We had delayed long enough; it would be Sunday, February 28. Certainly we’ve all been busy checking out new eating spots, but there’s nothing quite like catching up.

A category that we are particularly focused on this year is Best Sunday (family/friend) Spot.

There has been quite a buzz around The Longboarder Bar & Grill since its December 2015 opening, so even though election results were still pending — and yes, we saw the election ballots being moved under heavy guard out of the parish of St Thomas to the headquarters of the EOJ in Kingston — we were resolute, even as rains pelted the capital city, that we would not be deterred.

It proved a great decision, and a mental note was made by all to return on yet another overcast day — there is very little shade — and some of us hate to trigger unnecessary perspiration.

What to expect… Longboarder is a surfer’s paradise. Indeed, its co-owner Peter Silvera is a surf buff and used to surf as a child at the Roselle Beach. So come prepared to ride the waves, watch the surfers, enjoy a dip, or do absolutely nothing save await the arrival of lunch.

Located at Roselle Beach, Morant Bay, in the parish of St Thomas, it’s an easy 45-minute drive from the Harbour View roundabout.

Reservations are suggested for groups of 10 and over.

Take the sign that reads “Everything is done to order. Your meal is made fresh with patience and love, so please expect to wait at least 30 minutes, longer if the surf’s up #wayup” very seriously!

Ambience – Rustic benches are comfortable enough for dining. There is, too, cabana-type seating; not many, and, as you can imagine they’re high in demand; so you might want to walk with your own beach loungers. The bonfire is a great idea as are the stones used by patrons to affix their signatures and by children for stone painting.

Service – The staff is attentive and they know how to sell. Our server, junior manager Shantia Bailey, was extremely professional and personable. A plus was when she asked if the bill should be prepared individually or would be handled on a single credit card. Something tells us that she’s had her fair share of dividing bills.

Orders taken, the drinks come almost immediately. Smart — since repeat orders will be made. The meals arrive at the point where you’re almost tempted to check your handbag for a snack. Everything is worth the wait, save the festivals. Hopefully on our next visit they’ll be as delicious as the soaked-in-coconut-milk bammies, the rice and peas, freshly grilled lobster tails, roast fish and escoveitched snapper.

Floor manager Barrington Bailey is also on hand to ensure that large groups are well taken care of, and quickly moved us under the bar when the rains started.

Price: We were seven and the bill, including drinks, was $22,785.00.

Overall impression: Fabulous concept with ginormous potential.