By Rosemary Parkinson, Freelance Writer
Juicy Grilled Lobster and Garlic Butter, one of the delightful main seafood dishes at Kuyaba in Negril. - Photo By Rosemary Parkinson
KUYABA RESTAURANT
Kuyaba, Norman Manley Boulevard. Negril
Prices: Specials between US$15.95 and $19.95
Open: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
THE FIRST time I visited Kuyaba was some 12 months ago, it was also the first time I had visited Negril. I thoroughly enjoyed myself then. We were with friends of friends and had a grand evening. Alas, too much wine was imbibed and as far as I was concerned then it all tasted wonderful. Does it not always with a little help from our friend Lord Wino?
Over the months, however, I have had several types of reports from others -- it was okay; it was not that good; only the shrimps were worth it. Blah Blah Blah. So I decided to get in there and really check it out for myself.
Kuyaba -- the name describes a paradise of feasting -- according to the Arawaks and the menu cover. Feasting, drinking and dancing. I guess since there are no Arawaks around we will really never know their feelings about this place being named after them. However, I can confirm that I went again two nights ago, I enjoyed and was simply impressed with the decor, the bar, the simplicity, the full moon (that was not conceived by the owners but was there in all its glory to greet me nevertheless). I will also not be so inconsiderate not to mention The Cowboys and The Pebbles. What is that, you might ask? It's the name of the group that provided some quiet and romantic music with, among others, renditions of our beautiful Bob Marley.
Say Negril and people immediately think sunsets, easy going ways, wonderful seven miles beach, crystal clear waters. It is without a doubt (apart from Kingston and Port Antonio) one of my most favourite spots in Jamaica. It would be the best place on earth if we could get rid of the predators on the beach offering everything from carved giraffes to illegal drugs. But hey, what can I say, to each his own and if we can educate our tourists to say no, the place will be nothing short of God's spot on Jamaica. And the food those who have been following my travels through Jamaica will realise that I am now 'studying' the Negril fare yet again. Hence Kuyaba.
SHRIMPS AS BIG AS
LOBSTERS (ALMOST)
We were seated in a new gazebo area on the beach -- paradise itself. Glendon was our waiter. Another great find, I might add, in the good waiter quest. I have to comment on the fact that everywhere I go in Jamaica, the waiters I meet seem to have that little extra on their name -- Kirbin in Port Antonio instead of the simple Kirby, for instance, and now Glendon instead of just the good old fashioned Glen. Ah well. The new millennium or something like that. Anyhow, Glendon was a treasure.
To start, we had Mountain Pepper Shrimp. Well hello, let me tell you that if I ever see a shrimp 'dat' size in de wild, me tinks mi no believe it. This was no shrimp, as far as I was concerned. Even my partner was aghast. These so-called shrimps looked like dem Janga mi hear jump out of some Taiwanese pond or the other infiltrating Jamaican rivers with their aggressive behaviour. I mean, who has ever seen a shrimp almost as big as lobster? I ate two and could hardly fit the other. As delicious as they were -- the menu should have announced Gigantic Janga from the 'Jamaica New River Kind' and I would have made sure there was only one on de plate. Seriously, served spicy and covered in onions, sweet pepper and the like, they were outstanding.
For my main dish I ordered the special of the night -- Grilled Lobster with Garlic Butter. My companion had the Snapper with Grilled Scotch Bonnet. Boy! American people getting brave you see -- scotch grilled bonnet no less -- joy to my heart. I have had a problem for years with the "please no spice dear". Now it is "where's the spice?" We Caribbean naturals are spreading the word. Hallelujah.
The Lobster was great but unfortunately just one little tiny problem -- the garlic butter left a lot to be desired and even after I squeezed the provided lime it did nothing for my tastebuds. Easily rectifiable, methinks. The juiciness of the lobster (in particular the head that I just love to put my fingers and mouth into) more than made up for this tasteless strangely coloured butter. In any case, who needs that extra cholesterol -- a situation, by the way, I shall be dealing with next week seriously.
Before I forget, we both ordered a Merlot house wine. I found it exceedingly palatable and made enquiries. Guess what? Brian Nembhard from Kloran (Linstead, St. Catherine) does it again -- this time with a Reserve Bel Air, Vin De Pays D'Oc 2000. The manager on duty agreed that the restaurant was more than pleased with Mr. Nembhard's choice for them. The customers have been enjoying and commenting on the wine menu, thank you very much.
Let me tell you further. I could not even begin to start on the side order -- baked potato -- or the delicious looking vegetables. I was full to the brim. My partner's Snapper, by the way, was totally incredible but again too large for her to handle. What a plus for those with gigantic appetites.
Dessert was out of the
question. I was sincerely satisfied to the brim but the names inspired me for a return -- Key Lime Pie, Coconut Pie with whipped Cream ( made by a local elderly person in Negril, I was told), Mango Cheesecake -- must I say more?
Took time to take in the ambience as a total whole and the beach. All incredibly romantic. Tasteful and comfortable bar with hanging bar stools, masks everywhere, the use of raw wood -- a kind of Hollywood 'African' feel mixed in with a little Caribbean lazed back type attitude. For those interested I had a peek at the drinks menu -- Screaming Banana, Charlie & Buddy (the inhouse parrots), Upside Down Canoe and The Arawak are what you can look forward to if all you want is to imbibe and see Negril's famous sunset. There are many more concoctions of course, and I am sure that an evening at this distinct spot on the Negril Beach will be as good to you as it was to me.
By the way, ask to be seated in the upstairs of the beach gazebo. What a view -- day or night. By the way, for those who feel they have eaten too well and cannot be motivated to move, there are some 14 cabins to spend the night in total bliss.
Luckily for me, I was being driven or I might still be there.
NEXT WEEK: There comes a time in life when we must face some truths and I will be doing so next week. It is not for the faint-hearted. So be prepared.
