Jerk rules at MVP Smokehouse

Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

There is no mistaking the distinctly Jamaican flavour in a dining experience at the MVP Smokehouse restaurant, located in Bogue, Montego Bay.

This unique eatery, which is jointly owned and operated by the brother and sister team of Boris and Michelle Reid, places great emphasis on healthy eating.

The pair, with years of experience in the restaurant industry, attributes much of their expertise to having previously partnered with sister Elaine Stephenson in operating the former Native restaurant along Montego Bay's Hip Strip, as well as the Rite Stuff Café at the Westgate Shopping Centre.

"We are trying to showcase the best of Jamaican food for locals and also visitors to the island," Michelle told Food. "We are proud to be following in the footsteps of our older sister, Elaine, who is the chief conceptualiser, founder and master chef."

The restaurant offers an extensive menu catering to a variety of palates. Meat lovers may indulge in a choice of jerked chicken, pork, barbecued ribs, or steam fish - all of which come with a variety of accompaniments or including roasted sweet potato and breadfruit, brown rice and peas, vegetable salad or coleslaw.

The chicken, which is specially prepared with the restaurant's own brand of jerk seasoning, marketed as Medina Valley Pride and served with a tasty home-made pineapple barbecue sauce, is a must-have for jerk lovers.

Vegetarians can also delight in the MVP experience, as the menu also carries a variety of delicious wraps and refreshing health juices. Diners may want to try the Spinalicious smoothie, made with spinach, carrot and beet root or a cucumber pineapple cooler, which are all blended sugar free.

Reid explains that the absence of sugar in the preparation of their natural juices, along with not using MSG and other artificial seasonings in their meal preparation, are deliberate to promote MVP's healthy-eating policy.

"There is medicinal value in everything prepared at MVP Smokehouse. Although meat is predominantly featured on our menu, we also ensure that it is prepared using fresh herbs and vegetables ...we also stay away from MSG and other artificial seasonings," she said.

In fact, the restaurant's own backyard garden grows a variety of herbs, including basil and cilantro, which guarantee fresh seasoning for their dishes.

Though the Smokehouse offers casual dining in a rustic atmosphere, it brings with it a high level of service, provided by a well-trained staff carried over from the Native. The restaurant also offers a delivery service and provides catering for weddings, parties and other functions.