Members of the Hussey family (from left) Laurie; his wife, Ruth; and their son, Charles, after dining out at China Express in the Market Place during Kingston Restaurant Week.They took a break from duties at the Terra Nova where there was a lovely buzz at The Regency Restaurant, a participant in the Gleaner-sponsored event.

It is now a pleasant memory for sponsors, participating restaurants and customers, but Food asked many of the restaurateurs for feedback on the third annual Gleaner-sponsored Kingston Restaurant Week (KRW), and this is what they had to say:

Jewel of India

Jewel of India told Food that The week was very good. They had a full house for the entire week.

Strawberry Hill

Meanwhile, up at Strawberry Hill, it was very, very good, and they had a huge turn-out. This year was especially good with sponsors and it was a nice touch to have a opening complimentary cocktail. They had a few cancellations, but with walk-in customers spaces were filled.

Mac's Chop House

At the red hot Mac's Chop House, it was "absolutely more than successful. We were booked out on the day of the launch (October 4) and this shows the public's interest in getting a reservation here. We had to do double shift, which is not something we do normally, but we did so to give as many persons as possible a chance to sample our dining experience. It was seven days of amazing business. There were a few cancellations, but those seats were filled. I can't think of anything that could be done differently. KRW encourages persons in Kingston to go out to dinner; it reminds everyone that restaurants are here. We had persons saying we should go on for another week, but we are all very tired.

Café Aubergine

The management of Café Aubergine echoed the above sentiment: "Oh yes , I think everyone agreed it was very positive. We could cope with the number we got and the feedback has been nothing but good. I think definitely it was a success. There were a few cancellations, but we managed to fit persons who walked in. At the beginning, it rained for a few days, but everything went smoothly without any glitches and we saw many new faces."

Columbus

Reports from Columbus Restaurant are that the week was quite successful with full houses on some nights. Persons came out to dine and cocktails went well. Overall, the week was a success.

Red bones

Trendy Red bones also reported success even with no-shows, the venue was overbooked so they were able to accommodate those who showed up and the cocktails went well. They also had some new customers.

Habibi Latino

It was a fantastic week for Habibi Latino according to owner, Abdul Elkhalili. Customers came out in their numbers to support the restaurant. The only negative was the last-minute cancellations.

"At least 25 per cent cancellations," Mr. Elkhalili told Food. However, there were some walk-in customers who filled the void.

Despite cancellations, he said that Habibi Latino will definitely be a part of KRW next year and suggests that reservations be made using a credit card.

Suzie's Bakery

The management at Suzie's Bakery report that KRW was a success, but think that prices are a giveaway. They serve healthy portions and regard the week as good exposure for all and for next next year, they will try to put out even more tables.

Prendy's On The Beach

For the popular seafood eatery. KRW was an all-round success. The expectation was lived up to. Customers were really happy and the week has brought good business leading into the festive season. The management reports that companies are already booking with them for Christmas. They would like to see a wine company on board because fine dining goes with fine wine. And their customers have been asking about a lunch aspect to the week. But the organisers have their blessing.

Bamboo Village

There were many compliments on our seafood and customers were saying they got value for money. For them, the experience was encouraging and there were no complaints. Bamboo Village is satisfied with being in the mid-level category.

Melting Pot

Melting Pot reported doing very well during KRW. They had to turn down reservations because of the number they received. The week was a tremendous success for them.

TGI Friday's

Manager of TGI Friday's, Kenesha Golding, says it was a fairly good week for the restaurant.

"It was good. On the last two nights (Friday and Saturday), we had a full house," she said.

The restaurant had many walk-in customers and few cancellations.

For next year Ms. Golding says the restaurant will work on enhancing it's menu for KRW. However she suggests that payment by credit card should be promoted more for the next KRW.

China Express

"It was OK. We didn't have packed houses as the more expensive restaurants," said Bruce Chang from China Express.

Cocoro

"It was excellent," said Takattiro Sawadaof Cocoro.

Golden Bowl

"The week started out slow, but the weekend was little busier than usual. Patrons loved the free drinks," said Christine Tsang of Golden Bowl, adding that customers noted that the discount was sizeable. The only drawback was they ran out of one of the desserts they were offering so patrons had to take another option, but despite these glitches, it went well.

Golden Gate

"I don't see any difference," said Paul Wong of Golden Gate of the numbers who came into his restaurant. "I think it has a lot to do with the economy. People like to eat so under normal circumstances they would take advantage."

Grogge Shoppe

"It was quite good, except for the the rain on the first weekend of KRW. I was booked out Friday night (final weekend), but I don't know what happened a lot of people didn't show," said Lisa Gabbe.

However, she said the walk-ins compensated on that night.

"On Saturday, they kept their reservations," she added. "I provided live entertainment so I had difficulty turning over tables." She emphasised that live entertainment gave them an edge.

Four Seasons

Mid-town restaurant Four Seasons reported 70 per cent or more bookings nightly. Martin Smith, operations manager of Hotel Four Seasons, said next year he would prefer to offer their regular menu "so people can see what we offer because most of those who came were new customers".

Morgan's Harbour

"It was a financial success. We had a lot of customers coming," said Charmaine Robinson, chief accountant at Morgan's Harbour.

Her only challenge was turning over tables especially on their deck as people wanted to mill around to enjoy the entertainment which was provided.

"We'd probably brush up on our service and give them more time between reservations," she said.

Whitebones

"It was a good KRW. "We were booked out nearly every night," Jacqueline Wilson told Food. "We had a few cancellations, but we didn't lose because we had a few walk-ins.

She noted that a few persons had to be turned away and the restaurant's regular customers suffered somewhat, and chose to order take-outs. The only negative experience for the restaurant she said was the impatience of customers when it came to getting the food.

At Acropolis, on November 14, Trevor Tulloch (left) and William Aiken, special invited guests of Stewart's, dine in fine style.- Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

A meal is sure better when you arrive in style. Cathy Rattray-Williams and Gregory Dalton-Brown (training manager at Stewart's Auto) converse after arriving at the Acropolis gaming suites in a Mini Cooper S.- Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Michelle Myers-Mayne and husband, Gregory, dined at the Ambrosia Restaurant at the Acropolis. Both were hosted by the Stewart's Automotive Group, dealers of the Suzuki, BMW and Mini brands, and the official car dealership of Kingston Restaurant Week.- Contributed

Wow! Who knew food could be so much fun? Pepsi Jamaica's Ayanna Kirton laughs her head off (literally) as she dines with (from left) Michael Lee, Andrew Reid, Denise Dixon and Richard Bailey, at Jewel of India, at the Market Place, on Constant Spring Road during KRW.