Reviews written by NLJ Editor

Chilitos

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

 Chilitos - Jamexican Cantina, Monday, 28 July 2008
Food
Service
Ambience/Atmosphere
Parking Facilities
When Taco Bell packed up and left Jamaica a few years ago that was pretty much it for anything resembling Mexican food on the island. That is, until Chilitos set up shop in Jamaica sometime this year. 
 
Located less than a minute from the Bob Marley museum on Hope Road, this new “JaMexican Cantina” serves up menu items such as Quesadillas, Burritos, Tacos and Enchiladas. 
 
The customer service here borders on excellent. Everyone was courteous, pleasant and responsive, so much so that in writing this review we did in fact feel a little guilty pointing out the areas in which they faltered. 
 
Our party had Quesadillas, Tacos and Nachos with cheese. The grilled chicken Tacos, though a little heavy on the salsa, were quite good. However no one in our party enjoyed the beef tacos (or the beef quesadilla for that matter). Though we could not quite put our finger on what was wrong, we think it had to do with both the consistency of the ground beef stew, and the fact that the beef somewhat lacked the spiciness we'd come to associate with Mexican food. Regardless, the grilled chicken quesadilla (sans beans) was a treat. 
 
The ambience and decor is not much to write home about. They just about got it right with the indoor setting; on the inside there is a deliberate use of bright colours and wall hangings that give the place a "Mexicany" feel, but all that is spoilt by the very plain outdoor seating area, white plastic chairs and all. Since the indoor dining area seems to house only two or three tables, chances are you will be sitting outside. 
 
Nevertheless, our overall experience was a decent one, one that provided us with “something different”. 
 
If you happen to stop by anytime soon, be sure to let us know how it went!

Gaucho's Grill

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

 Gaucho's Grill, Monday, 18 June 2007
Food
Service
Ambience/Atmosphere
Parking Facilities
Gaucho’s Grill is one of those hidden gems that you one day discover and suddenly feel like you’ve uncovered a secret. A secret shared between only yourself and a few other people lucky enough to stumble upon it. 
 
Tucked away unflatteringly in a corner of the usually busy Constant Spring/Waterloo Road area is a small steak-house with a décor you’re sure to find pleasing. Upon entering the restaurant you’re greeted by a cool and cozy outdoor dining area. The tables are placed around pools of water which are at night are illuminated by round floating lights. (I personally would encourage you to go at night in order to fully enjoy the ambience). For those just wanting to knock back a few drinks for starters, there is stocked thatch-covered bar on one side of the restaurant. 
 
We were greeted personally by a very pleasant Christine Straw whom I later recognized to be a former Jamaican beauty queen/model. I suspect she either owns or manages the restaurant. After being seated and having our orders taken, we sat through a seemingly lengthy wait time, a little over 45 minutes. 
 
Our party had the Shrimp Scampi and the Grilled Steak sandwich. We were not entirely impressed with the food, it was decent, but all three members of our dining party that night found the food to be quite bland. Our impression quite possibly had to do with the fact that a name like “Gaucho’s Grill” coupled with their Mexican-styled menus makes it pretty easy for the mind and the palette to be filled with preconceived expectations of platters of spicy food. Except for the aforementioned blandness of the food, we had no other problems. 
 
Overall, our experience was a good one. The food and service was just average, but if you’re in Kingston and looking for a relatively quiet outdoor dining spot with a nice décor, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Escape 24/7 (New Kingston)

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

 Escape 24/7, Friday, 30 March 2007
Ambience
Service
Fun Factor
Price/Value Factor
This small open air bar provides a laid-back hangout spot by day, and transforms into an energetic nightclub after dark.  
 
During the daytime, and up until about 8'o clock at night, patrons can be seen playing dominoes or having a round of drinks with friends. The waiters/waitresses are pretty courteous and the atmosphere quite relaxed.  
 
