If you’re looking for a getaway and real country cooking, Thursday Food suggests Crystal Edge. Nestled in Irish Town, in the hills above Kingston, the restaurant, which is owned and operated by Winsome Hall, offers traditional tasty local fare with sides of breathtaking views.

Twice-voted Best Sunday Spot by the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards committee, it certainly lives up to the reputation with its cosy atmosphere and comfort food. Many patrons lunch at Crystal Edge and either have coffee and dessert from the neighbouring Cafe Blue or restaurant crawl.

The restaurant attracts both local and international patrons. Some come exclusively to relax while others treat it as a pit stop during their exercise regime. “Every weekend the cyclists stop by on their way down the hill to refuel with some food and ice-cold bottles of Red Stripe,” says Hall.

Thursday Food recommends Hall’s coffee-grilled chicken or her signature oxtail dish, washed down with one of the many, refreshing seasonal juices such as sorrel or June plum.

Hall, who is Irish Town-born and bred, is fiercely proud of her community and shares with us her entrepreneurial journey. “ I started out selling bag juice and jerk chicken from my verandah and eventually saved enough to start construction on what would become Crystal Edge in 2001.”

Hall has been in expansion mode this year and has extended the verandah to offer more dining space and an even better view of the luscious hillside. The furniture was specially made by Tamara Harding’s Mara Made Designs using guango wood to create unique pieces that complement the natural surroundings. The kitchen is under construction and when complete will be 300 sq ft. The expanded kitchen space will allow Hall the opportunity to add catering services.

With the new improvements the restaurant now seats 88. The inside area seats 35, the spacious new deck holds 25, the bar area accommodates 12 and the front deck can seat 16.

Crystal Edge restaurant can be rented for private events.

This relaxing gem is just a stone’s throw away from Kingston and yet feels another world away. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for a break from the city without having to go too far. Perhaps we’ll see you there for some oxtail next Sunday.

Crystal Edge Restaurant & Lounge

Irish Town P O Box St Andrew

Tel: 944-8053.

Monday-Friday Breakfast 8:00-11:00, Lunch 12:00 noon- 4:00 pm

Saturday-Sunday 12:00 noon-4:00 pm