It’s been a little over two weeks since Citibank relocated its New Kingston offices to a three-storey complex situated at the corner of Hope Road and Hillcrest Avenue that commands attention on sight. The new building has generated more traffic, and both staff and customers have asked Thursday Food to suggest places to grab breakfast, enjoy a quick lunch, or in the event of working late, find dinner nearby. Thankfully, there are two chic dining options plus a great place to pick up top quality snacks…

Café el Centro

Manager Tina Newman has already welcomed Citibank newcomers to her eatery located only a stone’s throw away, upstairs 8 Hillcrest Avenue. The restaurant serves international cuisine including American breakfast options and a variety of European salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups, along with affordable lunchtime specials. Café el Centro also offers catering services and takeout. Newman also informed Thursday Food that the café is open late on Thursdays to facilitate their ‘happy hour’. “Thursday night is one of our busiest. Persons can come by after work and enjoy drink specials until 10:00 pm,” she shared.

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, Thursday 7:30 am – 10:00 pm, Friday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Address: 8 Hillcrest Avenue Kingston 6 (upstairs)

Tel: (876) 927-8415

Chez Maria

This Lebanese-Italian eatery offers an intimate setting for lunch and dinner. Located at 7 Hillcrest Avenue, the restaurant has called the area home for seven years and prides itself on providing customers with authentic Lebanese and Italian cuisine. It is interesting to note that among the variety of dishes that they offer, Chez Maria’s menu includes lionfish, which they have been serving for over a year now. Lebanese manager Nancy Hado boldly told Thursday Food when we visited earlier this week: “Right now we are the only restaurant that serves lionfish as part of our menu and have been doing so for over a year now.” The lionfish, which is a danger to the coral reef, makes a tasty dish as long as its venomous sines are carefully removed. The awareness, she said, began with her brother-in-law Nakhale Hado who educated fishermen about the dangers of the sea creature, how to clean it and how to prepare it. Hado, who is also the restaurant’s head chef, stated that a number of the Citibank staffers were already clients of Chez Maria before the financial institution relocated to its new address, so the proximity now makes it more convenient.

Uncorked

Uncorked bistro eatery has earned quite a bit of buzz since it’s opening in February of this year. In fact, the 8 Hillcrest Avenue location has already become known to a number of staffers at Citibank since they moved to the area. Debra Valentine, co-owner of Uncorked, told Thursday Food, “It is a great option for persons who just want to grab something for lunch and go.”

Although the current location does not yet include dining as an option, it offers “top quality” eats. Uncorked boasts variety in both wine and cheeses, providing its clients with an option of over 30 different cheeses including Spanish Manchego, French Brie and aged Gouda. On entry, customers will see over 130 different fine wines to choose from. Valentine also stated that customers can enjoy locally produced goods like olives, pepper jelly, honey and marmalade as well as a wide range of panini sandwiches.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Address: 8 Hillcrest Avenue, Kingston 6 (downstairs)

Tel: (876) 632-5500