Grill 71.

The nicer decor is sitting outside the restaurant.

Last weekend, we tried this new restaurant located in the Courtyard on Lady Musgrave Road, Grill 71. On a Saturday evening at 7PM, we were the only clients in the restaurant. The blinds were closed and there was no music, it was kind of sad. The general look of this place reminded us of an American Dinner but with a modern look and minimalist décor. We were not sure about it but decided to stay and give it a chance. 

The music started and some old hits played, it gave a little bit more life to the restaurant. Fortunately, the menu does not match the appearance and ambiance of the restaurant. I would have like to try a lot of their dishes. We ordered the Pulled Pork Spring Roll to start which was good. Erik had the Moroccan Lamb Burger with fries and I was curious about the Asian-Style Salad with cranberries, almonds and sesame seeds. We were pretty satisfied with our meals but rather disappointed with our restaurant experience. Grill 71 offers the take-out option and regrettably, I think this is the best possibility that we eat from that restaurant again. I feel bad but I would rate this one 6 out of 10. 

Frenchman's Cove

If you ask me which is my favorite beach in Jamaica? I would answer Frenchman’s Cove for sure. Unfortunately, the road to get there is as long and difficult as any path from Kingston to the north coast, but this particular drive always seems longer than it actually is. Maybe it has something to do with our misadventure with flooded roads back in 2012 or the fact that it starts with a painful drive through Stony Hill. But once you have reached the heart of Port Antonio, Frenchman’s Cove, nothing else matters…you are now in paradise! This place is amazing, peaceful, breathtaking and certainly special. Why? Because of its remarkable scenery, an opening in a rock wall creates this private white sand beach settled at the outlet of a fresh-water stream. 

This makes the nice blue water refreshing and cooler but who cares…it is so hot in this country! Frenchman’s Cove Beach sometimes becomes a natural wave pool and everyone enjoys spotting the next big wave and screaming when it finally reaches them. A restaurant by the beach offers a great option for lunch, simple Jamaican food. We tried the resort last year because of Mother Nature and we did not like the rooms in the Great House but the Villas by the cliffs are really interesting to me. Maybe we will give this resort a second chance in the near future; it will give us the chance to enjoy the location more than usual and not have to drive back on those roads so soon. This beach is unbelievable; you must go if you have the opportunity!

Redbones Blues Café

If you are in Kingston and you absolutely want to get a taste of the Caribbean cuisine, Redbones Blues Café is your best bet. The intimate setting of the terrace plus the relaxing Blues and Jazz music is the perfect combination for a lovely evening. You won’t regret ordering the Callaloo Strudel, the Grilled Baby Lamb Chops, the Lobster and Three Cheese Ravioli or the Chicken Breast Stuffed with Callaloo and Jerk Spiced Cheddar. But honestly, everything we try at this restaurant turns out to be amazing too! Most of the plates are served with the best potatoes you’ll ever have in Jamaica and…well…vegetables haha. Just talking about it makes me hungry! This place also hosts cool live music shows every week. While staying in Kingston, you now know where to have an unforgettable meal! I would rate this fine dining restaurant 9 out of 10.

Caffé da Vinci

Caffé da Vinci is the Italian restaurant in the Courtyard Marketplace. This restaurant has a chic décor, a great selection of wine and appealing menu. From pasta to pizza, everything is delicious! Pizzas are at a really reasonable price! The service is always flawless. My personal suggestions are the Tricolore Pizza, the Risotto di Mare and the Ravioli Al Ripieno Di Fromaggio. Mmm mmm MMM!! I would rate the restaurant 9 out of 10.

Chilitos

If we don’t know what to eat for dinner, Chilitos is always a nice solution. On the way back from Erik’s work we love to enjoy Mexican food while the rush hour traffic passes. It is our favorite spot for a cheap, delicious but not so healthy meal :P. They have different type of music playing taking part in the cool ambiance. Service is good. Food is great for value. Our favorite items are the Gorditas, Nacho Supreme, and Chimichanga. Chilitos is also the place to drink a Corona instead of the usual Red Stripe, but they also offer Margaritas, Olé Olé!! Erik is always asking me when will be our next visit at Chilitos so from time to time I force myself to go with him ;). I would rate this unique fast-food restaurant 8/10.

One Year in Jamaica.

It’s already been one year since I moved to Jamaica. AND I’M STILL HERE!!! Haha I really did struggle for the first time with adaptation by moving into this country. There were a lot of changes I had to deal with. Anniversaries like this one often bring mixed feelings for me. I don’t regret a thing, I love being with Erik and I cannot imagine it any other way. Even through my darkest days, Erik was my daily dose of happiness and comfort. I will always be grateful to him making this all possible. This experience will always be a part of us. It is an unbelievable chance we have and our future will make this worth it. We still have a lot to discover here, a lot of memories to make. Jamaica will always be full of surprises! I still cannot believe what my life has become. We don’t know how much time we have left here, we don’t have any official plans but we know that life already has a lot of them for us and we have to appreciate this time of liberty. 

Tea Tree Crêperie

Fully loaded Brunch Crêpe

Erik and I are breakfast lovers. We feel that every restaurant should offer breakfast at any time of the day. We were a little disappointed with the lack of choices for breakfast options here in Kingston. Of course, there are the restaurants of the hotels in the area but they do not have the same feel as a little breakfast eatery. Thank god… or should I say thank Maree and Carrie for Tea Tree Crêperie! This spot is now a regular weekend stop for us. From sweet to savoury, you can even build your own crêpe, but trust the famous recipes and you won’t be disappointed! A must would be their number one seller the Smoked Marlin Crêpe and for a sweet delight our favorite is the Strawberry Cheesecake Crêpe. If somehow you don’t like crêpes, they also make omelets, quiches, salads, soups and more. Indulge your breakfast with a special coffee or a Magic Mint Limonade (Magic for adults only ;) ) and you wish all your mornings were spent at Tea Tree Crêperie! You can find this treat waiting for you at the top of the stairs at 8 Hillcrest Avenue. They are opening soon in Montego Bay and have other projects even in Toronto, Canada! I would rate this one 10 out of 10 for sure. 

http://www.teatreecreperie.com/