Although St Mary boasts a few jerk centres, depending on where you are in the parish, the more famous ones may not necessarily be in close proximity.

However, if you’re in the Oracabessa, Boscobel or Rio Nuevo area and feel like not just jerk, but a break from the hustle and bustle, Tommy’s Jerk Centre & Sports Bar in Boscobel is the ideal place. Tommy’s offers an atmosphere of total relaxation where you can enjoy your meal or drinks while listening to tasteful music on very comfortable, spacious grounds. The perfect hideaway, the property adjoins a farm, and the relaxing feel is enhanced by the lush vegetation that surrounds it.

This is truly a hidden gem!

Not to take away from the food which I’ll get to, but the greatest appeal of Tommy’s for me is the ambience. This is a very important factor of a total dining experience and Tommy’s has this and more!

Accessibility to this property is easiest when travelling east from Oracabessa to Ocho Rios. Just before Beaches Boscobel Hotel, the entrance is on your left. After completing the ascent of the fairly long driveway, one is greeted by two gate columns that are shaded by two huge mango trees that further divide the entrance to the property.

Upon entering, one is blown away by the immaculately-kept grounds adorned with a combination of wooden tables and benches and a covered eating area, which also houses the bar. Nature is carefully incorporated as a couple of the benches and tables are built around trees that form the perfect shade for outdoor dining. They are also strategically placed far apart from each other, which allows for the privacy that some people may prefer. However, there are a couple of tables and benches close enough to allow the intimacy others may desire.

The jerk stand and kitchen is a detached building, which is self-contained but has an open-plan concept, as one can clearly see the food preparation.

Tommy’s is a family business run by retired banker Lenin Thompson. However, it’s hard to tell who really runs it, as his son, also Lenin, is an integral part of the business. The younger Thompson is usually responsible for the appropriate background music one can enjoy at Tommy’s and both are usually there, as they live on property. The Thompsons’s hospitality knows no bounds and their eye for detail explains the consistency maintained over their two years of operation. This undoubtedly gives them a competitive advantage.

Not to be left out, and the most important person behind the tasteful jerk one can get here is Tommy. Tommy is Lenin’s (senior) brother and I’m told holds the secret recipe to the jerk, which he keeps very close to his chest. I can perfectly understand why, as the jerk chicken and pork at Tommy’s is very succulent and seasoned almost to perfection. One new discovery I made as part of the jerk process here is a pot of water I saw on the grill. I’m told this is to keep the moisture in the chicken.

So, the next time you’re in St Mary, make it your duty to stop at this hidden gem. They’re open most days, but the jerk is usually done on the weekends only. It may therefore be advisable to call ahead. Apart from jerk fish and pork, they also have fish, which is done to order. The usual side orders that accompany jerk are usually available too.

TOMMY’S JERK CENTRE & SPORTS BAR

Retirement

Salt Gut, Boscobel

Tel: 335-3134/381-3577