The sign is easy to miss if you are heading to Trelawny from Kingston. Prior to the construction of the highway it was a lot more visible, and indicated for many that the journey to MoBay was almost complete.

A right turn off the highway and then a left down a not-so-technologically advanced road leads us to The Table Talk Food Awards Parish Gem awardee for Trelawny, Joe James Lobster Bowl and Gallery and the Rio Bueno Hotel.

If you’re visiting for the first time, lobster might very well be your main focus until you spot the art. Be prepared to be wowed; yes, it’s that impressive! Renowned, internationally acclaimed artist Joe James has a collection – especially the nudes – that will impress even the most discerning. The artist is not in residence, but his beloved wife and muse Joy James is. She is the resident chef, by the way, with 49 years under her belt.

It is through her eyes that we are taken back to 1965 and James’s return from studies in the United Kingdom. He, like another of our greats, Barrington Watson, studied at Central Saint Martins. And like Joseph Kidd in the 1800s and more recently Alex Haley and James Morrison, he continues to lend credence to the area being known as the centre for the arts on the North Coast.

Joy James’s gentle demeanour, sharp mind and ability to weave a tale holds us in rapt attention as she takes us back to the early days of the gallery located across from where once stood the Duke of Wellington Hotel. Its present location first housed that welcomed the many chefs, food and beverage managers and maitre d’s who would spend their Wednesday off eating, drinking, relaxing and being entertained by Joe James.

“This is how it all began,” Joy explained. “There was the art gallery, then the bar and finally a restaurant”.

Her face softens as she recalls the elegant diners who would visit from The Tryall Club, Round Hill Hotel & Villas and Half Moon Hotel. She remembers, too, acclaimed singer Aretha Franklin and former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. “They all came… college professors, art enthusiasts and collectors, ” she recalled. Indeed they did, and there was a second gallery in St James.

It has not been all idyllic strokes on canvas for Joe and Joy James; ill health has plagued them both and Joe has been to death’s door and back. Through it all, however, they have been resolute in holding fast to the artistic tradition of the parish.

“My husband is away right now, but when he returns there’ll be something new,” shares Joy. Thursday Life is eager for the reveal. Until then, however, we are content to soak up the amazing history and enjoy our lovely Sunday afternoon lunch washed down with home-made lemonade and bottles of iCool.

Joe James

Lobster Bowl

Rio Bueno

876- 954-0048

Reservations recommended for large groups

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Lunch is served until 2:00 pm and dinner from 5:00 pm with orders taken up to 8:30 pm