Trust us, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, The Café at the Spanish Court Hotel is a choice destination for memorable meals and exceptional service. The modern contemporary-styled eatery, found to the immediate left of the hotel's lobby(you can access it from the carpark too), has been steadily winning converts with its impressive menu options that range from such morning-time fare as Spanish omelettes and bagels with smoked salmon; to pasta salads and tapas platter; and a host of delectable salads, soups and sandwiches.

Executive Chef Anthony Matthews, a nominee for Chef of the Year at the Jamaica Observer Food Awards last May, says the 10-month old café occupies space once used for a hotel meeting room, known as the Candlelight Lounge. The vision, Matthews explains to Thursday Food, was "to create a premium café spot in Kingston and be a first point where people would want to head to for great meals and service".

Mission accomplished! During our visit, we observe not only guests dining in, but also lunchtime walk-ins, including professionals working in the New Kingston business district as well. There's also a business meeting in progress, with laptops atop the table, and numbers being bandied about in convo.

"The principle of The Café," the executive chef states, "is to be somewhere persons can come in early in the mornings or late in the evenings to dine or grab something to go."

Variety is the name of the game at The Café, as a myriad of tempting pastries can be enjoyed with orders of espresso, cappuccino, teas, or juices. Also available are wines to complement your salad.

The chef discloses that a panini machine is to be installed soon, and he would like to add a prep refrigerator to expand the varieties of sandwiches to customers as well as provide the option for them to "build their own salads".

The Café is located at the Spanish Court Hotel at 1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5. Opening hours: 7:00 am to 11: 00 pm. Telephone: 926-0000.

(Photos: Naphtali Junior)