Though its sister company Kaluga Gourmet Access is growing and expanding outside of Old Harbour, in less than three years, Kaluga Kafe has become a staple in the Old Harbour restaurant industry. The brainchild of chief executive officer Adrian Samuda, Kaluga Kafe has copped two Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards — the most recent of which is the Most Talked About Parish Gem award — since they were first introduced over a year ago by St Catherine parish judge Dwight Scott. Naturally, Thursday Life trekked to the 18 West Street foodie purlieu to find out what keeps Kaluga Kafe on everyone’s lips.

“We focus entirely on the experience. I train the staff [myself], and they’re constantly reminded that we don’t sell food or drinks, we sell an experience. Even the lights over the dining booths, the natural bamboo accents, the rustic setting, it’s all a part of the experience.” In addition to the ambience, the chicken alfredo pasta and the pork ribs, so famous for their special Kaluga-infused flavour, are the most-requested menu items. “We’ve nailed the flavour over time, and now the alfredo pasta has become one of our most-requested dishes, particularly for [its] creaminess, and our special sauce,” boasts Kaluga Kafe CEO Adrian Samuda.

Samuda believes the location is a tough sell, but intends to get a constant flow of foodies over to Old Harbour. “We’re socially active, so even if you’ve never been to Kaluga Kafe, the goal has always been to leave the brand in your minds.” The in-your-face master plan to Kaluga Kafe’s success relies on targeting the tech-savvy 18 to 34-year-old demographic, who, in turn fuel the social media locomotive.

One particular thing Samuda wants his customers to know is that “our chefs do not use MSG and no seasoned salt; our food is prepared with 100% natural herbs and spices, and our flavours and sauces are created from scratch.” Kaluga Kafe also offers a full roster of entertainment from Wednesdays to Saturdays — Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for the more reclusive patrons — but there’s something for everyone. Even juniors have a special Kaluga Kafe Kids Menu offering kiddie-curated menu items like pineapple barbecue meatballs with spaghetti, smoked chicken burgers with apple-ginger mayonnaise and breaded chicken nuggets with honey mustard sauce.

Thursday Life is pleased to give you three more reasons to visit Kaluga Kafe: cajun grilled lobster on pressed green plantains topped with a sorrel chutney; a main course of surf and turf apple-mint barbecue ribs with pan-seared salmon; and a trio of jackfruit, mango, and cantaloupe cheesecake shots for dessert.

Kaluga Kafe’s weekly roster includes:Wednesdays: Drink All You Can – $1000Thursdays: All You Can Eat Pasta Nights – $1000Fridays: Beer Ribs Fridays – $1500 [with a free beer]Saturdays: Mimosa Saturdays (Ladies’ Night)Every Last Sunday: Family Style Sunday Buffet

Kaluga Kafe is located at 18 West Street, St CatherineOpening hoursMon-Thurs: 11:00 – 00:00Fri-Sat: 11:00 – 01:00Sun: 11:00 – 00:00Contact: 876-630-3418/630-3458/843-2553e-mail address: kalugakafe@gmail.com

(below the Rubis Gas Station in Old Harbour)