HI, Hope you are not in Negril yet, maybe you will check your e-mail. My father has lived in Jamaica for 20 years. I am moving there NEXT WEEK- YEAKS..
Here in the Negril low-down for foodies... "Sweet Spice" is a true Jamaican jewel. Conch steak is a must, they have soup that will knock your socks off, more like a stew. It is about 3 miles out of town toward Mandeville. All authentic Jamaican dishes. I think the LTU pub is the place on the rocks someone was refering to on the earlier post, my dad's favorite. Cosmos has been in Negril forever, I used to go there as a kid and have seen it grow from a beach shack to the place it is today. They have Conch fritters there and the Lobster dishes are very good. Three Dives has become an institution on the rocks. The lobster is so fresh, and grilled to prefection. Miyard is a late night hang out, if you have been "whooping" it up and serve food all night. Selina's is a breakfast must do. Sunday brunch is a tradition. When on the beach you have to go to Alfred's and have the fish and chips for lunch. Down from Selina's is a quick stop ( like a 7-11), right next to Lilla May's guest house. The second you are in Negril, go get the fresh orange juice they make fresh every morning. Buy 3-6 bottles because you will be very disapointed when you run out. The best Jerk Stand is next to Lilla May's guest house.. or the one across the road from Nirvana, it is a small round white shack- I think it is called best in the west,good "blended" drinks while you wait. Get a fresh fruit blended drink whenever possible, the fruit in Negril is well undiscribable. The best patties are at a stand that is an ice cream place and a bakery- across the street from Miyard up on the rocks. Or if you are on the rocks, I have not seen him in a while, but "Ital's Etheopian hi powered health food center" Real rasta food, tiny shack across from Rick's cafe. Jenny's favorite cakes- well ummm that is where you get the "special brownies" be careful, lots of extra "spice" in them. Negril is cut in 1/2 by a river and a round-about.. You have the beach and the rocks or the cliffs locals call it the rocks. my borther and I spent every summer in Jamaica as kids, so we would celebrate when we found some pizza or a hamburger. But, now that I am all grown up and a chef, Negril is a foodies delight. Try everything, Curry goat is a must, as well as patties, conch and lobster. I saw a Texas tourist on a bet eat a scotch bonnet and pass out.. So yes they are HOT. Chefs wrap them in cheese cloth and spice the food and them take them out of the pot, so don't get brave and eat a hot pepper. Fresh fish is always a good bet. If you have cooking facilities where you stay, and are feeling brave (very brave) and you are a true foodie, on Saturday take a taxi to Sav-la-mar a town about 20 mins from Negril. That is the outdoor market of all outdoor markets. Third-world at its best. Hold your nose, watch out for pick-pockets and get ready to haggle... I got a 15lb snapper there for 2.00us. Good Luck....
