A Sunday drive out of the city has always been medicine for my soul. The freshness of the air, the vegetation, the topography and the miles of asphalt for the drive to devour. I continue to enjoy the wonderful gastronomical finds that dot our beautiful rock. This weekend, the cool, cool Manchester was my parish of choice to seek, discover and celebrate the world of food.

I had heard of a fusion restaurant at #1 Brumalia Road, I therefore conjured thoughts of a menu with culturally fused items. As the drive progressed I experienced salivatory excitement as I anticipated the fusion fare.

The welcome 8/10

Two members of the restaurant team were at the welcome counter in the front of the restaurant. The space was clean and featured comfortable, generically styled pieces. After informing the ladies that I came to sit and immerse myself in the whole experience, my server Shanice escorted me to the seating area.

The décor 7/10

The décor gave the evidence that quickly corrected my assumption about Fusion: It was actually two entirely different menu offerings under one roof, Barbecue from Junior’s Bonesucking Bar-B-Que and Chinese from Flamin’ Wok. An interesting concept that brilliantly works for large groups with varying palate preferences.

The space was sufficiently occupied by the requisite chairs and tables featuring a bar as the focal point. I quickly decided to perch on a high bench adorned with sage, silk pillows and framed by a painted-glass wall art. Of note is an enclosed space, ideal for private events. It would be remiss of me not to highlight the wall sign, especially in this era of
Instagramable backdrops.

The Menu

I was presented with the two menus along with a cocktail menu and yes, I had to make a choice from each menu. I started off with a cocktail, an electric lemonade. It was amazing and came beautifully garnished. The mixologist expertly combined vodka, blue curacao, lemon juice and simple syrup.

Menu Choices

The Soup 8/10

I went to the Flamin Wok menu to start my dining experience. I chose a wonton soup to introduce my palate to the ‘Mandevillian’ gastronomy. The soup was loaded with extra chicken wontons. The flavours were distinctively Chinese, soy sauce, garlic and scallions. The soup was very tasty and the wontons perfectly cooked.

The Appetiser 10/10

I chose the appetiser from the Junior’s Bonesucking Bar-B-Que menu. My choice, the standard casual dining, barbecue tips and cheesy baked potatoes. This transported me to a palate-pleasing paradise. There was an amazingly balanced sticky sweetness that had complementary notes of ginger, garlic and the expected smokey flavour. The meat melted off the cartilage in the most pleasant way. The baked potatoes were bathed in the cheesiest sauce.

The Main Course

I flip-flopped back to the Flamin Wok for the main course knowing full well that after my barbecue, I was close to my limit. I therefore decided to select three menu items not just for tasting but also for takeaway, chicken fried rice, special chow mein and Thai curry shrimp.

Thai Curry Shrimp 8/10

5 Golden Thai Stars for the plumpness and juiciness of the shrimp! The cream gave a richness that begged to question the worthiness of my palate for the encounter. Its elevated taste and the hint of the pepper-spice in the flavour profile was a lovely surprise. That was a perfect enhancement to the Thai basil which provided an anise-like flavour for the top note of the cilantro. Overall, excellently done.

Chicken Fried Rice 5/10

The portion was surprisingly very large. There was a very strong taste of sweetness, a reduction of which would have allowed the richness of the scallions (among other flavours) to be exposed. The rice was pleasing overall.

Special Chow Mein 7/10

The noodles were perfectly cooked and married well with the crispness of the steamed Chinese vegetables. I enjoyed the expected presence of the soy, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil flavours. There was a flavour that was generally masked but when revealed could be confused as umami, this elevated the taste and along with the mix of different proteins, maintained the traditional elements that made the dish pleasing and safe.

As I drove back into Kingston, I felt pleased. As I monitored my treasures in my take-home bags, I was pleased that I added a combination of two ‘restaurants’ under one roof — now on my list of places to enjoy a dining experience. Kudos to the team for managing the two brands and remaining authentic to the talents of the chefs.

Cocktail ListNorma Williams

Junior’s Bonesucking Bar-B-QueNorma Williams

A cute alcove, featuring a wooden bench, sage green pillows, pendant lights and a beautiful hand-painted glass war art pieceNorma Williams

An open-concept bar is the focal point of the space.Norma Williams

Loaded wonton soup with spicy soya sauceNorma Williams

Chicken Fried RiceNorma Williams

Special Chow Mein, Noodles, Vegetable, Shrimp, Beef, Pork and ChickenNorma Williams

Thai Curry ShrimpNorma Williams

Barbecue rib tips and cheesy baked potatoNorma Williams

2026 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Logo-

BBQ Main EntreesNorma Williams