TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN
wellington | table
Take A Culinary Journey To The Islands With A Visit To Jamaica House Grill In Wellington
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CALLIE SHARKEY
When the island-nation of Jamaica was in its infancy, the government decided to build an official residence for the prime minister, known as Jamaica House. To immerse yourself in the culture and food of this unique Caribbean island, pay a visit to the iconic building’s local namesake, Jamaica House Grill in Wellington. Guests are greeted by reggae fusion music and portraits of Jamaican icons like Marcus Garvey and Usain Bolt. A cheerful rack of wines and an open floorplan greet visitors and continue to build the Jamaican setting. There is no coincidence that Jamaican native and Executive Chef Collin Allen landed at Jamaica House Grill, often called JHG. “I’ve worked at Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island, but for me, Jamaica House is the office of the prime minister, and I’m devoted to that,” said Allen, who served as the personal chef to Jamaica’s first female prime minister, Portia Simpson-Miller. He visited the restaurant when down in Florida on vacation. “I saw the restaurant’s menu and said this is where I belong,” Allen recalled. “This is where I want to be — to take guests on a culinary journey of what it is to really have authentic Jamaican cuisine.” Despite having cooked for celebrities like Harrison Ford, Ralph Lauren and Naomi Campbell, Allen finds joy in bringing his heritage to plate for everyone who visits Jamaica House Grill.
(Clockwise from top left) One of the most popular items is the Braised Oxtails with seasonal vegetables, rice and peas; the Country Man Salad is bright and fresh with diced apples, mango, cranberries, candied pineapples and a special house dressing on a bed of romaine lettuce; the Trio of Wings includes the Mango Tree Wings, Mild Jerk Wings and Sorrel Jerk Wings; wings are available to suit any palate; the Grilled Salmon features a sweet chili sauce, served with asparagus and mashed sweet potatoes; and Executive Chef Collin Allen shares some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. wellington the magazine | august 2021 45