After hours the domino tables are cleared away to make way for the 'clubbers' who will start to pour in at about 11:00 p.m. The dress code is casual (leaning more towards casually elegant for the women), and ladies enter free of cost, which is a big plus for both the men (who will have more to feast their eyes on) and the women (who'll save themselves a few hundred dollars at the door). The selection of music (mainly contemporary dancehall and hip-hop) is usually pretty good. On those nights when the club gets really 'hot' the small area can get somewhat crowded, but unless you have an aversion to occasional bodily contact with others this shouldn't be a problem.  
 
If you're stopping by just to knock back a few drinks with some folks then any day will do. If you want to experience the club vibe however, your best best is a Friday or Saturday night; week nights are a little quiet.

Fisherman's Cabin

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

 Fisherman's Cabin - A Seafood Lover's Delight, Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Food
Service
Ambience/Atmosphere
Parking Facilities
Port Royal is one of the few places left in Kingston where you can immerse yourself in quiet, serene tranquility and forget about the hustle and bustle of typical city life. Most people associate Port Royal with fabulous seafood, and for good reason. Tucked away in a corner of this quiet and virtually crime-free fishing village is a small restaurant called Fisherman’s Cabin. This restaurant has a small indoor bar/dining area which opens out onto a deck that sits right on the sea. The inside dining area will win no awards for ambience or décor, but if you can manage to get a seat out on the deck you are sure to find the view of the sea against the backdrop of the faraway city buildings quite relaxing. Come at sunset and the view will be even more beautiful, as you can watch the horizon turn into a wonderful haze of orange and purple while the fishing boats of the locals bob against the shoreline.  
 
Though this restaurant is one of my personal favourites, I must say that the service here is pretty much ‘hit or miss’. The waiters/waitresses, though mostly pleasant, are sometimes a just a tad bit ‘rough around the edges’, and there are times when you may have to wait a while before being served.  
 
That said, the food is usually well worth the wait. Their various fish dishes are absolutely delectable, and the steamed bammy is scrumptious! Also on the menu is shrimp, chicken, and lobster done in a variety of ways, and these people do not skimp on portions. There’s a fairly wide array of beverages which includes alcoholic drinks and fruit juices . 
 
Fisherman’s Cabin provides all the ingredients necessary for a cozy, romantic dinner, or a quiet get-together with friends. 
 
 
Note: To get a seat out on the deck it might be a good idea to come out before 5:00 p.m., especially if you’re coming out on a Friday. 
 
 
Bon Apetit!

Little Ochi Seafood Restaurant

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful

 Little Ochi - The 'Seafood Specialists', Sunday, 18 March 2007
Food
Service
Ambience/Atmosphere
Parking Facilities
About an hour’s drive from Mandeville, and a good way off the main, is a cozy, colorful, little south coast restaurant called Little Ochi. The restaurant is nestled right on the beach and has a relaxed and somewhat rugged atmosphere. Patrons sit outdoors in vibrantly coloured boats which have been creatively turned into comfortable dining areas. Thick thatch coverings complete the look. On a roughly drawn-up board hanging from the wall is a menu which shows a variety of seafood dishes. Possibly one of the best things about dining at Little Ochi is the fact that you have the option of choosing exactly what you want on your plate. You’re taken to a small freezer room where you’re allowed to handpick the fish, lobster or other seafood of choice. 
 
Our party had the fried fish with fried festivals and bammies; we were fairly pleased with taste of the food and even more pleased with the quantity. As far as beverages go expect no daiquiris here. The choice is pretty much between soda and fruit juice. The service was pleasant and courteous and we could find little to complain about. 
 
Note: Given the restaurant’s distance from the well-trafficked main road (at least 35 minutes of continuous driving, and that’s if you’re going a little over the speed limit), visitors to the area may want to take along a friend who is familiar with the place. All in all, seafood lovers, or persons just wanting to spend a quiet evening by the sea are sure to consider the trip worth their while.  
 
 
Bon Appetit!

 
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