Our latest culinary adventure takes us to an old wharf settlement approximately three kilometres east of Falmouth and just beyond the mouth of the Martha Brae River, popularly known today as “Rock”.

Established by the British in the mid-1700s as a port in the Martha Brae Harbour (later to be called Falmouth Harbour), The Rock, as it was known back then, was the port from which ships would service plantations along the river and also deliver cargo as far up as the town of Martha Brae.

Today there is not much evidence of the area’s historic past, but Rock has become home to a number of eateries ranging from road-side cook shops and seaside shacks to finer dining locations on the edge of the world-famous Luminous Lagoon. Rock Wharf Restaurant has been a favourite hangout and eating spot in Trelawny for a number of years now. No matter how many times we come here, the ambience and beauty of the surroundings never cease to amaze us.

There was a light breeze as we sat looking out at the calm waters, and the sailboats complemented a peaceful and relaxed setting as we waited for our lunch. We opted for menu items done to order rather than choosing from the dishes that were ready to serve.

Our friendly waitress was Lisa, and one look at her tray as she emerged from the kitchen immediately assured us that it would be worth the wait! One of us selected the escoveitched fish with bammy while the other opted for a delightful curried shrimp, simmered down with sweet peppers and okra, and served with white rice.

The shrimp was heavenly — the distinct spicy Indian curry flavour blending wonderfully with, ahem… shall we say, a bit more than a hint of Scotch bonnet pepper!

The fish, a good-sized snapper, selected by the chef, was seasoned and fried perfectly before it was marinated with the escoveitch sauce.

A delicious meal, it disappeared from the plate in no time! The bammy, fried to a rich golden brown, had that crisp, crunchy texture that every chef strives for, and as we neared the end of our meals, we discovered that it was perfect for mopping up that last bit of tasty curried sauce.

Yes, we were determined that nothing on those plates would be wasted! Even the shredded vegetables served on the side were excellent, topped with a tangy vinaigrette.

The fish and shrimp went down well with the Red Stripe light sorrel highly recommended by our waitress Lisa, and long after we had savoured our last bite, our taste buds were still tingling from the sensational flavours of this delightful lunch.

Our meals with drinks totalled $3,200.00, which we found very reasonable, especially considering the very generous portions. Regular menu items will run you $500 to $600 and include chicken done every which way — fried, brown stewed, curried or baked. The Wednesday Special is the all-time Jamaican favourite — stewed peas! Seafood items, which cost a bit more, are done to order and include fish done to your preference (steamed, escoveitched or fried), and seacat, as well as conch, shrimp and lobster when in season.

This is the perfect place to lime. The bar is well-stocked and there always seems to be a friendly game of dominoes going on. A fabulous pool with an ocean-side view is great for the kids and adults alike, or patrons can book a deep-sea fishing trip, and even round off the day with a night tour of the Luminous Lagoon.

Rock Wharf is located on the old road leading into Falmouth right beside Glistening Waters. There is no sign up, but you can use the old Caribatik sign on their outside wall as your landmark. It is open seven days a week from 12 noon till 9:00 pm, with lunch and dinner served on Sundays through Fridays.

ROCK WHARF

Rock, Trelawny

Telephone: 617-2074