- Cream of Pumpkin Soup
Festive Drinks:
- Sorrel
- Champagne
Dessert:
- Christmas Cake or Minced Tarts with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Honey-glazed Ham
- Roast Chicken with Stuffing
- Oxtail
- Curried Goat
- Curried Coconut Veggies (Vegetarian option)
- Vegetable Spring Rolls (Vegetarian option)
- Vegetable Pasta (Vegetarian option)
- Rice & Gungo Peas
- Steamed Veggies
- Mashed Potatoes
- The cream of pumpkin soup was hot and full of body, just how I like it. Served with a crisp cut of bread, great for dipping into the creamy soup. For me, the crunch of the baguette slice covered with the warm pumpkin soup flavour is a perfect way to open an appetite.
- In Jamaica, ham is extra special at Christmas time. Something like a turkey during Thanksgiving in North America, Christmas ham is often a coveted meat on the dinner table. The first bite of Rocks Restaurant’s glazed ham slices drizzled with sauce transported me to December.
- The roasted chicken cuts were also drizzled with a savoury sauce. Stuffing is served on the side, allegedly for the chicken but we found it paired well on its own and with just about anything else.
- Oxtail was tender and cooked with broad beans, ie. the proper way (in my opinion). With such a full plate, I was extra pleased to get more than 1 piece of oxtail plus beans.
- Though curried goat isn’t my favourite, I found myself relishing as much of the meat as I could get off the bone. Small cuts of potato that shared the curry pot accompanied the goat.
- Side dishes: Gungo peas (aka pigeon peas) replaces traditional kidney beans (aka red peas) as the top choice to pair with rice during Christmas time in Jamaica. Its often reserved for special events, and in some households is a clear indication of the start of the festive season.
- Fluffy mashed potatoes sat beside a bed of lightly steamed broccoli, carrots, and green peas.
- Baked mac and cheese squares were topped with a breaded crust. Each cut had thick layers of goodness. Its crispy finish and innate comfort of cheesy macaroni could easily have you wanting more if you somehow have space for seconds with this Rocks Restaurant and Bar menu spread.
- Jamaican Christmas cake is fruit cake, but not like the ones in North America and Europe. The dried fruity bits are often soaked in sweet red wine / white rum. Rocks Restaurant & Bar’s fruit cake was moist, and (thankfully) its rum flavour was not muted. The cake was warm, topped with a contrasting scoop of vanilla ice cream. A swirl of chocolate syrup and dash of powdered sugar added an extra dose of sweetness.
Conclusion
The table consensus halfway through the entree was that it would be a challenge to finish the feast, knowing another course was on its way. No worries, as the food lovers that we are we did indeed finish everything! It didn’t happen without some extra willpower and limit testing. I was so stuffed; didn’t need to eat for almost 24hrs after.
Consider calling (876) 810-4179 to reserve a table for your group at the Rocks Restaurant and Bar during the month of December. Its quiet outdoor setting provides a feast for the eyes as well as taste buds!
OVERALL REVIEW
- Delectability 90%
- Food Variety 100%
- Atmosphere 70%
- Staff Interactions 80%
Perfect timing for this article, Jhunelle. Everything looks and sounds delicious.
Thanks and you’re welcome,Roch!