Mystic Dining Restaurant - A cut above the rest
Published:Thursday | September 2, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer
Opened since July 2008, Mystic Dining Restaurant and Bar has added a new dimension to its menu offerings.
Boasting a magnificent setting and view from the restaurant situated hundreds of feet above sea level, guests now have the chance to relax and enjoy dinner while savouring the breathtaking view. If persons thought that the view from the restaurant in the day was amazing, word is, the night presents a whole different perspective.
According to Shama Hall, restaurant manager, the dinner menu was recently launched and is offered on Friday and Saturday between the hours of 6 and 10 o'clock. So far, she says the feedback from guests has been great and the ambience and scenery have also played a great role in making their time memorable.
Excellent location
"The location is excellent. Even the ride on the sky explorer provides a nice view for guests when coming up to the restaurant. In the night the surrounding areas are well lit. And at the restaurant, we also have our Lookout Tower with a great view both day and night".
Night offering is strictly fine dining with a three-course meal. To describe the menu, Chef Dwight Watkis says it would be classified as a contemporary Jamaican cuisine with a bit of a Caribbean flavour. Watkis has played a major role in coming up with the restaurant's menu items. "I have learnt from various chefs and the type of cuisine offered here consists of local food created with different international standards. And we are also always thinking of new menu options especially the ones that are in demand by our customers".
For guests who want a day experience at the restaurant, the lunch menu is available between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily and on holidays. "Because we are so close to the pier, we get many guests from cruise ships but locals come mostly on weekends."
Casual to fine dining
According to Hall, day guests are treated to a casual dining setting and when lunch ends, the restaurant is transformed into a fine dining setting.
As for the prices, the restaurant manager notes, "they are inexpensive as we are also catering to locals who tend to be on a budget and we want them to get their money's worth."
To get to the restaurant, guests have to take a ride on the sky explorer, which attracts a separate cost but also makes for an enjoyable time.
Mystic Dining Restaurant and Bar is located at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios, midway between the cruise ship terminal and Dunn's River Falls. Telephone: 974-3990 ext. 210.