Lucky Crabs Seafood.Bar.Grill
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Norma Williams reviews Lucky Crabs Seafood.Bar.Grill
As a water baby, there is something soul soothing about consuming creatures of the sea, fish, shrimp, crab and lobster especially when the freshness is bold and unmasked. I practically scour the island to find the spots where the preparation guides the inhabitants of the sea to a plate, enhanced but not over-bathed or overdressed. Lucky Crabs is one such restaurant. It has become a regular haunt, earning a weekly visit if for nothing else than its consistency.
The Décor 8 out of 10
The distinctive crab signage at Lucky Crabs (Photo: Norma Williams)
The outdoor space, filled with trees, is relaxing and features red branded chairs alongside metal outdoor tables and chairs with expertly padded red cushions. My personal favourite area is the bar which gives a dancehall vibe. It is strategically placed by an oversized tree with suspended rope lights and faced with corrugated zinc panels. The energy is high and the mood is casual.
Charming outdoor dining area under a canopy of trees. (Photo: Norma Williams)
The Welcome 7 out of 10
A large dining space populated with red cushions (Photo: Norma Williams)
There is a podium on the lower level reception area which is the location of the greeter Jamilia. She radiated sunshine and after a very warm welcome, I was taken to the seating area of my choice on the upper level. Jamilia is by far the warmest of the lot of servers and management’s selection of her to greet guests became obvious as the afternoon went on. I sat for a while until Chris Ann realised that I was not being attended to and came over. This was an oversight but can be avoided if the team is more aware of guests and resists the natural urge to congregate and chat.
The Menu
The outdoor bar features corrugated zinc panels. (Photo: Norma Williams)
The specialised selections on the menu are to be applauded. Lucky Crabs stays in its proverbial lane and navigates seafood offerings with spicy velocity and flavourful accuracy. The speciality of casual seafood dining is maintained and they are able to refine and I dare say dominate in this category. The menu offers a selection of seafood in portions that appeal to diners by way of single servings all the way up to bucket deals. The price point is extremely attractive.
The seafood menu (Photo: Norma Williams)
The Cocktail 10 out of 10
The cocktail menu (Photo: Norma Williams)
I requested a passionfruit daiquiri from Chris Ann to open my palate while I waited for my menu selections. What a large glass! The drink was very fruity, tasty and smooth. It was well-garnished and pleasing to the eye. I had to drink this beautiful, frosty monster with restraint as I did not want the passionfruit to alter the flavours of the upcoming selections. Bravo to the bar!
The Lucky Bucket, a seafood boil to remember! (Photo: Norma Williams)
The Crayfish Soup 9 out of 10
I could eat this soup all day! A brilliant marriage of heart ground provisions with Jamaican crayfish, large and imposing. The soup had the traditional, powerful notes of escallion, thyme, and garlic coloured by pumpkin bits. The starches boiled to a mash to create a thick enough consistency which allowed the cray fish to stand erect and dominant. I loved every bit.
My server Chris-Ann arrives with crayfish soup. (Photo: Norma Williams)
The Lucky Bucket A Very Lucky 10 out of 10
The monster sized passionfruit daiquiri (Photo: Norma Williams)
The Lucky Bucket is exactly what the menu says: “Their famous Jamaican Styled Seafood Boil with Crab, Crayfish, Shrimp, Corn, Sausage, Potatoes.” And let me blasphemously add: “And a Little Bit of Heaven”. I loved the ceremony prior to the arrival of my Lucky Bucket. Chris Ann gave me my silver bucket for discarded shells and trash and gloved me as though I was being readied to demolish the sea creatures that I would encounter and I was ready for it all. Then came the arrival: An overstuffed bowl, crab legs protruding, piping-hot, steam everywhere! There was a figurative explosion on my tongue and a playfully, spicy assault accompanied by garlic and pimento. There was such excellence in this casual romp with the occupants of my seafood boil bucket (who disappeared rapidly). The seafood was perfectly cooked, the texture was perfect and spiced.
My Lucky Crab experience was very affordable, totalling $7,549.99. (Photo: Norma Williams)
The Bill
I was shocked that such a wonderful enjoyment of flavours was so inexpensive. My bill was $7,549.99, and I gave Chris Ann a $2,000.00 tip.
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Norma Williams enjoyed the Lucky Bucket. (Photo: Norma Williams)
Lucky Crabs has the amazing bones of one of Kingston’s best casual dining spots. The food is amazing and the environment is earthy and charming. With more alertness, and customer focus on the part of the servers, this will be the place where relaxed dining magic resides. In plain casual Jamaican parlance (the kind banned from the noble House of Parliament), “Lucky Crabs, yuh tie me!”And for that you get an overall 9 out of 10.
