It is believed that when Christopher Columbus first landed on the island now known as Jamaica, he was in Montego Bay. Initially, he called the bay Golfo de Buen Tiempo or Fair Weather Gulf. As the Spanish gradually colonized the island, ship loads of supplies were brought from Spain to help fortify the settlers and provide a means of trade. The main imports at Golfo de Buen Tiempo were leather and beef, but the largest import was lard. The Spanish word for lard is “manteca”, which was gradually corrupted over the years to become “montego”, and therefore many local historians believe that is the route of the current moniker of the famous Jamaican bay.
With a history like that, is it no wonder that Montego Bay has a reputation for good food? Frommer’s travel guides thinks so. The first restaurant on their list of ‘Best Dining’ in Jamaica is Jasmine, an intimate restaurant at the Rose Hall Resort. The ambiance is quiet, subdued, romantic and candlelit. The service is attentive, but not intrusive; grand without being ostentatious.
The food, well the food is absolutely vibrant with flavour! Napoleon of Blue Crabmeat with Jamaican pumpkin and carrot soup is out of this world. Singapore style lobster chilli is another favourite among the regular guests. Jasmine’s is so highly rated; even staff from rival hotels frequent the restaurant as an excuse to monitor the competition. This is a dining experience no visitor to Jamaica should miss!
For those travelers wanting to get away from the resort crowd and enjoy some excellent cuisine in Jamaica, head to Sugar Mill Restaurant. Call ahead for reservations, as well as private transportation to the restaurant. The journey itself is part of the experience, as one will find themselves touring through the rolling Jamaican landscape among old plantations and overgrown jungles.
Sugar Mill Restaurant gets its name from its surroundings, the ruins of an ancient water wheel once used to power the surrounding sugarcane plantation. Of course now the rows of sugarcane and old plantation buildings have been beautifully taken over by natural vegetation. The effect is an almost ethereal feeling of colonial decay.
Guests can dine on the open terrace, in view of a lovely pond set amongst lush greenery, and of course the water wheel. Or dine inside by candlelight, and take in the view through wide glass windows. The menu is slightly less refined than Jasmine’s, but no less vibrant! Mama’s pumpkin soup should begin every meal, as it is a true homemade treasure. Be sure to choose one of the jerk cooked meats, such as chicken or pork. The chef knows his jerk cooking, and anyone entering Sugar Mill should not leave without partaking! There is smoked marlin, curried goat, and of course the rum and raisin ice cream to end any meal. Oh the bliss! The best dining in Montego Bay is most definitely at Jasmine’s and Sugar Mill Restaurant!
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