Anglers
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judges for the parish of St Ann, Andrew and Lucy Salm.
Anglers
Without the sign just outside the restaurant on the highway, it is very easy to miss Anglers. The restaurant is next to the main road, but apart from those who park on the highway verge and walk across the walkway, the access to the restaurant is from the back road into St Ann’s Bay from the North Coast highway. The al fresco restaurant features barrel seats and trestle tables. Patrons can opt to sit in the sunshine on big benches with a little shade provided by a large almond tree, which is always our preference.
Our waiter, Michael, who has been there since the start, knows the menu well and his recommendations can always be counted on. He is always at hand whenever your glass is empty. On our last visit they didn’t have any coconut water, so he happily walked down the road to get three jelly coconuts from a local vendor. It’s that kind of service that makes all the difference between a reasonable dining experience and a great dining experience!
When you look at the menu you are bombarded with such an array of seafood that you might not know where to start. From the ‘coastline conch’ to the ’nuff sprat’ and the various combos in-between, you have plenty to choose from.
We can never resist ordering the sprat as an appetiser – the more sprat on the plate the merrier! Perfectly grilled, crispy skin and some escoveitch pickle to give them an amazing kick. Price per dozen: $700. The pepper shrimp has exactly what you want from it, packed with flavour and a wicked bite, leaving your mouth burning, ready for refreshment.
Other than that, for starters you can always try the conch fritters (some find it too ‘bready’ but I absolutely love them). At $600 for the starter portion, it’s a nice filler if you have an appetite!
The last lunch we had, I decided to deviate from my ‘usual’ and went for a brown stew fish (3/4 lb-$1,000) which was a nice change from their usual options. The shelled lobster sautéed in garlic went down very well with a couple of our other friends, but it was the Seville Sea Cat (cooked in garlic) that was the most popular choice for the rest of the table.
All their main courses can be accompanied by their ‘ Ova di sides’ dishes, comprising roast breadfruit, roast sweet potato, bammy, and other Jamaican regular side dishes, which are all delicious.
The bar area is well lit and has a fine display of spirits and drinks for those in need of refreshment. Wine is limited, so don’t be disappointed if pairing is not an option.
Service time can vary, but the friendly staff are always happy to let you know how long a wait you might have. Whatever the wait, you will always be satisfied when your food arrives!
As a country we are blessed with an abundance of seafood, but you have to look hard to find those people who prepare it well. At Anglers, their dishes are all full of flavour and at an average price point of just over $2,000 per head it’s a great place to stop if you are doing the drive from Kingston to Montego Bay or vice versa.
Angler’s
Byfield Road, St Ann’s Bay, St Ann
Tel: 794 8449