Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Josina Jackson reviews Players Utopia.

“Life is a journey, not a destination.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Life is described as being a journey, not solely a destination that one must reach as the endpoint. Life is living fully in the present moment, as well as focusing on the future. Oftentimes when we are traversing the beautiful island of Jamaica, we are preoccupied with arriving at our intended destination and in doing so as quickly as possible. Instead, on occasions, consider taking the journey a bit more slowly so you can spot and experience the hidden gems.

The main entrance to Players Utopia (Photo: Josina Jackson)

When you next traverse the roadways of the south-east coast of Jamaica, or if it is your first time on that side of the island, wind down the windows of the vehicle allowing yourself an unfiltered view. As you make your way across the historic parish of St Thomas you will experience the magnificence of the landscape. The elevation of the mountains allows you a breathtaking view of the ocean scenery. The low lying coastal roads lets you smell the saltiness of the warm air coming in from the Caribbean Sea as it caresses your skin.

Continuing to drive in an easterly direction you will pass through Morant Bay, the capital of St Thomas. It is a town of significance in Jamaica’s history. National Hero Paul Bogle was born in the rural village of Stony Gut, a few miles north of Morant Bay. As you continue your journey and enter the town of Port Morant, keep your eyes open. On the right-hand side of the Port Morant Main Road is a hidden gem. Players Utopia!

The gaming lounge inside Players Utopia (Photo: Josina Jackson)

Players Utopia is a bar, restaurant and gaming lounge. It is a sizeable establishment with ample parking. On the ground level are the bar, gaming lounge and three dining areas: The indoor dining room, the gazebo and the terrace. On the upper level is The Apex, which is ideal for hosting private functions. When I visited, an intimate wedding reception was taking place.

Fish tea (Photo: Josina Jackson)

On the approach to the entrance of the indoor dining area, which is open and wide, the eye is drawn to a sign instructing you to wait to be seated. So, that is what I did — waited. It took a moment before I was greeted and invited to choose where I wanted to sit. I chose to sit in the indoor dining area between the bar and the gaming lounge. I had ordered a fish tea that was served promptly. It was flavourful and warm. The server who had been assigned to me had informed me that it would be a while before the entrée was served. This was because the kitchen was focusing on preparing and plating dishes for the wedding reception. Players Utopia has a number of servers but its priority that evening had been catering to the guests attending the reception.

I was watching delicious looking meals being carried past me on trays as the servers made their way upstairs to The Apex. I was patiently waiting to be served my main course of Barbecue Pig’s Tails and Creamed Potatoes. I was sipping a refreshing glass of lemonade until my meal arrived. I did not indulge in a cocktail because I was driving. I had learnt later in the evening that the mixologist makes mocktails upon request. I am reserving my critique of the food at Players Utopia until the next occasion that I visit, in order to give the establishment a fair chance.

Barbecue pig’s tails served with creamed potatoes (Photo: Josina Jackson)

The well-stocked bar has a structured beverage menu and an experienced mixologist, Riko Pierce, who is also the supervisor of the service staff. He hails from St Thomas but has extensive experience of the hospitality industry in Kingston. He had worked for quite some time at the Hotel Four Seasons before joining the team at the Courtyard by Marriott Kingston and then, more recently, at the ROK Hotel Kingston. His approach to quality customer service is not only demonstrated in his interactions with guests but also in how he relates to members of the team. Riko had made the decision to return to St Thomas to both live and work in order to be fully committed to his family.

Riko Pierce, mixologist and supervisor of the service staff at Players Utopia, presents a refreshing glass of lemonade. (Photo: Josina Jackson)

So, on your journey through life make the time to journey along the south-eastern coast of Jamaica and stop at Players Utopia on the Main Road in Port Morant, St Thomas. Enjoy living fully in the present moment!

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Josina Jackson