Tesi Johnson and Nashauna Drummond, Gleaner Writers

TGIF

For two years the red and white sign at 51 Hope Road has spoken for itself. But this year, TGIF has used the voice of The Gleaner-sponsored Kingston Restaurant Week (KRW), to continue to spread the good word.

A new addition to this year's range of restaurants, Manager Kenesha Golding hopes that KRW will provide "a lot of exposure so customers will know what our menu is like." She notes that a lot of persons have the misconception that TGIF is for 'uptown' customers only and they think it's very expensive. "We have a lunch menu in a very nice price range' she declares.

She is almost certain that TGIF's longevity in the restaurant industry in Kingston is guaranteed. "Stick to our standard where food quality is concerned, give the people what they want and exceed their expectations."

Melting Pot

Melting Pot at the Knutsford Court Hotel is on board as one of the new restaurants for this the second staging of KRW. Manager Sue-Ann Montaque noted that they decided to come on board because, "KRW was such a success last year and one of the things that we are in the process of doing is marketing the restaurant so people know that we are here."

As such, she says they hope to benefit from, "The exposure, getting people out there to know we are here and hopefully get loyal customers out of it."

To ensure the Melting Pot's longevity, she explains that they really focus on guests' comments and feedback. They also follow the trend of what are their most popular dishes and keeping up with food trends in terms of what people want when they are dining out. That should be the perfect recipe for Melting Pot's success.

Prendy's on the Beach

After months of pleading by the customers, Donette Prendergast finally acquiesced to their requests to open Prendy's in Kingston and now diners can enjoy scrumptious seafood without having to travel all the way to Hellshire.

Now that it is a bonafide Kingston eatery, "I saw KRW as a great opportunity for the restaurant, so we came on board", explains Mrs. Prendergast.

"For KRW we want to show people that great customer service is still available in Jamaica, as well as reasonable prices, and I hope to see families out in their numbers," she continued.

Jamaica's food service industry is a fickle one, but to keep their operations afloat, Prendy's are keeping their prices competitive, maintaining high quality in food and service, so that persons will want to come in and dine.

Café Aubergine

Café Aubergine's flawless reputation precedes it, with the award-winning Moneague branch setting the precedence for the three-month-old Kingston operation.

"I was invited to come on board for KRW, and we hope to gain more exposure, being a new restaurant," says co-owner Neville Anderson.

"Though wehad the St. Ann restaurant for 10 years, we still have to learn the patterns and mannerisms of the Kingston market," he continues. In keeping with their dedication to staying afloat in town, Mr. Anderson indicates that customers can expect consistently high quality food and service.

Whitebones Seafood Restaurant

Almost hidden at the top of Mannings Hill Road, just on Mary Brown's Corner, is a quaint little restaurant dedicated to serving the best of seafood in a creative and appetising manner.

Owner, Richard Elliot, explains that joining the KRW team was a good opportunity to "get the Whitebones name out there" as they are a new restaurant.

Whitebones promises to always offer good prices and great service topped off with great ambience in which to dine. As described by Mr. Elliot, "you can't beat that!"

Habibi Latino

The owners tell Food that they should have come on board last year but were changing location from New Kingston to Marketplace. They are in for the added exposure to the public, also KRW will give the public an opportunity to experience Middle Eastern dining.

"There are not many Middle Eastern restaurants in Jamaica. Our clientele and atmosphere are very good.When we were located in New Kingston there was not enough parking but now we can reach everyone. Also we serve healthy doctor-recommended meals and we cater to everyone. In addition, anyone from any social class can dine at our restaurant. We are the only restaurant at Market Place where one can get quality food starting at $150." (Habibi Latino, Elkhalili Abdul, owner)

China Express

I.C. Wong, co-owner of China Express says that they are on board to give persons who have not eaten at China Express the opportunity to try their food. They hope the new customers will be pleased, satisfied and return.

"The average restaurant that opens in the Corporate Area does not always do well. So to ensure longevity we provide quality and standard in cooking and customer service."

Golden Bowl Restaurant

Patrick Tsang, manager:"Last year our customers asked if we were on board so this year we decided that we would be a part of KRW. We hope to generate publicity for the restaurant since we are located within Half-Way Tree.

"We been around for more than 20 years, so what we do is maintain what we are good at, for instance our chow choy and our pork and yam."