of the Jamaican culinary scene.

Imagine, I had forgotten about it and I believe that my last visit was in 2006.

I hope that your comments on this post reach their ears, because it is really a pity that such a magical place falls in disgrace like that.

Nonetheless, pay a visit to GT and enjoy their dishes, but let them know that CHANGE is important for survival.

They need to revisit their concept, update their decor and illumination and reprint some new menus. This will be enough to re-launch this place and give it a deserved spot on Jamaican culinary scene.

I also had the chance to go back to East Japanese Restaurant at the Market Place.

What a delight!

This is my favorite spot in Kingston... without a doubt!

Excellent service, quality food and outstanding concept COHERENCE!

Every meal there is a fantastic trip to Japanese cuisine. It could be as simple as a Sashimi Platter or as complex as their lobster roll.

I recommend every single one of their dishes.

What I would recommend to EAST is to take advantage of our interest in Japanese food and introduce us to a monthly special. Let us try something new and let us learn more about this fantastic cuisine!

Thumbs up for their quality, service and growing improvement!

So, my dear blog readers, remember that we shape Kingston's culinary scene and it is because of us that these places remain, stagnate, improve or simply disappear. Let them know that they should care about what they offer!

Keep on eating.... SAYONARA

The Best Chinese. Part A

2008-09-09T18:41:00.008-05:00

We all love Chinese food! I believe this is a world phenomenon.

We all have our favourite Chinese dish: spring rolls, fried wonton, chow mein, lo mein, saday beef, special fried rice, etc., etc., etc....

These strange words have even permeated our vocabulary and here in Jamaica their use is as current as patties and salt fish.

I recently went with a couple of friends to a fairly new restaurant at the Liguanea Post Office Mall. We really enjoy going there, because, out of the different Chinese places that I have visited in Kingston, this one really has a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

All the dishes that we have tried at Shan Hai are up to par. Well, I have to say that Chinese flavours are something that cannot be altered enormously.

Without any intention of being rude, I compare the local Chinese culinary experience with going to the local supermarkets. You may find some good prices at Loshusan, which are completely different from the good prices that you could find at the Sovereign or even at John R. Wong. No pun intended, if you know what I mean.

Coming back to Shan Hai...

Sitting there with my friends, I gave myself the task to find the BEST Chinese restaurant and when I say BEST, I mean one that has a large variety of GOOD dishes, which will certainly avoid the jumping from one Chinese restaurant to another to get a decent dining experience.

并且, this experience ought to be a complete one: a good selection of dishes + quality food + excellent service.

Shan Hai has the vast selection, like all Chinese restaurants, and up until last time, the quality of their food had always been fair. But there was something in my last meal there that will keep me from going back.

I tasted everyone's dish and it was the same flavour ALL OVER. The shrimp and the beef were the SAME. If I had to make a blind tasting, I would have failed at recognizing the flavours.

Shame on them... I was so happy with their performance until then.

On top of that, the cozy became noisy and the poor pianist suddenly drowned in the uncontrolled screaming of a big party of 10 sitting at a distant table... the irony of this is that they were Chinese... and among them, the OWNERS!

BAD experience... and BAD food. What a lethal combination!

I might consider to give Shan Hai another chance, because I remember the good times and food. But I will leave it for last.

拜拜

Keep on eating.... WELL!

Down with CHEZ MARIA!

2008-09-06T13:33:00.013-05:00

Marrying different kinds of food in one place is often times a very hard task to achieve...

I believe that what makes a fusion place successful is not only the combination of food on their menus, but the coherence of their particular concept throughout that facility.

People visiting a fusion restaurant must be able to read that particular food concept from the minute they set foot on that place. They must see it on their décor, their ambiance and, needless to say, on their menu.

This is the case of CHEZ MARIA. They have a fantastic Mediterranean menu, which is truly representative of that region. But I personally think that they have failed at delivering this concept throughout their restaurant.

As soon as you enter CHEZ, you are hinted at the golden days of this place. Two bars, inside and outside dining, servers posted at the door to welcome the clients and mellow music.

Unfortunately, Chez Maria’s good 'ole days are gone and their brazen disregard is showing. Poor quality food, smelly napkins and tablecloths, plastic chairs, slow service, careless servers and disregarded clients.

My LAST meal there was a disaster. I was sitting at a big table with friends and we were not all served at the same time. I was really distraught at seeing that the place was almost empty and the servers were not efficient enough to take good care of ALL the guests… and there were quite a number of these SERVERS! This is clearly a management error and I would not want to imagine what would happen if the place were at least half full.

Although I think that their hummus is the best in town and that they are able to do better than my last experience, I prefer not to visit CHEZ MARIA again for a long time.

They need to have their place overhauled. We should not settle for less than better service and servers, better attention to detail and concept coherence all the way through.

