Christophers: At Hermosa Cove

The name is definitely and ode to the explorer Christopher Columbus, but there is nothing mistaken about this restaurant. Located at the Hermosa Cove, all the architecture was deliberate in its appearance of taking a step back in time, a time of pirates and castles.

Wooden floors and a breath-taking view of the Caribbean Sea is enough to melt all the worries of this modern life away. My first visit was on a whim and initially with the assistance of google maps (bad idea). But, after calling the office for directions finding the neatly tucked away oasis was my true mission for the day. When you get to the security gate you will be asked your purpose for visit so it makes sense to call ahead and let them know you are coming by. It just makes things easier.

Once you step in the dinning area the intoxicating of fresh bread and coffee is clearly a ploy to make you hungry. Hats off to Christophers (neat trick).

I just wanted to see the place and maybe have a cocktail. However, my stomach twisted my arm and the result was cocktails, soup and a beautiful entree. Truthfully my ultimate test for any bar or restaurant to walk the walk that the decor and appearance talks, is a 'Pina Colada', yes you heard me. Although the ingredients are simple enough it is one of those drinks that if fresh elements aren't added to will taste like a mass produced canned drink. I definitely expect that from a nice establishment. I'm happy to report that the bar-tender did a good job and made me two 'Pina Colada's'.

The Chriptophers menu posing beside my Pina Colada

Now to the Food

Seafood Medley soup

So after the happy stomach was in the TGIF mood on a Wednesday after one pina colada the brain taught it was a good idea to take an in depth look at the menu and ask the patient waitress what was the 'Soup de Jour' (fancy way to say soup of the day). Chef Arnold obviously takes into consideration the delicate whips of ocean salt that dances in the breeze when sitting at the restaurant as Seafood medley Soup was light, crisp and perfectly balanced with mahi mahi, shrimp, green mussels & veggies. It wasn't summer yet but Jamaica can have some oppressively hot days which make hearty thick soup only perfect on rainy days.

Seared Mahi Mahi Loin on Coconut Milk Steamed Garden veggies and topped with a fresh salsa

As if the soup wasn't enough and the second pina colada my friend, Chef Arnold and my stomach conspired against me and then came the pièce de résistance. The show-stopper was the pan seared mahi mahi loin. A 2 1/2" thick steak of fish perfectly crusted but juicy and flavourful in the delicate folds. It was served on a bed of steamed cauliflower, pak choy, zucchini, onions, brocolli & cabbage in coconut milk with just a dash of scotch bonnet pepper. Although scotch bonnet pepper can gives a hell of a punch this dish just had enough to tease your tongue. All that goodness was topped with a fresh salsa that made every bite of this dish a pleasure to eat. The textures and flavours in this dish surely earns #foodgasm status.

Most importantly after all that fancy 'Top Chef' experience, my purse was pleasantly surprised that my debit card didn't request a side bar convo after paying the bill. So whether on #staycation as a local or #vacation as a visitor a trip down the quiet private road towards the Hermosa Cove property is worth it for a fabulous meal any day of the week.

Side note: For those who love jerked & barbecued food, Saturday night is the superb night to visit Christophers for dinner. Until then do it For The Love Of Food.