Tapas into the Market
Published:Thursday | September 26, 2019 | 12:00 AMDanik Frazer/Gleaner Writer
Walking along the streets of Spain, you’ll be met by the inviting smells and warm intimate atmospheres of numerous tapas bars whose objective is to get you full and happy with their variety plates of delicious finger foods and strong drinks. The Jamaican gastronomic market is chock-full of restaurants which serve giant portions on giant plates, but Epican Lounge is serving up a difference. If this name is familiar to you, don’t worry, you haven’t lost your mind. The Epican cannabis brand has not so simply expanded into the epicurean business with the help of restaurateurs Kwasi Henry and Damion Stewart of ‘Broken Plate’. Found among the array of choices in Marketplace off Constant Spring Road noted for its food variety, Epican Lounge with its giant neon sign is clearly not afraid of the competition. Food spoke with Kwasi Henry, one half of the brains behind Epican Lounge, to get some insight so you our loyal readers can be an Epican pro before you even hit the door.
Food asked: Tapas is a pretty unique concept here in Jamaica, why tapas?
Henry said, “As diners ourselves, we research and assess the needs of diners. Tapas is famed worldwide as the food for sharing; Epican Tapas Lounge Bar takes that basic philosophy of small plates of amazing food; adds some Jamaican influence in the kitchen and flair behind the bar; and create the perfect ambience to enjoy that sharing experience.”
Upon entry, you won’t get the terracotta synonymous with the Spanish. Instead, the lounge with its light-coloured woods, beige leather seating and warm wicker lights looks more like a modern beachfront property. Perfect for its island base. Don’t let the stormy Kingston weather deter you, this space was built for intimacy in this bad weather. No partner, no problem, there’s enough space for you and more to share a laugh and some delicious Jamaican-inspired tapas, and what’s better than food with friends? So far you very cosmopolitan Kingstonians seem to agree, with the reception exceeding even the expectations of the proprietors themselves.
Henry follows up, “What has been most interesting and surprising at the same time is how familiar consumers are with the tapas concept. It shows we are tapping into a need that existed, but no one was providing.”
Tapas are a great shareable food, but it’s not the only speciality at Epican Lounge. Once there, you’ll have to try their Epic cocktails during the after-work happy hour which is every day from 4:00 to 7:00p.m., each for only $500.
The Epican Lounge isn’t the place to get high; unless you’re trying its “High” flatbreads with deliciously composed ingredients promising euphoria.
The dishes, including the melt in your mouth Oxtail Nachos, hearty jerked Lobster Mac n Cheese and actual pone Puddin’ Bites!, speak to their attention to innovation and their dedication to their customers.
Henry expressed, “Since the inception of Broken Plate, we’ve always been synonymous with being creative and offering delicious meals in eye catching (and instagrammable) fashions. We want to be known for thinking outside the proverbial ‘box’ to find new ways to offer our diners delectable and memorable experiences.”
Henry and Stewart seem to have the market cornered on buzz with ‘Broken Plate’ lighting up social media and we’re sure Epican Lounge Bar is soon to follow thanks to the great team they have behind them.
Location: Marketplace, 67 Constant Spring Road
Instagram: @epicantapaslounge