Wow! It was quite involuntarily. In fact I tried catching myself but proprietor of Cliff Hangar Restaurant & Lounge Errol Hanna was naturally thrilled by my exclamation… truth be told it was futile feigning indifference

We had taken the scenic Castleton route which makes the drive from Kingston a tad longer, but, our Food Awards judge for the parish of Portland Jon Baker was spot on with his directions “Heading west past Long Bay, you reach one of Jamaica’s wildest and most desolate coastlines, the road winding along high above the crashing waves. As you arrive in the area known as Ross Craig, a kind of no-man’s land between Port Antonio and Manchioneal… a large gate beckons”. And behind the gates… a view so breathtaking that there’s a single table! A riot would ensue we reckon were you to place patrons elsewhere. The bar faces the sea too and thankfully there are other cosy well-appointed dining and lounge areas.

Getting over the view takes some time. Stomach rumbles however, become a reminder that we are actually at Cliff Hangar to eat. That’s easy here. The attentive staff fully understands that they have a captive audience and supervisor Terrence Swire and the two most charming, sweetest young ladies Shanice McFarlane and Shian Deans (trust me their charm ought to be bottled and sold) suggest beverages as we peruse the menu. The beetroot splash comes highly recommended and does not disappoint and the fact that coconuts can be picked from the seven acre property adds to the appeal. Eager to try as many items as possible including the celebrated drunked lion fish (a mega hit at the Food Awards), we order curried goat, lobster in coconut sauce, escoveitch fish, the pan-seared marlin and lobster and conch salad appetisers. The pineapple rum flambé is added for dessert.

Drinks in hand we use the opportunity to walk the property with Errol Hanna who like our parish judge Jon Baker is eager to welcome more local and international visitors to this gem of a parish.

Hanna is putting the finishing touches to accommodations that will allow guests to wake up each morning to a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea. There is too, his own Swiss chalet as well as covered dining areas for wedding receptions and a zen area for yoga enthusiasts.

Our meals arrive beautifully plated and presented with broad smiles. It’s not often that amazing vista, staff and fare come together seamlessly. Here it does and Errol Hanna’s description of his team as “one big happy family” Is no idle boast.

Cliff Hangar Restaurant & Lounge nominated as one of Portland’s 10 culinary gems is worth adding to your global bucket list. Indeed when the 15 one and two bedroom units (five 1 bedroom and five two bedrooms) are complete you won’t have to drag yourself away like we did.

Cliff Hangar Restaurant & Lounge

Ross Craig

Long Bay

Reservations suggested for large groups

Tel: 876-860-1395 or 876 860-1495

Or Errol Hanna at 876- 869 5931

Our grand total with our special discount was $27, 238.

(PHOTOS: ANTONIO GRAHAM)