Situated in Ironshore, Montego Bay, is a vibrant venue where exceptional food and stellar entertainment effortlessly collide. Meet Pure Ultra Lounge — a destination that seamlessly bridges the gap between relaxed evening out and high-energy night-life experience, fitting the bill for any occasion.

(Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Extending a warm welcome to Pure Ultra Lounge are director Romario Ramcharan and his cousin, Operations Manager Chanta Ramcharan. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Driven by curiosity, Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte and judges Adolph Raynor, Mala Morrison, Kadean Vendryes, Josina Jackson, Pauline Edie and Selena Mohammed-Wilson, journeyed to Pure on Tuesday, June 9, to see if the hot spot lived up to its reputation.

A round of rum punch to start proceedings. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Clinking glasses of rum punch before the evaluation gets underway are Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte (fourth right) and Food Awards judges (from left) Adolph Raynor; guest judge Selena Mohammed-Wilson; Mala Morrison; Pauline Edie; Josina Jackson; and Kadean Vendryes. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Pure Ultra Lounge Operations Manager Chanta Ramcharan rolled out the welcome mat for the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judges upon their arrival, ushering them into the sleek confines. A round of rum punch served to the judges, coupled with a toast, set an inviting tone for the afternoon.

Photographer: Naphtali Junior

Pure signature nachos (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Mala Morrison (right) samples the signature beef nachos presented by Food Awards guest judge Selena Mohammed-Wilson. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Opened in December 2022, Pure was envisioned as the ultimate destination for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in Jamaican nightlife. The experience is smoothly paired with a menu of international appeal, whilst remaining deeply rooted in authentic Jamaican flavours.

Coconut crusted shrimp with pinamango sauce (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Shrimp tacos (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“Opening Pure was a concept to add to Montego Bay’s options of entertainment and a great dining experience in terms of international cuisine and incorporating our local flavours,” Ramcharan shared with Thursday Food. “We wanted to have a more elevated version of what we have locally to incorporate on the international scale — so when tourists come by, they are also familiar with something that they are probably used to, as well.”

Beef tacos (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Mixologist Demourn Hill readies the After Dark cocktail. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

To prime the judges’ palates, Head Chef Shanoy Wilson presented a selection of starters, beginning with the Pure Signature Nachos. Next came the crispy coconut-crusted shrimp, followed by a selection of beef, chicken, and shrimp tacos.

After Dark cocktail (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The mango habenero (left) and Cajun ban ban chicken wings (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Elevating the dining experience, the judges were introduced to one of Pure’s speciality cocktails, the After Dark; a perfect complement to the culinary offerings.

BBQ chicken wings (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

According to Ramcharan, the cocktail selections are curated to bridge the familiar and the novel, encouraging locals to step out of their comfort zones with adventurous, untried blends, whilst ensuring international visitors find a reassuring taste of home.

Honey garlic chicken wings (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Salt fish rundown on tostones (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Arriving next was the lounge’s wings selection, a diverse flight ranging from the mild and manageable BBQ and honey ginger to the heat-intensive Cajun ban ban and mango habanero.

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes tucks into the salt fish rundown. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Mixologist Rejon “Drizzy” Gordon introduces the Watermelon Tequila cocktail. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The wings were closely followed by the chicken and shrimp quesadillas and the innovative salt fish rundown plantain cups — cleverly presented as tostones due to a temporary shortage of plantain. A pause before the main courses allowed the judges to sample yet another of Pure’s libations: The watermelon tequila. The cocktail provided the perfect segue before the entrées arrived.

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Josina Jackson enjoys a sip of the Watermelon Tequila. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Drunken salmon in honey jerk sauce with mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Although the judges were bursting at the seams, the irresistible selection that arrived next could not be refused. Leading the line-up was a dual presentation of the Drunken Salmon, prepared in both a honey jerk sauce and a white wine sauce. Balancing the seafood was the surf and turf, pairing tender grilled beef tenderloin with seared shrimp.

Drunken salmon in white wine sauce served with corn on the cob and sautéed vegetables (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Dessert provided the ultimate sweet finale with the cookie ice cream cup consisting of a chocolate chip cookie vessel topped with vanilla ice cream, finished with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

Surf & Turf consisting of grilled beef tenderlion with sautéed vegetables and shrimp (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

For dessert: The cookie ice cream cup (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Ultimately, Pure Ultra Lounge proved to be a spectacular destination for both exceptional culinary creations and standout mixology — leaving the judging panel thoroughly sated and eager to return on their next trek to Montego Bay.

Pure Ultra Lounge’s Chef de Partie Tana-Lee Harding (left) showcases the cookie ice cream cup to Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Mala Morrison. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Pure Ultra Lounge Head Chef Shanoy Wilson puts the finishing touches to the coconut crusted shrimp. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)