Portland gets a new taste of flavour with Brew Box Café

Tasha-Kaye Myers has always known that she was a foodie. Although she has a degree in nursing, her passion for business led to a tasty discovery. This delicious detour into the world of culinary arts marked the start of a new venture: Brew Box Café.

Located just before you arrive in the heart of Port Antonio, this new eatery offers a wide variety of sipping and munching delights.

“Our most popular sandwich is the Brew Box clubhouse sandwich, beef burger and honey barbecue or sweet chilli wings. The customers enjoy our fruit smoothies and milkshakes. The coffee lovers’ pick is the caramel frappuccino,” she told Food, adding, “Our menu items are made fresh every day. We believe in applying our secret sauce, the ‘Brew Box Sauce’, and that’s what sets us apart from all our competitors.”

The managing and creative director explained that while she has a very open palate, her relationship with food is that of love and hate. “You name it and I’ll try it. As the new year approached, food and I were supposed to be long-distance friends but we are still besties right now,” she said while laughing.

Reminiscing on the good old days, she recalled her favourite dining memory: indulging in the traditional rice and peas and chicken with a side of vegetables and potato salad on occasion for Sunday dinner.

Her transition was one of opportunity; taking a chance to bring the sophisticated chic café experience to the rural parish. “My business partner is a coffee lover and I’m a hot chocolate girl. While we can pick, choose and refuse in Kingston, our options were pretty limited in this parish. Portland lacked a spot that was modern, safe and cosy and that offered a good cup of hot Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. I love my rice and peas but sometimes my palate craves for something different, something nice. We wanted to bring that option to the locals and tourists alike.”

So the duo began seeking a space for the dream café without a penny in pocket. After coming across Boundbrook Plaza, they joked about brewing the coffee in a box. That had a nice ring to it, giving birth to the business name.

Since opening its doors almost a year ago, the response has been slow but steady. “Every day we get new customers and for that, we are thankful.” The modern and open concept provides a one-of-a-kind experience for those who walk through the doors. Greeted by the tagline, ‘Happiness in every bite, flavour in every cup’, you can already taste the savoury sweetness in store.

And because the café is perched on the second floor of the complex, diners are able to work or relax while enjoying the view beyond the glass windows.

With plans to open another location in the coming year, the team hopes to replicate the atmosphere of exceptional service in a space so satisfying, customers can’t help but enjoy.

“Expect to be warmly welcomed with a smile. Enter into an atmosphere that brings you peace, allows you to drop your shoulders and relax. You’ll be able to choose from our simple and easy menu choices. Sit, take advantage of our free Wi-Fi whether for work or play. Enjoy your dining experience with food made with love and bask in that moment of sweet or savoury,” Myers added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com