Sat | Dec 27, 2025

South Beach Café beckons

Published:Thursday | February 23, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Pause
Brian Rettray (centre), the restaurant's executive chef, and O'Neil Gordon, sous chef (right), proudly show-off their creations alongside Glen Watkis, general manager.
The private cabanas can be rented for small, private functions. - photos by Ian Allen/Photographer
Have your pick, South Beach Medley (left), a rum-based drink with almond flavour, or the beautiful one, a martini with a mixture of banana.
Oriental glazed cornish hen surrounded by herb mashed potatoes drizzled with fever grass and ginger reduction.
Pan-seared mai mai topped with ackee mouseline served over steamed bammy, wrapped with wilted Callaloo hollandaise and semi-dried tomatoes.
Grilled sirloin steak with scalloped potatoes topped with marinated steamed chives and caramelised onions with haricot vert (green beans). Ian Allen/Photographer
Stuffed marlin with mango and Provalone cheese marinated with lemon oil and garnished with Spanish onion and capers.
Fruit and nut salad surrounded by feta cheese and drizzled with coconut vinaigrette.
Passion and blueberry cheesecake duo.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Sacha Walters-Gregory, Staff Reporter

South Beach Café beckons you with a happy neon sign - complete with a pink flamingo - to come enjoy the fun inside.

The new restaurant and bar along Lady Musgrave Road, beside Spartan Health Club, is taking its inspiration from the non-stop nightlife in a city known for its youthful energy.

"We liked to party at South Beach in Miami," said Kingsley Simpson, the assistant managing director, about he and some of his business partners. "We did some research and realised that Jamaica didn't have something like this," he said of the combination entertainment spot which includes a fine dining deck-style restaurant, bar; cabanas that can be rented for a private dinner for two or small celebrations, which come complete with private waiter service. When fully completed, the entertainment option will also have a daiquiri bar and a casino.

"This is a one-stop shop," said Simpson of South Beach Café, which is open seven days per week.

The restaurant offers a fine dining experience on an intimate deck. Brian Rettray, executive chef for the restaurant, explained the menu as a fusion of Jamaican and international cuisine, with items like their grilled sirloin steak with scalloped potatoes topped with marinated steamed chives and caramelised onions, along with haricot vert. They're also excited about their plans to introduce live cooking of seafood delicacies such as lobster and shrimp on their faux beach set-up.

The bar, which is completely separate from the restaurant, also has the easy breezy beach vibe, with white sheer fabric that separates individual serving areas. If you choose to sit by the bar's counter, the lava countertops may catch your eye. The countertops mimic the movement of a lava lamp.

To come is an exclusive daiquiri bar with eight flavour options, which they see becoming popular with women. According to Glen Watkis, general manager, they went in search of the best daiquiri recipes in the world and that led them to the blend used at Fat Tuesdays. They will be offering this blend spiked with a Jamaican flavour, Rum Fire rum.

Although they have only had a soft launch and still have a few additions to make to the premises, they have been getting rave reviews, according to Andrea Osbourne, marketing/sales manager, especially as a venue for corporate events.

"So far, the reception has been tremendous. Everybody wants to have functions here," said Osbourne.

Currently, patrons park at a neighbouring premises. There are also plans to expand the parking options.

South Beach Cafe, 8 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5.

sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com