The hoped-for resurgence of downtown Kingston is slowly taking shape with the city's dynamic culinary offerings. Ace caterer Jacqui Tyson hosts splendid end-of-month Sunday brunches on the waterfront; Cannonball Café is expected to open its newest outlet at the Digicel corporate office; and those with a yen for premium sandwiches, Italian-style pasta and 'home-made' soups can now pop into the boho-chic F & B Downtown eatery, at the corner of Harbour and Church streets. F&B is an unexpected aesthetic delight as one enters the Swiss Stores jewellery outlet, with which the eatery occupies space but operates as a separate entity. Owned by the quartet of Peter Bangerter and his nephew Ueli Bangerter, Daniel Eugster and Vinay Walia, the eatery's walls are painted red and adorned with striking, minimalist black-and-white photographs by Craig Phang Sang. Discussing the décor Ueli Bangerter explained: "The red and white represents the Swiss flag and speaks to Swissness, while the design of the solid, wooden tables and chairs represent quality, nature and simplicity through straight lines and browns, well, they are simply trendy these days."

While our familiarity with F&B dates back to last August when we first visited the eatery, Bangerter assured us the concept of the menu — "fresh and different food with a European twist" -- is what makes the establishment a worthwhile dine-in or take-out spot for foodies.

From gourmet salads including teriyaki chicken and cheese to tomato, pumpkin and pepperpot soups, and pesto and pomodoro pastas with jerk sausages or chicken, F&B's fare is freshly made in a modern contemporary setting that whispers sophistication. Why not try a lunch date there?

F & B Downtown is located at 107 Harbour Street in downtown Kingston.

Telephone 922-1109 for deliveries within the Corporate Area.

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays - 9:00 a m to 4:00 p m.