Come for food; stay for the breathtaking view

It’s easy to forget that there is a world outside of the refreshing oasis known as Blue Brews Bistro. The sweet smell of Blue Mountain coffee wafting in the crisp country air; lush greenery overlooking sunny or sometimes foggy skies, and a host of delectable dishes are enough to enrapture.

After making that long, rocky and winding drive to Holywell, a warm, welcoming Cup O’ Joe or cuppa tea for the non-coffee drinkers will be sure to soothe your soul. The cold brews of iced coffee, mochaccino, chai latte or frappe will also put a pep in your step and revive your senses as you consider your options. With a diverse menu joining in on the convivial greeting, your only option is to indulge in everything. Up for ‘nyammins’? The Holy Cow Burgers provides a delicious variety of succulent home-made beef patties, perfectly sandwiched in soft buns, supported by lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, and a serving of seasoned fries. Dishing diversity at its tastiest, the burgers range from Classic and Blue’s Bacon to Scandalous Steak, No Meat and Fish. Now, the delectable offering don’t stop there. “The burger is definitely our signature meal. People have been raving and have driven from afar to try our burger,” one of the owners, Jovan Yapp, told Food.

For poultry lovers, Head Chef Winston McNeish, who is from Red Light, strongly recommends that you taste his signature fried chicken. “The chicken is seasoned with local herbs and spices from two to three days in advance before it is fried crispy. One bite will leave you wanting more,” he added.

Speaking of fried, Blue Brews has it locked and loaded in the fries department. Fast food lovers can also have their share of Bad Dawg hot dogs. And for those with a more sophisticated palate, the sizzling rib-eye steak, pan-seared salmon (a crowd favourite), or oven-roasted leg and thigh is guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds.

ALL-DAY BREAKFAST

Here’s a fun foodie fact: Breakfast is served all day at the bistro. So no matter the hour, you can have freshly prepared pancakes, eggs your way, omelettes and bagels any time you want. Yapp explained that it was always a dream for him and his mother, Michelle McKay, to own a restaurant. As proud residents of Irish Town located just a stone’s throw away from Holywell, they are happy to have another restaurant in the area and positively contribute to providing employment for people within and around the community.

“We were approached two years ago, but we weren’t ready. My mother, Michelle, was in partnership with Gloria Palomino handling The Gap. Coming out of that, she always wanted that. We got the opportunity later on when a friend told me they were trying to find someone for the concessionary downstairs. And I said, why not? Let’s give it a try,” Yapp revealed. Since then, he formed a partnership with his mother, stepfather, David McKay and Chef Winston McNeish to create Blue Brews Bistro.

The beautiful structure, which was unveiled on July 5, is the result of long hours, hard work, love, pure passion and dedication. The reception, he admitted, has been amazing. The first day of opening brought in an overwhelming amount of support that surpassed his expectations. And that level of success has continued every weekend since.

Brainstorming a design that stayed true to the serene surroundings, the bistro boasts wooden furniture and earth tones, courtesy of Wray and Nephew. Sombre pastel pink and green on the walls are akin to the trees and flowers swaying in the cool breeze. And with cool dining spots sectioned into Howdy Brew, Deja Brew, Perkatory, Elevated Grounds and Natural High, overlooking the beauty of Mother Earth, what’s not to love?

Yapp hopes to one day franchise the business and have a bistro across Jamaica and abroad. His favourite dishes: he loves the loaded fries, and he is also a breakfast person, so he is a big fan of that menu. “I’ve always wanted to go somewhere away from town. Coming up here, you have all of this space. So it’s great for friends and family to just get away from it all, take in some fresh air and enjoy themselves in the hills,” Yapp added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com