Holy Smokes! A grill where you can chill

Kingston continues to be the metropolis for great taste. And with a new restaurant in town that provides an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can ignite your taste buds and engage in an exploration of exciting island flavours at Holy Smokes Grill and Chill.

“Jamaica is known for its melting pot of cultures. So there is no doubt you’ll find restaurant menus that include a fusion of cuisines from all over. Here at Holy Smokes, we try to recreate that feeling,” owner Chris Peyrefitte told Food. Sizzling to smoked perfection, the jerk chicken and jerk pork hit all the right spots with each bite. Another top seller on the menu is the red peas soup.

The true foodie at heart also made special mention of one of his signature dishes, ceviche, which pays homage to his Belizean culture. The dish is freshly prepared by him. Since opening in early January of this year, guests have been delighted by the authentic Jamaican flavouring. And that is exactly what they are looking for in the dining experience.

Shying away from being just another jerk pit, Peyrefitte and his partner began brainstorming names to reflect the taste and feel of the environment. With a desire to include the fire of smoke, his partner suggested Holy Smokes. “It applies both to the wow factor of the place because when you first drive in you sort of wonder if you’re in the right place, but when you get around to the back of the building you’re like wow. Holy smokes! I didn’t know this existed. But then the smoke also refers to all the smoke that happens in the jerk pit area,” he said, adding, “It’s not your typical rustic-looking jerk pit. We tried to incorporate a downtown Miami vibe but still managed to keep that Jamaican flair to it.”

Additionally, the restaurant has diversified the drink choices that are guaranteed to lift your spirits. If you’re a lover of fresh juices, indulging straight from the bottle or sipping on the rocks, then those are readily available. But if you prefer to elevate your libation experience with blended, shaken, or stirred beverages, then expert mixologists, like Dachanel Bryce, will gladly deliver your favourites.

Achieving the chill side of things required a complete transformation of the space to create a rustic oasis of sophisticated chic notes. According to Peyrefitte, you get only one chance to make a good first impression, and appearances play a major part in that one-on-one connection. The eight-month process of the opening saw the addition of a deck, a wall for photo opportunities, new suave fixtures by the bar, upper and lower deck, as well as an expansion of the dining area. Opening during the pandemic was a risky undertaking, but the greatest advantage, particularly in these new normal times, is having a huge outdoor space that aligns with safety protocols so that people can dine, drink and vibe in luxury and comfort.

The ambience is enchanting and inviting, both for its food selections and its energetic nightlife. “Let’s just say we’re a restaurant by day and a ‘nightclub’ by night. We have different themes for each day of the week. On Tuesdays, we have Latin night, which has been a total success. The music is strictly Latin for that night as well, so you can have that authentic experience. We even serve authentic Mexican tacos. Wednesdays are more of an oldies night and occasionally, we have a live band. Thursdays are the popular karaoke night. Whether they’re good or bad at singing, people take that stage and own it. The nightlife at Holy Smokes is nothing short of amazing. We cater to all demographics,” he shared.

So if you’re looking for a tasty meal, a place to unwind, and vibe to the music, Holy Smokes will be sure to meet your expectations.

The restaurant is located at 12 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com