Julie Mango Restaurant puts down new roots at Mayfair Hotel

If your dining experience is rooted in expectation, consider it met and exceeded at Julie Mango Restaurant. Think of a symphony of flavours playing a sweet melody on your taste buds.

A melting pot of herbs and spices, the popular eatery explores a fusion of different cultures presented with an island flair, dishing out a combination of Mexican, Indian or Chinese fare with a mix of Jamaican dishes. The scrumptious chipotle bowl sits as the establishment’s bestseller. It is inclusive of your choice in protein (chicken, shrimp, salmon or fish), and cooked with a Mexican and Jamaican marinade, served with rice, black beans, salsa, fried plantain, guacamole, and comes together with cilantro aioli, which is made in-house.

Lovers of the island’s national dish won’t be able to get enough of the explosive taste of the Ackee Backee, ackee and mango chutney perfectly placed on a bed of tostones. A classic burger is no match for Julie Mango Restaurant’s Melted Hearts Burger. A local freshly made beef patty, topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, caramelised onions and tomatoes, is accompanied by sweet potato fries. Then take a healthy ride in the morning with Oatopia, a tasty vegan omelette made from oats presented with breakfast potatoes.

“We try to incorporate as much of our local produce as we can, but everything is prepared with a creative twist,” co-owner Julie Ramchandani told Food.

Set out to make a difference

She, alongside her husband, Rajiv Harpalani, set out to make a delicious difference in the local food industry, delivering notes of flavour to savour with each unforgettable bite.

“My husband is the driving force behind the restaurant. I’m just the face and the name,” she said with a smile.

Despite her best efforts to humbly state her position. Julie Ramchandani is more than just a figurehead; as she pauses to check with customers, it is clear she does far more than she shared.

Julie Mango was scheduled to open its doors in March of last year. But an unwelcome visitor – the COVID-19 pandemic – forced management to delay plans until August. The new eatery created quite a buzz at Eden Gardens, as such the owners were saddened by the notice four months into operation that the property was sold and tenants occupying the space had to go elsewhere.

The dynamic duo sought to secure a place that would capture all the wonderful elements already established. Luckily, the pair was able to find a chic yet quaint spot at Mayfair Hotel, and reopened their doors just two weeks ago.

“The reception from last year was positive. I think people appreciated the fact that it was something different. A lot of old customers have returned, and they are very supportive, which we appreciate. New customers have seen the sign on the road or visited our Instagram page, and they come out.”

There’s also dishes like the Basil Mother Clucker hitting big with diners, said head chef, Garfield Humphrey, to which Ramchandani concurred. The chicken parmesan is also wowing palates with every order.

But Julie Mango isn’t just getting high marks for its fare. They are getting high scores for their amazing décor. From the easy swinging seating to the breathtaking garden artwork of the yellow and the greens on display. Foodies feel right at home in a backyard setting indoors and semi-outdoors, relaxed and ready to take an exciting gourmet journey.

Julie Mango Restaurant is on Instagarm, @juliemangorestaurant.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com