Manhattan comes to town

Dionna Young, Lifesytle Writer

From beauty to brains and now to business, former model, 27-year-old Tasha Cyril, a graduate in forensic psychology, joined forces with Jamaican-born business partner and good friend Anthony Archer to set up one of Kingston's newest and exciting themed restaurant - Manhattan Global Cuisine Lounge. Set away from the hustle and bustle yet easy to find and to get to by transport, the two-week-old restaurant has already opened its doors to Kingston visitors and ready to welcome many more.

Where else would you go to find a cocktail titled 'the naked cowboy' dedicated to the Famous Cowboy in New York that plays a guitar, naked on the highway? And that's exactly what Manhattan Global Cuisine Lounge is all about, representing the Big Apple and America, in general, that Tasha and Anthony fell in love with while studying and which is infused with little sentiments from Anthony's travelling.

Gaining her catering experience on just a whim through a friend, Tasha loved the fast-paced frills, friendly customer services and adventurous dishes that came with working in a restaurant, and knew instantly that this is the industry she wanted to work in. Teaming up with Anthony, an ardent and venturesome chef, the two, after arriving in Jamaica, set up a warm, inviting and tranquil lounge and restaurant.

Originally from St Lucia, Tasha, who visited Jamaica in the past mainly on holiday, became fond of the beautiful island and saw Jamaica as her second home, a place that would welcome original, fun and contemporary business concepts.

She knew that Jamaica was the only place that would offer her the scope to do successful business, where she could bring a little something of great customer services from New York.

"We will treat them (our customers) like royalty," Tasha beams. "Within 45 seconds, they will have our full attention and we will be taking their orders," added Tasha.

Speedy, quality services are their mantra and a mantra they stick to. But although they offer quick services - presentation and attention to taste and detail never go amiss. This writer sampled their Parmesan dusted potato wedges, pepper infused tartar, fresh, light, crispy, battered cod (their take on British Fish & Chips) and their beef empanadas, which were delightful - earning an easy rating of 8/10.

The moment you walk in, the ambience is light and peaceful, the walls, sofas and gazebos decorated in white set the tone for a perfect lounge and cuisine to relax with your partner and equally to chat and have fun with your friends.

There's a corner for everyone, whether you're a smoker or non-smoker, looking for a romantic setting or somewhere just to chill - you'll enjoy the easy manner therein.

The decor presents several points of focus whether it be the harmonious lighting, the crystal-esque embellished tables or simply the stoned Buddha in the water fountain, it's simply a stylish, contemporary must-see and must-go cuisine and lounge.

Manhattan Global Cuisine Lounge, 22 Belmont Rd, Kingston 5. Telephone 961-6222/967 (Bookings for wedding receptions and private parties can be made via phone).