Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judges for the parish of St Ann, Andrew and Lucy Salm reveal their final six culinary gems.

One of the fun things about first-world cities is the variety of dining-out breakfast options. In Ocho Rios I have found the perfect breakfast/brunch spot in a location that few know about and even if they have heard about it, generally have difficulty finding the place.

About half-a-mile east of Royal Plantation, on Main Street and the next turning after Rapid Sheffield True Value Hardware store, there is a small turning into a place called Hermosa Cove.

This establishment has been open for a few years now and the restaurant Christopher’s has, since the arrival of their recent chef, Conroy Arnold, been getting rave reviews from locals and foreigners alike.

Once you have walked from the car park through the amazing landscaped gardens you reach the restaurant and bar, which offers an amazing peaceful setting right on the waterfront with an open verandah looking over the sea. The bar area itself gives you a bar/pub feel, which is ideal if you are in the mood for one of their mint mojitos or margaritas with fresh limes.

Whenever you go for breakfast, you always come away satisfied.

The breakfast menu offers a range of dishes from ackee and saltfish, which he does to perfection, with just the right amount of oil, peppers and onions, and giving you the right amount of hot pepper if you want to spice it up.

In true Conroy style, he gives you options on a range of eggs, which allows him to impress you every time.

Conroy’s amazing callaloo and feta cheese omelette (US$8.50) or his poached egg on a bed of callaloo with Scotch bonnet pepper are just a few of his creations that will leave you wowed and ready for more.

One of the great things about the place is its intimacy. With an open kitchen, if Conroy is there, one can always stop by and chat with him. If there is anything slightly different he could do with a dish to make it more to your taste, then he will always try and do it for you.

If you are feeling more for American cuisine than Jamaican, then the cinnamon french toast or house-made waffles and syrup with choice of fruits is another favourite (US$7.50.)

Other than breakfast, Christopher’s does lunch and dinner. But if you are looking for something truly special, I advise you to find yourself down there one weekend morning to enjoy.

Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove

Hermosa Cove, Hermosa Street, Pineapple Place, Ocho Rios (turn off next to True Value Hardware)

Telephone#: 974 3699