On the recommendation of a few of our judges Pallet was our final stop. This cosy endroit — think: the early days of Red Bones, the Blues Café — opened last October. The decision, informs Ricardo Barrett, to open a cultural destination that includes live music, bar and food happened as a result of both his and co-principal Chef Shea Stewart’s combined creative juices. “We didn’t want to just do an ordinary restaurant. We wanted to offer an experience that, I guess you could say, reflects both of our personalities,” Barrett says. Mission accomplished! The homely atmosphere, complete with lounge chairs, cushions and corner tables, works. Plus, the use of pallets to enhance the spot is a nice play on palate.

A cursory glance, Thursday last, lent credence to the fact that Pallet has found the winning formula — the buzz is palpable. Mindful of the fickle nature of locals, however, Barrett pays keen attention to feedback both positive and negative. If the front of the house belongs to Barrett, the kitchen is where Shea Stewart presides. A proud graduate of HEART Runaway Bay his kitchen apprentices are, too, from there. Rustic gourmet with Asian influences like the pork pot stickers, and French with the filet mignon in a red wine mushroom au jus, contemporary Caribbean — yam and cheese stuffed chicken breast with a mango chutney glaze — is the fare many are raving about.

Live music ups the ante with in-house entertainment manager Keon Bryce ensuring a quality experience.

Definitely worthy of several visits.

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