Restaurant Week Review

The sixth renewal of the Gleaner-sponsored Restaurant Week is now history and many Jamaicans got a chance to sample the island's finest cuisine at discounted prices. The brainchild of Stephanie Scott of SSCo Event Management. Food asked her to reflect on the event.

"At times, it seemed like the odds were against us. We began the campaign under the dark, destructive rains of Tropical Storm Nicole and suffered, as well, the loss of three of some notable chefs," Scott said. Pointing to the immeasurable support of exclusive print sponsor The Gleaner and corporate sponsors, along with the enthusiasm and hard work of the 60 participating restaurants, she said it has culminated in the most successful Restaurant Week to date.

"Final numbers need to be tallied but all reports indicate that the two cities - Kingston and Montego Bay - as well as Ocho Rios, came alive. Diners explored new cuisine and families and friends celebrated the tapestry of tastes that our island's restaurants have to offer. The economic impact of the increased spending was a valuable boost to the economy, which the restaurants are grateful for every year," she added.

Scott further explained that with expansion comes the challenge of maintaining the high standard of food and service which has characterised the six years of Restaurant Week, but said that she feels confident that restaurants appreciate the importance of providing the dining public with this high standard as well as the sponsors with the support that their promotions require.

"I look forward to perhaps including an additional parish capital next year and by means of our expanded online, and social-media components, to reach the wider public and the world as I encourage them to savour the island more than ever in 2011."

Feedback from restaurants

The Twisted Kilt

Floor Manager Rohan Anderson told Food: "Restaurant Week is a very good concept. The Twisted Kilt had an increase in traffic. We were filled most nights and it augurs well for a repeat, so it's a definite 'yes' for our participation next year."

The Pelican

Proprietor Peter Scudamore: "It was very successful. We used it to showcase some new items and it provided the opportunity for our regular customers, as well as others, to benefit greatly from discounted prices. This is our second year and if it's on again next year, we will be there again. I think we would have won over some new customers as well. Everything was fine. The last Friday and Saturday were heavily supported."

Rum Jungle Café and Bar:

Brian Brown, marketing and entertainment manager: "Restaurant Week offered our patrons a change. It gave them an opportunity to sample the excellent fare that we have outside of the gaming. We also offered our menu to a new market. The week was excellent, as patrons enjoyed five of the eight nights with live entertainment from our resident band Jumanji. So next year it is a must."

Marguerites

Shani Reid, group marketing manager: "Island Entertainment Brands was more than happy to participate in the Gleaner-sponsored Restaurant Week and give our valued customers the opportunity to experience all our brands, Marguerites, Bobsled Café, Groovy Grouper, and Margaritaville Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. We found it to be a wonderful success and look forward to bringing the same experience to our customers next year.

Looking forward to next year!