Guangos, the fine dining jerk centre

In the heart of Westmoreland lies a unique blend of class and culture which has etched its name in the souls of the locals. Guangos Jerk Centre has been the one-stop shop for authentic Jamaican cuisine since September 9, 2017.

"I thought that Savanna-la-Mar needed something. They have fast food, but I am more into health and I thought that jerk chicken and pork is a little healthier than fried chicken," said Managing Director Kellie Molyneaux.

Guangos' ability to offer a fine dining experience while maintaining the rustic environs of a typical Jamaican jerk centre has made it a culinary gem within the parish. " We do not serve food in foil paper. Our guests are given plates, and even have the option of ordering wine with their meals," said Molyneaux.

The inception of Guangos started with a need to create something new for Savanna-la-mar. "I looked for what was not here. I couldn't get a blended fruit punch or a daiquiri in the area. I would have to drive to Negril, which is half-hour away. I thought the best thing to do was to open something that was one of a kind in Sav." she explained. The name guangos came about after observing the area was lined by Guango trees. Due to its durable property, majority of the jerk centre's furniture is made from guango wood. Guangos is decorated in warm earth tones, from its bar to the dining area which opens up to a picturesque landscape. "Our customers love the openness and the greenery, which adds life to Guangos," said Molyneaux.

Guangos' partnership with Appleton Estate was conceived long before its grand opening. "They saw the building going up and enquired about the new jerk centre. When I explained the concept with them, they came on board right away and I am so grateful for their involvement," she said. Guangos has several cocktails made with Appleton Rum. A few of them include Lunch Time, made from Appleton Signature Blend; Optimus Prime, made with Campari; Weekend, which has a splash of Wray and Nephew White Rum; and Guangos Sunshine, which has Appleton Signature Blend as its base.

"The sauce for our BBQ ribs even has Appleton in it," explained Molyneaux as she described their mouth-watering BBQ ribs which is served only on weekends, but can be done to order during the week. Other must-try meals include their steamed fish and jerk pork. "We just recently started serving breakfast, so persons can stop and have a quick bite on the go," she said. Breakfast includes real Jamaican favourites such as ackee and salt fish served with roasted breadfruit.

At Guangos, expect an authentic, rustic Jamaican jerk experience served with class. For more information, call (876) 955-4099.