Spencer Williams, Contributor

A plethora of Lebanese delights are served for very reasonable amount of 'dosh'. Baba Ganouge, Pita Bread, an hummus brings the flavour of Lebanon alive. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Those who read my first critique on Chez Maria sometime back in April, will know how much I praise and appreciate the food at this homely Lebanese/Italian restaurant on Hillcrest Avenue.

It is one of my favourite locations to eat in Kingston, not only because the food is consistently tasty and fairly priced (for what you are getting), but also because the ambience is fabulous.

Dining Options

You will always be greeted by at least one friendly member of staff, waiting under the porch at the entrance. You will be given the options of sitting inside or out, and I'd recommend the latter. Dining in the air-conditioned room, to the left, is understandable when the weather is stiflingly hot. However, there lies the downfall of this elegantly casual eatery. It completely lacks character. I'm thinking that a few fun and brightly coloured 'middle eastern' type drapes, tablecloths and chair cushions would be an inexpensive effort. Lighting would also vastly improve the area - several Arabian lamps and candles, and hey presto, you have an appropriately themed dining room.

But most of the time a light breeze is blowing, and customers are seated in areas accordingly. As you walk through the porch, look to the right where there is an extended terrace for dining that is usually set up to catch the evening breeze.

Further ahead, you'll see the wrap around bar which tends to host regular patrons, as well as a few members of the Hado family, who own the joint. To the left of here is where you'll be seated when you come for lunch, with the afternoon winds cooling you under the mango tree. You might have to dodge a falling piece of fruit or two during the late spring and early summer seasons (not that we get much of a season in Jamaica!), though I don't think you'll need a helmet or anything to protect your head. It's not as if it'll happen every time you eat there, but be on the look out!

Setting

Lunch time is understandably a lot less busy than dinner, but that's what makes it so appealing when you want to have a private lunch meeting with work associates. Your plates won't take too long to arrive, and you can discuss business secrets without being overheard. You see it's not that people don't know about Chez Maria. I think they just always think of it as a place you go to for dinner, catch a quick bite before watching a movie at Sovereign Centre, nestle at a cosy two-top table when you want to invest in a little romance, or take over a section of the patio with a large group of friends.

What is so appealing to me about the way the seating is arranged, is I never feel that other diners are infringing on my space, no matter how popular this spot might be on some nights. Okay I lie, the 'Shwarma Nights' they put on won't exactly give you any privacy.

But you wouldn't be venturing there if you didn't want to join in the party now would you? A plethora of Lebanese delights are served for very reasonable amount of 'dosh', bar drinks are easily ordered, and the music ... oh the music, and the dancing ... the belly dancing! You know what they say about Chinese restaurants right? "Go to the ones you see Chinese people eating at."

Well, you know you've come to a genuine Lebanese banquet when the Lebanese ladies are on the dance floor subtly shaking their hips and are able to contort their tummy muscles any which way they please! You just feel that Maria and Nancy Hado have made every effort to make it all our home.

Chez Maria,7 Hillcrest Avenue,

Kingston 6;

Telephone: 927-8078, 978-7833

Open for lunch and dinner,

seven days a week.