A great atmosphere for dining

Bob Marley, The Commodores, Paul McCartney and even Carlos Santana, are just some of the famous personalities that have dined and experienced the wonderful surroundings of the Strawberry Hill Hotel and Spa in the hills of Irish Town.

Joining the ranks are Restaurant Week ambassador Tessanne Chin, who was accompanied by her husband, Michael Anthony Cuffe Jr. The duo had a unique dining experience before chatting to Food about the gastronomic experience.

As the couple enjoyed their meal, they gazed at the majestic view of the city below, which enhanced their experience, making it more enthralling.

Since the hotel is back on this year's Restaurant Week roster come November 9-17, it provides the perfect opportunity to come and see these sites and try new dishes. According to Chin, "the journey was quite a drive, but once you 'buss' that corner and come up those stairs, the view is just breathtaking - the atmosphere and décor was just gorgeous." She told Food that the best part of the experience (besides the company as she flicked her eyes at her husband), was the staff at the restaurant. "I found that they were really helpful in helping us decide what to choose and that is something I value in any restaurant."

According to Cuffe, "One of the best experiences for me when I go out to eat is the help that you get from the staff, because they help to determine whether I will go back or not, especially when they know the menu and are able to help me to make an informed decision as to what to choose."

Both confirmed that they immensely enjoyed the homely feeling and furnishings of the hilltop retreat, making their three-course meal that more enjoyable. Cuffe had the ackee and callaloo quiche for appetiser, oven-baked creamed shrimp with curried rice for his entrée and Chin enjoyed the baked crab back as her appetiser and rosemary rack of lamb with herbed potatoes for her entrée. Both split an assortment of desserts consisting of bread pudding with rum, carrot cake with cream cheese and a coconut frosted rum cake. According to the couple, the meal was "splendacious". The flavours of each dish was what stood out to them. Chin described the meal as having a "delicate flavour", while her husband gave props to the hotel for not "skimping on the shrimp".

"For me, you can find out how good a meal is going to be when you start off with the bread," notes Chin, as they had really good bread. The self-proclaimed foodies noted that, among the things they enjoyed were the amazing location, which makes dinner a great experience; the food; the company; and the wonderful staff.