Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Norma Williams reviews Fromage Bistro.

With the June 25 date for the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards fast approaching, my judging journey intensified with a visit to a Kingston 6 hallmark, one known for consistency and high quality: Fromage Bistro. As I approached the building, the door opened as if it was equipped with an automatic sensor. On the other side of the door was a smile that was void of the usual rehearsed, trained greeting. “Hello! Welcome to Fromage Bistro!” a voice laced with tones of genuine warmth greeted.

The Welcome

10 out of 10 and 5 KIRKLAND stars

There was so much warmth radiating from Kirkland, my greeter and soon to be my server. I felt as if he knew that I was coming to Fromage and had my fuzzy house slippers ready to welcome me home. Kirkland possessed the characteristics that made him an excellent fit for this role, not overdone, not intrusive, not curt, not indifferent and definitely not just doing a ‘werk’. Kirkland was the real deal, the prototype of a service star with his back-up welcome team standing in the bar area, curious to know “What are you celebrating today?”. Kirkland confirms to me, a customer service instructor of over 30 years, to train a customer experience star, you must start with the bare bones, an authentic love of service not servitude.

The Décor

10 out of 10

The décor encapsulated all that is wonderful about tropical chic. The tones of green and beige in the wall décor and the seating along with the rattan inspired lighting fixtures appealed me and reminded me of old, grand Jamaican homes juxtaposed with the emotions of joy that the wallpaper accents akin to the Portland jungles give.

The Menu

I was presented with a wine menu and of course the meal. This stage of the interaction was started with the water offering (including the pink coconut water). I selected the cold coconut water while I deliberated. The choices were perfect to satisfy both those desirous of large meal servings as well as bites.

The Drink

10 out of 10

Peach Bellini

5 peach stars

There was a wonderful peach flavour that caressed my palate and perfectly paired with the dry Prosecco. The fruity flavour worked well to disguise the potency of the cocktail. I was only aware of the power of the peach bellini when my eyes started to involuntarily dance. I was tempted to reorder but my better judgement stopped me.

The Soup
9 out of 10

Kirkland suggested that I start with the soup du jour which was a lobster bisque. The presentation was great with a swirl of heavy cream. The flavour was perfection. A wonderful combination of the seafood flavour and herbs the star of which was a balanced garlic tone.

By the name, my palate braced for a peppery assault and I was prepared to peel and eat. This was corrected during an apt description given by Kirkland. The presentation was extremely pleasing to the eye and tasted even better. The shrimps were plump and juicy and dark coated. The pepper did make its presence felt but ever so slightly and married well with what could have been mistaken for a jerk flavour. I would recommend this for as a passing course at an elevated gathering.

Crispy Calamari
9 out of 10

I went out on a limb with this one and was rescued by the calamari’s charming flavours. I am not a fan of calamari so I approached it, with the objectivity that my judging required and was totally bowled over. It was tasty. Cheers to the chefs as there is one consistent element of the meal preparation at Fromage Bistro, the perfection of the meat and the tenderness. The chefs are able to perfect the preparation and cooking duration especially with the calamari, there was no overseasoning. The flavour of the meat stood front and centre in a most winning way.

The Main Course
7 out 10

Fettuccine Alfredo

The shrimp was the star of the show. I had to resist the temptation to eat the shrimp alone as it was so good. Again, the shrimp was fresh, firm and perfectly cooked. The fettuccine was my least favourite dish. I believe this was so as the herbs in the alfredo struggled to feature as they were masked by a bold salt flavour. This could have been a result of the sharpness of the parmesan and mozzarella cheese or truth be told, in the absence of proper palate cleansing, some of this salt could have been remnants of my previous consumptions. Overall, it was good and the fettuccine was firm.

As the question was asked by Kirkland and the Fromage Bistro team, I realised that my experience at the restaurant was a solo celebration of life. The joyousness of the meals in the beautiful, chic environment made me leave so much happier than I came. The experience elevated my happy thoughts of Jamaican, tropical elegance, worthy of an international position. Fromage Bistro, you get an overall rating of ‘I Most Definitely Shall Return!’

2026 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Logo

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Norma Williams, complete with a peach bellini, is all set for her Fromage dining experience. (Photo: Norma Williams)

The décor encapsulates all that is wonderful about tropical chic.(Photo: Norma Williams)

Soup du jour — lobster bisque! A resounding 10 out of 10!(Photo: Norma Williams)

Perfectly plump shrimp, fettuccini pasta wrapped in a sauce of herbs, heavy cream, mozzarella and parmesan cheese(Photo: Norma Williams)

Customer experience star Kirkland presents the peach bellini.(Photo: Norma Williams)

Peach bellini(Photo: Norma Williams)

With a $4,000 tip for Kirkland my solo Fromage Bistro experience came to a grand total of $21,375.(Photo: Norma Williams)