Jerk, Ophelia's style

Friday, October 14, 2011

Ophelia's Jerk & Bar is ready to stake its claim as a foodie destination of choice for diners seeking an authentic taste of jerk. Although the eatery has maintained a relatively low-key presence since opening in mid-January, its owners Lloyd Heron and fiancée Stacy-Ann Leon are intent on upping the profile of the restaurant scene. "We are currently looking at expanding our seating, diversifying the menu and exploring theme nights," Leon revealed when Thursday Food paid a recent visit to Ophelia's, located smack dab on the corner of Molynes Road and Dumbarton Avenue.

Totally unassuming based on its unexceptional exterior, save for its magenta-hued walls, walking into the eatery proves a welcome respite. The grounds are spacious, dotted with flourishing banana trees, rum-barrel seats and a corner bar featuring bamboo walls. The proprietors acquired the property — which previously housed a garage — in April last year when they discovered it had become available for lease. "We were unsure of exactly what we wanted to do with it," Heron said. Then, flashbulbs went off: the two agreed to venture into the restaurant business.

Heron, who holds a day job as a construction engineer, said while they focused on fish initially, they decided to go the jerk route. Wanting to create an authentic food experience, the pair called in Portland-based jerk chef David Graham to create a signature sauce and method of preparing the jerk chicken and pork. "It was a very scientific, detailed method, and we documented every ingredient and step to a tee. It took about three weeks and we ensured that it was consistent," explained Leon, who recently returned to work as a guidance counsellor at a primary school after a year-long sabbatical from the education system.

The future husband and wife said that with Ophelia's, they were looking to create an establishment that offered not only good eats, but an environment that felt like a relaxing getaway at the same time. As the restaurant settles into a groove, the couple is now in expansion mode, adding more dining space to the back of the eatery. When remodelling is complete, the seating capacity should number 40 persons. The duo are also gauging the surrounding community's feedback and embracing suggestions. "People from the nearby Maverley community came and told us what they liked, so we introduced Chicken Back Fridays based on their idea, so we do fried chicken back with french fries for $150 and it's been a success," Leon disclosed. In terms of Ophelia's house menu, she elaborates that plans are afoot to add the traditional lunchtime faves such as fried and barbecued chicken.

We're guessing with the keen attention to customer feedback, Ophelia's future may be even brighter in the months ahead.

Ophelia's Jerk & Bar

2 Dumbarton Avenue, Kingston 10.

Telephone: 580-1118, 622-5598

Opening hours: Mondays to Wednesdays, 11 am to 7 pm; Thursdays to Saturdays 11 am to 10 pm. You can 'friend' the eatery on Facebook at Ophelia's Jerk and Bar.

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Jerk, Ophelia's style