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Marley's Mantra

Published:Friday | September 9, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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From left: Athena Gregg, Nicola Crosswell-Mair with chefs Christian Sweeney and Joni McKenzie.
Paul Taffe and Tricia Rudd kicking back at the opening of Mantra.
Caribbean Producers' Tamika West (left) and Trishauna Kirlew definitely know how to have a good time.
Xavier Chin (centre) is one lucky fellow as he has not one beauty but two, Jodi Stewart (left) and Loni Jones, hanging out with him at the grand opening of Mantra.
Owner of Mantra restaurant Laura Marley (left) entertains Sarah 'Seci' Silvera (centre) and Arriane Williams at the opening of the restaurant on Tuesday, September 6.
Joelle Lodenquai (left) and Naomi Cowan came out to get their 'Mantra' on.
Owner of Mantra Laura Marley (left) gets a photo op with friend Christina Benjamin.
Simone du Quesnay (left) and pals Jessica Perez (centre) and Katrina Bayliss chilling at Mantra. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
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Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Think simple, yet exotic with modern fixtures and an artistic emphasis. That's what you will see when you enter Mantra, in the Barbican Business Centre, the newest casual restaurant in town.

On Tuesday, September 6, Mantra had its grand opening and St Andrew residents came out to support Laura Marley's new venture. The food was the talk of the night and chefs Joni McKenzie and Christian Sweeney got rave reviews. Menu offerings included: veggie canapés, Thai curried chicken salad, smoked hummus, Syrian fattoush with chicken and sweet corn. These got patrons going back for seconds and thirds.

With easy the background music, patrons gathered in groups to mingle, have a good time and enjoy mixed drinks, wine, and vodka. But those who were more gallant went for tequila shots. The evening turned out just fine and from the looks of things, Mantra is shaping up to be quite the hot place to dine.