So, my dear blog readers, when thinking to go to Chez Maria, think it twice. There are other options in Kingston where your dining experience will be far better.

Let CHEZ MARIA's people know that they have to take their business seriously or they will keep on losing clients.

Keep on eating ...and reporting!

CHILITOS (CHILL-EAT-OS) on Hope Road

2008-09-02T17:44:00.010-05:00

JA-MEXICAN food!

What a clever combination!

I have been to Chilitos several times and my view has fluctuated every time I go. I was sold on this idea since the very beginning, because it seemed to be a new option among the scarce selection of fast food places in Kingston. But sometimes, I feel that I am not very attracted to the place itself.

Let me explain...

Chilitos not only did it present itself like a new option... it was a "cool" option. They have created a quasi-lounge ambiance in that old house located on Hope Road that makes me want to see where they can go. Unfortunately, they have not gone further.

This place gives you the option of seating at their verandah or even their at their porch listening to NICE music, which says a lot about their relaxed atmosphere. They also have a room filled with posters of music artists, some sofas, chairs and magazines, which reminds me of a nice bar that I visited once in Paris.

The Parisian bar in question was an eclectic mixture of furniture, music and drinks that was called Le bar sans nom (The Unnamed Bar) and it was characterized for a very laid-back and hip atmosphere. Once, I even saw Sydney Pollack entering that bar and I immediately realized that the place was set to be full of amazing stories.

Chilitos has the laid-back effect place (unintended comparison) and it's full of young people and music. The managers are very nice and the concept is attractive. However, even though I am fascinated with the idea of having a JAMEX (TEXMEX) restaurant and I am in tune with the lounge idea, I feel that Chilitos needs to pay closer attention to some details, such as lighting, tidiness, concept coherence and customer comfort.

We were lacking the variety of TEXMEX cuisine in Kingston and I believe this is a good start.

Nonetheless, go there, try their TACO SALADS, their FLAUTAS, their BURRITOS and their CHIMICHANGAS. If you find yourself spoilt for choice, ask one of the staff members and they'll be delighted to advise you about their options. Go with their FRESH juice options, which is far better than a soda pop.

If you want to take full advantage of the JAMEX experience, try Chilitos on a day where they have a live music group. You will be in awe at the mixture of Texmex food and Jamaican underground ambiance.

So, my dear blog readers... are you up for Jamex tonight? If so, drop by Chilitos and don't forget to let them know that we are expecting MORE!

Keep on eating and demanding good service!

CAFE AUBERGINE @ The Market Place

2008-08-31T20:00:00.007-05:00

This place is really WONDERFUL.

Perhaps, it may not be suitable to visit on a daily basis, due to the pricy menu, but it's certainly fitting for special occasions... and they will let you feel that way.

Aubergine has all the ingredients for success: impeccable service, outstanding ambiance, attention to detail and FABULOUS food.

We made a stop at the outside BAR for the aperitif and we immediately knew that we were off to a good start. The people at the restaurant had prepared one exquisite table inside one of their rooms and it was nicely dressed and lit with candles all over the place. APPEARANCE, as I have always said, is extremely important and it rounds up the dinner or lunch experience.

I recommend several dishes from this restaurant: their onion soup and their bouillabaisse (restaurant’s trademarks and simply delicious), their pates (luscious and rich in flavour), and their excellent escargots (utterly delectable).

As main course, some of us went for the SURF and TURF, and it was one of the best Filet Mignons that I have tried while others tried the DUCK and their PORK medallions. Everything was extremely delicious!

I have dined at Cafe Aubergine in other occasions and the experience has always been FANTASTIC. They have transferred all the charm and flavours of their place in Moneague to Kingston with flying colours.

Even their other more casual restaurant option, CAFE ROMA, is a success! Try it for lunch and you will see what service is all about. Please, ask for the TIRAMISU for dessert!

Two thumbs up for Cafe Aubergine, waiters and charming owners!

So, dear blog readers, comment, share and, most of all, keep on EATING!

Oh... TGIF!

2008-08-30T17:36:00.008-05:00

I have given a try to TGIF several times, but it does not seem to conquer me. I was very enthusiastic about this place when they first opened in 2005 because it really offered a new alternative for a nice food at a good price. However, it seems that time has caught up with them and they have not made any effort o keep themselves up to date. Even this American food chain has tried to remain "cool" in the USA by adding new plates to their menus, improving their service formula and being creative.

Here in Jamaica they seem to be at a STANDSTILL. Although, servers really make an effort to keep their smiles ON at all times, the quality of the food has gone downhill. The famous TGIF's burgers are really meager and their steaks are almost invisible in size, just to mention a couple of examples.

I was there today, against my will, I should say, and it was SAD to see the level of deterioration that this restaurant has suffered. Worn out menus, damaged lamps, dirty wood boards... it was a SAD spectacle.

