VIDEO: Miss T’s Kitchen – Nice Jamaica Country Cookin’
Sunday lunch family style at Miss T’s becomes a lot more than stating the obvious: the food is amazing – every single course! But it opens up a stimulating discussion on consistency and getting staff to buy into your philosophy. Anna-Kay Tomlinson, the beautiful chef/patron of Miss T’s, has found the success ingredient and is liberal in its dispensation. The smiles of her team are genuine and the desire to please evident at every turn. Recently declared The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Culinary Gem for the parish of St Ann by judges Andrew and Lucy Salm, she also copped the much-coveted Jamaica Food Ambassador of the Year in 2013.
Her restaurant has become a veritable magnet for celebrity chefs, and her oxtail as legendary as Dunn’s River Falls.
Tomlinson is in a competitive industry where you are as good as your last meal, and yes, let’s not lose sight of those Trip Advisor ratings. Ably assisted by hubby Dr Osmond Tomlinson, she keeps the offerings fresh, is in constant tweak mode and is receptive to his advice, for example on serving soups: “I never served soup at Miss T’s,” she states. “My husband explained just how much Jamaicans love soup – heat or no heat.” Indeed, her number one soup fan is none other than her beloved son Liam. Not difficult to understand why his bowl is the first one emptied. The roasted plantain and pumpkin soup with a hint of garam masala, a dash of cinnamon and swirl of fresh cream and basil to garnish, finds favour with all.
Vegetarian fare at Miss T’s is as good as her oxtail and swaggerific ribs… okay, almost! Tomlinson’s husband is a non-meat eater, and mains like rundown chick peas and callaloo and mushroom bake with honey-roasted walnuts keep him, like many in Jamaica, returning to the eatery in the heart of Ochi for ‘nice Jamaica country cookin’.
Staff and food aside, the décor – rustic chic with bold palettes of black green and red, cosy vignettes including one for wine lovers – enhances the appeal.
The Dutch pot used in the restroom in lieu of the ubiquitous face basin is yet another conversation piece.
We encourage all to support our outstanding parish gems. See Page 20 of Thursday Life for nine more tasty reasons to visit the parish of St Ann.
