Bowl and Spoon expanding with two new locations

With convenience influencing dining habits, Bowl and Spoon is continuing to add a wholesome twist to the local dining experience and expanding with two new locations on the horizon.

The eatery, which last September opened its doors at The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, is already making remarkable strides in satisfying eager appetites at the tertiary institution. “The campus needed something healthy, something fresh, filling and nutritious. And that’s what we’re about,” chef and manager Lesley-Anne James told Food.

Since expanding from Devon House in St Andrew and settling in on campus for almost five months, the reception has been great. “We continuously have familiar faces. And they will try different food variations that I find so interesting when they build their own bowl. I love that,” James revealed.

For soups, Bowl and Spoon offers an enticing menu of three bean, red peas with beef, roasted pumpkin with chicken, seafood, pepperpot, and manish water.

Students who are on the go and looking for something light yet filling will often opt for smoothies. Options include the coffee power punch, which James explained is made with coffee, almond milk, oats, banana, peanut butter, protein powder and vanilla. The tropical recharge is a fruity blend of strawberry, mango, berry blend, coconut milk and honey. Those seeking a wellness blend often opt for the immunity boost smoothie, which is made with mango, banana, carrot, ginger, flax seeds, turmeric and coconut water. Then there’s the green glow, which consists of banana, avocado, kale, almond milk and protein powder.

And what’s Bowl and Spoon without its bowls? “We have bowls, which are heavier, made with rice or sweet mash, which is sweet potato and pumpkin mash, or quinoa and your choice of protein,” James said, adding, “Then, you have the salad, which is something nice and light but still filling, so you don’t feel too heavy after you eat.”

A popular item, the yardi jerk bowl, is made of coconut turmeric rice, jerk barbecue chicken, grilled corn, cucumber, grape tomatoes, pickled red onion and a plantain Scotchy aioli.

Additionally, desserts are big ticket items on the menu; from the s’mores brookie, a mix between a brownie and a cookie; tiramisu cookie; cheesecake cookie; a trail mix cookie with almonds and cashews; a churro cheesecake cookie and banana bread.

“We have a wide range of drinks here; lime, lemongrass lemonade, green juice, regular lemonade, sparkling water, coconut water and the list goes on. We currently have a kiosk set up to streamline a smooth ordering system. And if you don’t want to wait in the restaurant, you can order online and just pick up on your arrival,” James said.

Strong on food consistency and customer service, the manager believes people really return because of how the food and the restaurant make them feel. “Not only do we want to serve wonderful food, but we want to build a community on healthy eats; food that tastes good and that is good for you too,” said James.

Now that the location has established itself among the brilliant collegiate minds and the surrounding staff members, Bowl and Spoon is setting its sights on opening its third branch in New Kingston.

“We’re looking towards opening in March, which is very exciting. With UWI, I genuinely didn’t know what to expect. We will be implementing indoor dining to seat about 25 persons, so I’m looking forward to that reception. And I hope customers love the different flavour combinations we have on offer, because this menu is one that I hold near and dear to my heart,” the chef and manager highlighted.

And the expansion doesn’t stop there! The restaurant is also looking at opening a fourth location on Lady Musgrave Road by the end of the year into 2027. “The aim is to continue expanding, continue making people feel happy, and continue making everybody feel like a family and community and getting good food,” she shared.

And for those who have never been to Bowl and Spoon before, “expect good customer service, great food, a happy tummy and a healthy belly,” said James.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com