Andrea Downer, Financial Gleaner Writer
Dining at Mac's Chop House, Trinidad Terrace, New Kingston. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
GIVEN TODAY'S busy schedules, eating out is sometimes the only sensible option. But there is a major difference between the mere sating of hunger and fine dining.
So the gratification a great restaurant gives will be measured in more than just a full stomach.
"We are expensive," Fiona Machado, one of the owners of Mac's Chop House in New Kingston stated, "but our guests do get what they pay for and at the end of each meal, they are satisfied."
However, she said the cost of a meal at Mac's Chop House is not as high as some people might think. She says main courses range from US$20-US$40, and the average guest will spend J$4,000 for a two or three course dinner with wine and cocktails.
"Our restaurant caters to people who really appreciate good food. We cook with only the best ingredients and offer a personal service that guests find gratifying. We offer amazing food that is beautifully served. I think the problem that people will have with an expensive restaurant is when they charge a lot but don't deliver."
Mrs. Machado operates the business with her husband, Mario Machado, along with other family members.
BUSINESS DEAL
She says their clientele includes businessmen who need to create the right impression that might clinch a business deal, doting husbands anxious to make their wives feel special on their wedding anniversary or on her birthday, and families who just want to dine out together occasionally.
Strawberry Hill, which has a commanding view of Kingston and the Blue Mountains, has a similar price range. Darren Lee, executive chef at Strawberry Hill, says apart from the fine cuisine that he whips up, the atmosphere at Strawberry Hill's is a huge part of why people go there to eat.
"Guests have an awesome view of the city and the blue mountains," he explained. He says on average, depending on what guests order, a meal with wine can start at US$65, but can definitely be much more for persons with expensive tastes.
Mr. Lee says Strawberry Hill caters to special functions, conferences and just people who want to eat out. He says a lot of their business also comes from people who want to impress overseas clients. Strawberry Hill has another unique feature. Mr. Lee says if guests require, the spa manager can recommend certain items from the menu that will be beneficial to the guests' health and well-being.
A number of restaurants offer Sunday brunches that are quite attractively priced.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m., brunches are sometimes served up to 3:00 p.m. This schedule is the perfect time for those who attend morning church services and also allows enough time for the late riser to rouse herself after making the rounds on the entertainment circuit until the wee hours of Sunday morning.
LIVE MUSIC
At the Jamaica Pegasus, J$1,350 can get you a meal complete with live music and entertainment.
Miss Nancy McLean, hotel manager at the Jamaica Pegasus, says their Columbus restaurant serves Italian fare, The Country Kitchen serves meals and sandwiches, while the 24-hour Café is a Deli serving ice cream, pizzas and lighter foods.
She says the hotel has a daily special which costs J$1,000 and a three course meal at the Columbus would cost about J$1,500, not including the cost of wine or drinks. She says the hotel also serves a poolside barbecue from 7:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. on Sundays.
If you prefer a less formal atmosphere, Jamrock Sports Bar and Grill promises a laid back environment, which could be the perfect medicine for any residual effects of your Saturday night forays. Brunch at Jamrock lasts until two on Sundays, while at the Pegasus it goes up to 3:00 p.m.
Mrs. Andrea Stanley, marketing manager at Jamrock Bar and Grill, says a meal at Jamrock costs between J$300 and J$850 and that most meals are served with complimentary red or white wine.
"Although we are a sports bar, we are trying to bring a different level to the dining experience of our guests. They might not want to go to one of the more expensive restaurants to eat, but they still want some aspect of the fine dining experience and we try to provide that, and at an affordable price," she explained.
She says in addition to seafood, Jamaican and Italian dishes, Jamrock also offers vegetarian dishes, sandwiches and burgers.
But let's face it, for someone with a large family or on a tight budget, other options can be explored. While a combo meal at Burger King, Island Grill or Wendy's can cost just under J$400, paying J$1,000 can get a family of six a family-sized meal with family-sized fries, drinks and other side orders at KFC. So despite dwindling disposable incomes, there is still a wide range of options available for those who want to eat out.
