Michael Erskine, attorney-at-law and Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge for the parish of Westmoreland.

“My philosophy on food is simple: Eat and Enjoy! Our elders always cautioned us to eat just enough, not to overeat; to take enough to satisfy hunger and not waste. I agree that the best meal is one that is well-balanced, made with fresh ingredients, slowly and carefully prepared with all the special touches of a home-cooked dish. I enjoy different cuisines: Chinese, Indian, Italian, but hands down, Jamaican food is the best for me. Curried goat or shrimp, jerked pork, lobster, any style; whether uptown or downtown, city or country, locally or internationally trained, a good Jamaican chef, or cook, is hard to beat.

The West End Negril, Westmoreland, boasts some of the finest and most unique restaurants in the island of Jamaica. Perhaps one of the best examples of this unique dining experience is to be found at the Blue Mahoe Restaurant and Lounge Bar, situated at The Spa Retreat, Boutique Hotel, West End Cliffs, Negril.

Sit on the terrace of the Blue Mahoe Restaurant and gaze at one of the most breathtaking sunsets you could imagine. This and more, much more, is what is on offer when you dine at this establishment.

I’m in awe, every time I visit this lovely property. The architecture, boasting 100 per cent Jamaican Blue Mahoe and cedar by Jamaican artisans and craftsmen, gives you a glimpse of what Jamaica has potentially to offer the world.

The ambiance that you experience when you sit in this dining room is awesome; it makes you feel very special as you wait in hopeful expectation for the dining experience that is to come, and believe me, you will not be disappointed.

Executive Chef Shane Austrie and his able assistant Kawayne Wright ensure that even when your dining experience is over, you’re busy anticipating your next visit. One of the distinctive features of this restaurant is the design of the kitchen: you can watch the chefs prepare your meal before your very eyes.

I particularly like how the food is presented at the Blue Mahoe — very classy and stylish. The presentation is complemented by the very professional service of the staff which makes you feel like royalty: they’re always on hand willing to please, but never intrusive.

On my last visit I decided to try something a bit different. As a lover of seafood I had the seafood linguine, described in the menu as “shrimp, lobster, snapper tossed in olive oil with sweet pepper and tomato tossed in pesto sauce”. It was delightful, could not have been better.

I started my meal with their signature appetiser — soup of the day (pumpkin soup), then I had the Caesar Salad with Parmesan cheese, bacon, and croutons with my favourite Italian dressing. A glass of Ro Rex Goliath Chardonnay completed a satisfying dining experience.

The Blue Mahoe Restaurant is what good dining is all about.

Compliments must go to Shane and Christine Cohen, Canadian investors and proprietors of this outstanding property, which has been rated consistently in the top four restaurants in the Negril area by Trip Advisor since the restaurant was established some four years ago.