Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Left: Donette Prendergast, managing director of 'Prendy's On the Beach' restaurants at Hellshire and Putt 'n' Play. Right: Scallops with Linguini
and Feta Cheese - ANDREW SMITH/ PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
LOCATED IN Hellshire, St. Catherine and at Putt 'N' Play, New Kingston, Prendy's On the Beach has become a must for seafood lovers.
It was started two and a half years ago by Donette Prendergast, 36, who has been surrounded by seafood all her life. Her father, George Prendergast, was a part-time fisherman, and her husband, Junior Hall, is also a fisherman.
Ms. Prendergast wanted a job that complemented her husband's career. Six years ago while on one of her many Friday evening trips to Port Royal she got the vision of Prendy's. Today, it serves the best of roast, fried and steam fish as well as lobster, conch, shrimp, octopus, crabs, festival and bammy.
Prendy's growing clientele expands throughout Jamaica as many visitors to the beach have become familiar with the fish spot. This keeps Ms. Prendergast, managing director; Dwayne 'Spragga' Wallace, head chef; and the 14 staff members constantly busy.
SERVICE AND QUALITY
"I'm quite satisfied and pleased with what we are offering. Our service and quality of food are really second to none. The wait time might sometimes be a little long but I'm sure the end product is worth it," said a confident Ms. Prendergast.
Sister of football referee extraordinaire, Peter Prendergast, Donette Prendergast has been loving seafood since her father, George Prendergast, cooked curried octopus and white rice for dinner when she was six years old. Now Ms. Prendergast, a lover of roast fish, is able to prepare any seafood in different styles.
Outside of providing scrumptious seafood dishes at Prendy's she also wanted the restaurant to be a haven for families to dine. A mother of three children, she envisioned a place where an entire family could come and enjoy precious time together in an environment that is pleasant and affordable. The aim has been fulfilled as the busiest day at Prendy's is during family time, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
"I am happy that my vision is being fulfilled; many families stop over, also with their children. As there are activities at the beach for them such as a sandbox and toys."
CRAB NIGHTS
The New Kingston outlet opened in May 2005. The overpowering aroma of seafood permeates the air and attracts many fitness buffs from nearby Emancipation Park. It is also a popular place for Kingstonians to frequent on Wednesday nights - crab nights.
In keeping with the theme of a family-oriented environment, this outlet also has a sand lot and a thatch roof. "We are also still trying to find a way to incorporate the water there," she said.
Sourcing seafood is often not a problem for Ms. Prendergast. Mr. Hall, her husband, is still a fisherman, and they have two boats. They also raise crabs, feeding them on lettuce, pak choi and cabbage. Seafood is also bought from local providers.
It is not surprising, therefore, that in her spare time Ms. Prendergast likes to go fishing. "I will grab a boat and line and just go out to sea and fish." Once she caught a three-pound turbit fish. "The fish had me all over the boat as it was big and pulling on the line but I held on to him. That was the best fish I ever had and I caught it myself." She is also never tired of preparing or seeing seafood. Last Saturday for dinner she cooked stewed octopus with gungo peas. "I also might be fascinated with seafood because I digest it easily. It does not matter how late I eat it I am fine," she said.
