Bob Marley's One Love Restaurant marries tradition with innovation
Published:Thursday | August 10, 2023 | 8:53 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Pimento Grill takes centre stage at the new Bob Marley's One Love Restaurant, nestled within the bustling Sangster International Airport.
Channelling the essence of Bob Marley’s Jamaican heritage, the restaurant cleverly marries tradition with innovation, accommodating the diverse palates of North American and European travellers.
Dominating the restaurant’s interior is the majestic Lion of Judah seated atop an herb tower – a conversation starter that pays homage to Bob’s affinity for herbs. Adding to the authenticity, a prominent feature is the pimento wood grill positioned at the restaurant’s entrance. This grill, undeniably the star of the culinary show, imparts its distinct smoky essence to every element prepared on it: from succulent proteins like chicken, shrimp, and tenderloin to a symphony of flavours that evoke the rich, natural colours of the Jamaican landscape.
Rita Marley’s influence resonates strongly, as evidenced by her desire for a mud lamp, encapsulating the familial involvement in every corner of the establishment. A central theme that cannot be overstated is the commitment to local agriculture and farmers, a principle close to the Marley family’s heart.
Despite initial reservations about its potential impact on surrounding eateries, Bob Marley's One Love Restaurant has paradoxically invigorated the culinary scene at the airport, enhancing the overall dining experience. With a cascade of four and five-star ratings showered upon it, the restaurant defies the conventional expectations of airport dining.
As one patron aptly describes, entering this eatery is akin to stepping into a vibrant, living vibe.
The staff’s immersion into the Bob Marley legacy is an essential facet of their training, having undergone an enlightening visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. This pilgrimage has enabled them to authentically connect with the spirit of Marley’s music, occasionally serenading customers with his timeless melodies, Express Catering’s vice president Mark Sutherland told Food.
Beyond the island’s borders, the company aspires to introduce this iconic brand to the UK, Canada, and the United States. The foundation for this global expansion rests upon the meticulous curation of the menu by Richard Hamilton, a New York consultant with a penchant for the intricate nuances of Jamaican flavours. Every recipe, from mouthwatering sauces to tantalising marinades, has been painstakingly crafted from scratch, embracing the ethos of authenticity.
A signature cheeseburger, sizzling wings, and a thoughtfully concocted smoker housing pimento wood chips converge to generate an aromatic symphony of flavours. Orchestrating this grand culinary spectacle are the 82 dedicated individuals who have found employment at this new venture. Millions of dollars have been judiciously invested to bring this vision to life.
Dining at Bob Marley's One Love Restaurant is a multisensory journey. Meals are presented on banana leaves, and the transition from conventional plates to rustic wood boards adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.
Adorning the walls are visual echoes of Bob’s legacy, his music echoing through the generations, encapsulated in album covers that have left an indelible mark on the world.
A culinary luminary, Executive Chef Dwayne Bell, a blend of Jamaican roots and London upbringing, masterfully orchestrates the symphony of flavours. Fusing traditional elements with modern culinary techniques, Bell’s creations encapsulate the essence of modern Jamaican cuisine with a creative twist. The Ital stew, a testimony to his artistry, epitomises purity and authenticity, mirroring the essence of Bob Marley and Rastafarian culture.
Noteworthy among the array of delectable offerings is the double cheeseburger, an epitome of culinary finesse. The technique of smashing the burger ensures rapid cooking while preserving the succulent juices. Nestled within a soft, buttery brioche bun, accompanied by crisp lettuce and succulent tomatoes, this burger exemplifies high-end fast dining.
With a plethora of tantalising options, from dry rub Red Stripe barbecue chicken sandwiches to jerk burgers and pimento chicken with fried plantains, the menu caters to the varied tastes of its global clientele. The pimento chicken, a labour-intensive masterpiece, undergoes an intricate brining and marination process, culminating in a smoky, flavourful essence infused by the pimento wood grill.
A unique Cobb salad graces the menu, featuring callaloo, kale, local lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and hard-boiled eggs. The barbecue smoked chicken, artfully paired with rice and peas, tantalizes the palate with every bite. Not to be overlooked is the shrimp skewer, a harmonious blend of marination and grilling, served with a vibrant fruit chutney encompassing ackee, pineapples, and mangoes.
Bob Marley's One Love Restaurant stands as a testament to culinary innovation, authenticity, and a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. As the aroma of pimento wood infuses the air and Bob’s legacy resonates through every note, the restaurant invites patrons on a journey that transcends the boundaries of time and taste.