World Cup fever is at an all-time high, and at the centre of Kingston’s commercial district lies a haven to which sports fanatics can retreat to watch football with fellow football fanatics. Welcome to the ‘zone’ – the SportsMax Zone where lovers of the game can either lounge in couches and watch the matches or sit at the ever-so-impressive bar and enjoy a cold Red Stripe. Copious games of football demand food… lots of it.

Enter chef Jacqui Tyson and her team From Thought To Finish/Jahmento Productions who run the kitchen and the restaurant that offers breakfast during those early-morning matches, as well as lunch in the afternoon.

It’s no easy feat, as this crew caters for the sometimes 300 to 400-plus patrons who turn up (on match days) to watch World Cup football. The challenge is to offer fast, tasty fare at competitive prices.

According to Tyson they wanted to create menus similar to those in international sports bars, but still maintain their own “uniqueness”. Their breakfast menu, available from 8:00 am -10:00 am, has been dubbed ‘Yardstyle’, and features an assortment of Jamaican favourites: steamed callaloo, saltfish and cabbage, mackerel run-down, ackee and saltfish, escoveitch fish and bammy strips, just to name a few — all of which are served with either boiled or fried dumplings, boiled banana, yam or Irish potato.

When lunchtime rolls around, the orders come flying in. It’s impressive that they are able to maintain such an extensive menu every day. Jacqui’s sister Janice says: “In keeping up with Sports Max, we’re on top of the game.” It’s no idle boast! Plates of ‘Happy Fries’ and ‘Grand Slam Wings’ roll out, followed by Chicken Alfredo and the crowd favourite ‘Hot’ Dog, made with a juicy, spicy jerk pork sausage. Other favourites are the Reggae Jammin’ Jerk Chicken and the Content ‘Beef Lovers Delight’ — a half-pound sirloin burger topped with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and dressing, with the option to add cheese and bacon: no fat, just pure meaty goodness.

While you’re in the zone watching your favourite team compete for the World Cup trophy, Jacqui Tyson and her crew will take you from “yardstyle to gourmet” with their wide selection of top-class, but reasonably priced ‘tailgate’ fare.

Feedback from patrons

Tiffany Wong – The ‘Hot’ Dog is really good.

Mark Gibbs – The Oxtail on Sunday was good, but the ambiance in here is what blows me away.

Richard Perkins – The breakfast sell off, especially the run-down and the ackee and saltfish.

Jair Lyons – It (the food) is actually good! The service is good too when nobody’s here, but when it’s packed, it gets a little slow.

Jordan Benjamin – The Happy Fries ‘mad’! And the breakfast is good too.

Ryan Williams (in-house deejay – Renaissance) – The jerk chicken is good; I eat it every day.

Marlon Campbell – The curry chicken ‘shot’! Mi like it. It mek with coconut milk, which I like, I like a lot.

Photos: Bryan Cummings