I went for a sure choice and ordered a fajita dish and I think that I was the luckiest on our table. My colleagues' dishes were not really appetizing and we rushed through our meals to get out of the place as soon as we could.

Notwithstanding, I have to say that the service was GOOD and the girl who served us was smiling and helpful.

I certainly believe that they need to rethink their place. Add some local dishes, TGIF style, reprint their menus, speed up the serving process, lower the music and give a in-depth clean to their place.

TGIF has a lovely location, but I think that it has not embraced Jamaica yet. We should demand that as customers... they need to be reminded that they have to keep up with our standards. We demand innovation, quality food, nice service and creativity and this has to be be part of the new GAME of the sports bar.

So, my blog readers, give me a hand in letting our dear TGIF people know that we still want of them, but we want them to be GOOD... not AVERAGE!

Keep on eating!

You've got to try Pastry Passions

2008-08-29T12:45:00.008-05:00

This Pastry haven at the Sovereign Centre has really given a new life to its food court. I would dare to say that it is now a pleasure thinking that you can get a dessert that tickles your palate in the right places and that this is coming from a FAST FOOD place.

Their concept is not bad at all... DESSERT FIRST with a touch of class. You can even see how the chef and assistants are working hard behind the counter putting together all sorts of delicious sweets.

For the people who, like me, have a sweet tooth, a place where you can go for a coffee and a nice sweet treat is always PARADISE... and who doesn't want to go THERE?

Another thing that makes me run back to that place, which is really one of the most important attributes of any place that sets sail in the restauration business is the quality of their SERVICE.

The cashiers are always smiling and the assistants are never cranky. Everybody there is eager to recommend their delicious preparations and, on top it all, they offer SAMPLES!

What a great IDEA...! I have been there trying to make up my mind in front of the myriad of treats that they offer and IN ALL THOSE OCCASIONS, there has always been someone that has approached me offering a sample of one of their dessert du jour!

I HIGHLY recommend the Appleton Bread Pudding and their most recent addition... LEMON SQUARE! The best that I have tried in town...! And I mean the BEST!

However, I would recommend to Pastry Passions to stick to the sweets, because that will result in a more coherent offer. Mixing savory and sweets for a FAST FOOD facility that wants to infuse some class into their offer translates sometimes in confusion to the clients.

Dear readers...keep on eating!

Cafe Blue @ the Sovereign Centre

2008-08-28T02:42:00.010-05:00

This is one of the new additions to the Sovereign Centre. I have seen how this "mall" has grown in the years that I have been in Kingston and how its culinary offer has improved.

I still remember the early days of Deli Works, do not quite recall if it had the same name though. This place used to serve a kind of mixture of Latin (mostly Colombian) and Jamaican food.

It was one of the first places that I visited during my days without a car as I stepped out of the plane at the OLD Norman Manley International (Now, it looks REALLY nice) and wanted to go out to eat something.

That place was not really outstanding and when Deli Works replaced it (or when it was given that new look) I was pleased. However, their food was average and a little bit costly in terms of the concept of the restaurant and the relation quality and price.

But this place underwent yet another metamorphosis and something grew inside of it... CAFE BLUE. This facility was partitioned into two distinct stores and each one of them has a very different personality. You will see on one side Deli Works and on the other CAFE BLUE.

I had only heard good comments about CAFE BLUE up in the hills, but I was really reluctant travel the distance to go visit that place. However, one day, on my way to the famous Strawberry Hills Hotel, I passed by and it did not seem very attractive to me... I cannot say anything about their food though, because I decided not to stop on that occasion.

But APPEARANCE is also really important and there was something about that view of the cliff into the roofs of the houses that was really a deterrent. Nothing really outstanding!

Fortunately, they have decided to come down the hills for US and opened that little place at the Sovereign Centre. Good for you GUYS!

Although the variety of the offer is meager, the quality of the food is excellent. Their Sandwiches and Paninis are DELISH and the smoothies are INCREDIBLE! Ask for their Marlin Sandwich or their Turkey and Brie Panini and drink one of their berry smoothies and you will be set to enjoy a VERY GOOD lunch or snack!

If you like COFFEE, I am a BIG fan of their frozen coffee... WOW, one of the best that I have tried recently... I have become addicted to it!

But what makes me go back to BLUE CAFE on a regular basis is their staff. I really feel welcome and cared for... and their smiles are always ON. Service is really GOOD there and I believe that it is worth the trip.

I really recommend BLUE CAFE for lunch or for a quick snack in the early afternoon...

NONETHELESS, it will be wonderful if they opened until a little bit later. Jamaicans and Jamaican residents are really BORED to see how these NEW places are imitating the same OLD opening times, leaving US without the chance to meet some friends for coffee after 8p ... What a shame!

Rethink this time frame... and I'll guarantee more clients coming!

Keep up the good work!