Spencer Williams, Contributor

The Beach Bar & Grill of Norma's at the Marina, located within the new Port Antonio Marina, is well worth a visit, not simply for the food, but also for the fantastic surroundings. There's only one problem ... the place is empty! Come on everyone, get in your vehicles and head on over to the most beautiful parish. I know that it might seem like the end of the Earth for some of you, especially all you 'Montegonians'! However, you'll be pleasantly surprised to hear that the new marina is nothing like the small and decrepit one which rests right next door.

Astounded

I had been meaning to visit for a long time and, a few months ago, I was in Portland for the day and decided I'd go have a look. First of all, I had no idea that there was even aNorma's to dine at, and second, I was astounded at the fabulous job which had been done to make it look the way it does. It's a little confusing when you drive in the entrance - all sorts of signs to go in different directions for different places, but eventually I worked it out. I parked outside the immigration and customs hall, which I understand is used when the cruise ships come in. Just to the right of that, facing the water, is Norma's Beach Bar & Grill. There are two outdoor huts - one hosting the bar, and the other a kitchen. It's kind of cool the way you can see the chefs at work.

White-sand beach

I sat down on the patio, where several chairs and tables were placed, and looked out towards a long, white-sand beach ... was it always there, or had it been man-made? Hard to tell, but it was a lovely touch. Imagine going through all the official blurb of arriving in a foreign country and being able to literally step right on to the beach immediately after! There's a long and wide jetty extending from the outside of the hall, upon which more dining furniture was set out. All that was missing was clientele. Only three other tables were occupied with couples, and two people were eating at the bar.

I had cream of pumpkin soup, smoked marlin salad and the pork chop. I was delighted to see the soup arrive in a square-shaped bowl. That hint of sleek minimalism is so rare in restaurants out here - more establishments should consider updating with something similar. As for the flavour of the fare ... not a thing to complain about from what I ate. Perfectly smooth and scrumptious, the soup was more like bisque. The smoked marlin went down a treat - no unwanted sinews or 'freezer' taste left in the mouth! As for the chop ... it was like experiencing the most succulent piece of smoked ham with the best pineapple glaze to ever touch one's palate, but all in a fat juicy chunk of pork! I sucked on that bone until it was dry, it was so delicious. It's hard to even remember what was really served withit, but I believe it was a generous amount of pretty good roast Irish potatoes, an interesting coleslaw with beets, and other vegetables.

Wonderful pork!

Basically, it was all wonderful but the pork ... well it was indeed something to dine for.

Norma's at the Marina, West Harbour, Port Antonio Marina, Portland

Telephone: 993-9510

Opening Hours Beach Bar & Grill

Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p m and

Sundays: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Fine Dining: Tuesday-Saturday 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Look to spend: $100 for a Red Stripe beer, $250 for soup, $950 for smoked marlin main course salad, $1,150 for a very large pork chop meal, and about $400 on dessert.