The Jamaican culinary experience – Once you go, you know

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

In late October I took a trip home to Jamaica as I usually would for the past five years around this time of year. My entire trip was packed with food from cooking on the Mega Mart infomercial to preparing a massive thanksgiving spread for the Best-Dressed Chicken to restaurant hopping across the city. One of the things I can appreciate since leaving is how developed our food scene become and we now enjoy eating out more than ever before. Growing up for me eating out was really once in while and maybe on special occasions but since of late, I think the food scene evolves where eating out is the new thing from different theme nights, restaurant specials or just checking out a new spot. In Jamaica, we have a boxed food culture because we like value for our money and buying a boxed food can keep you full for a quarter of the price compared to going to a seated restaurant.

Each trip to Jamaica I spend most of my time restaurant hopping checking what’s new, what’s hot and what’s trending. I must tell you COVID-19 and the curfew ain’t slowing down most of the spots. The food scene is still buzzing. I visited the R Hotel in New Kingston enjoyed the patio view overlooking new Kingston, mainly had cocktails and wings. My cocktail special was 2oz of white rum on the rocks with tonic water, a splash of angostura bitter and lemon or lime, I went twice in one week.

My next spot was Irie Flava Restaurant Bar and Grill in Greenwood Montego Bay. I had the oxtail with rice and peas and a rum punch and let me tell you everything was Irie. The rum punch had the right punch, and the food was spot on. Good ambiance, price and service.

Heading back into Kingston I visited Trio Wine Bar which is Kingston’s newest restaurant, bar and lounge located at 64 Hope Road. Again, I only had drinks, but my table gave the food great feedback. I loved the quiet and chill atmosphere.

During this time, I stopped at my usual Usain Bolt Tracks and Record, Devon House for the curry patty and the most anticipated M10 Bar and Grill which is known for its elevated Jamaican boxed food.

My last restaurant hop was at the AC hotel, I enjoyed my beef burger but most of all the french fries with truffle salt. I enjoyed the music and ambiance, and the menu offerings are different, I would highly recommend it.

What I would love to see though is that more restaurants offer quality meals, for the price. The price, quality and quantity should always be together. If you are in Jamaica or heading to Jamaica soon make sure to give one of these spots a try.