Coconut chicken breast with rice and steamed vegetables will be on the menu at Strawberry Hill. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The fab Strawberry Hill hotel/spa and restaurant literally towers over the competition, nestled as it is in the Irish Town hills of St Andrew. The Georgian-style decor is taken from the original house on the site. The present business started in 1994.

"People used to just come up here and have picnics even before Chris (Blackwell) bought the place," revealed general manager Paula Surtees. Strawberry Hill was always delivering good food from its early offerings as a Sunday brunch spot, which is still popular. The cuisine is a mix of authentic Jamaican food with an international twist. "We like when our visitors come from overseas that they don't get the same food they're leaving overseas," said Surtees. The pledge is to keep it that way and guests can expect more of the same from the new dinner menu coming in time for The Gleaner-sponsored Kingston Restaurant Week (KRW).

No one is turned away but there will be a cutting back on the reservations.

"You want everyone to get really good service. People love this place and when it gets too crowded you can't really enjoy it," said Surtees. "We want you to stop and enjoy yourselves."

With acres of space, the hill is perfect for children, as they can frolic. People also bring friends, clients and business partners to enjoy the ambience, plus it's great for conferences, weddings and parties. Throw in some discounts at the spa for those dining during KRW, and that sounds like the total package.

daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com