Curried goat is a staple on menus across Jamaica. But not all curries are created equal. Parish judges Camille Shields and Michael Erskine give the nod — Best Place To Enjoy Curried Goat — to Claudette Braham at Claudette’s Top Class Restaurant, which is situated at the top of Spur Tree Hill in Manchester.

Just look for the rustic brown and yellow wooden building right across the road from Hood Danielle Well Co. Ltd. The restaurant is operated by Miss Claudette Braham, known more affectionately as Miss Claudette.

She has been operating this restaurant since 1996.

Claudette’s Top Class Restaurant only sells curried goat, mannish water and chicken, but it is known primarily for its curried goat, which accounts for 90 per cent of its daily sales. It is particularly popular with persons travelling from Kingston heading to the western end of the island and vice versa – a must-stop en route to their destination.

They are never disappointed. When asked how she accounts for the consistency and rich taste of her curried goat, Miss Claudette told our judges that she only uses “local ram goat and a special blend of seasonings and curry”.

But we all know that ingredients alone do not a great meal make. Miss Claudette has over time perfected “the art” of presenting perfectly seasoned curried goat that literally melts in your mouth.

Claudette’s Top Class Restaurant Spur Tree Hill, Manchester Contact: 964-6452 / 398-6766