LIFESTYLE: MVP Smokehouse: Where Montegonians Enjoy Their Favourite Jamaican Food

The rustic charm of Montego Bay's MVP Smokehouse

Montego Bay’s MVP Smokehouse recently celebrated three years of existence in which it has become more than just a restaurant to its regular diners. One loyal guest described it as “a pleasant break from the world” and that perhaps sums up the magic of the little eatery’s success. Of course, the traditional Jerk and Jamaican cooking they are famous for has something to do with it but it is the combination of great food with an intimate, family and friends ambiance that defines their achievement in the end.

Three years ago the sibling team of Boris and Michelle Reid opened MVP’s doors to Montego Bay. The rustic tent covered dining area combined with the Reid’s professional but laid back style made the restaurant a pleasant retreat for relaxing with friends.

It’s not surprising to sit at a table and see new arrivals greeting friends already dining in the establishment. “Wait, you’re here again? Do you live here?” one guest asks. “I could ask you the same thing” the other fires back. The laughter and conversation that follows is intimate and friendly. There’s always a feeling of family in the dining area. Even if one is a newcomer that feeling of being at home is present.

Sibling team, Michelle and Boris Reid

Boris and Michelle casually walk out of the kitchen from time to time. There’s always a smile, a nod, a pleasant hello. The Reids recall the early days of the start-up. Being former owners of another successful restaurant in the city they were well known in the community but opening a new restaurant was like beginning from scratch. A new loca

tion outside of the popular centre of the town, a new name, a new style all meant rebuilding their clientele.

Michelle explains that there was a void begging to be filled by traditional Jamaican cuisine and so their menu goes way beyond their tasty Jerk treats that Jamaicans love. “We offer the stuff that locals love to eat at home” she says “but sometimes they would love someone else to cook it for them in a nice, comfortable environment away from home. That’s where we come in.”

Indeed, there is a range of choice on the menu that is guaranteed to water the mouth of anyone who loves the island’s traditional dishes. Escoveitched and Steamed Fish are big sellers. Oxtail and Beans is another favourite. Every Tuesday brings Stew Peas to the menu while Curry Chicken and Roti is offered on Wednesdays. These are just some of the wide variety of dishes which also include vegetarian options and natural juices for the health conscious.

The growth has been steady over the past three years. Old friends and clients re-discovered Boris and Michelle so to speak. It is remarkable that despite the stiff competition in a city famous for Jerk joints MVP Smokehouse rapidly established a reputation for some of the best Jerk pork and chicken in town.

MVP Smokehouse has required very little in the way of professional advertising because their broad selection of local dishes resulted in organic promotion through word of mouth and social media. Friends shared information with friends. Families told other families and the establishment’s reputation grew among familiar circles. Sundays in particular became the day of escape for those wanting an alternative to dining at home but with the same great food they are accustomed to at the family table.

MVP Smokehouse Barbecued Spare Ribs

It has become commonplace now to see local and even foreign celebrities and well-known figures stopping by for a bite and a drink. Still, the Reids take their success in stride. They are pleased to see the glowing reviews in local newspapers and international travel guides but the real reward for them is seeing their guests’ empty plates at the end of a meal and hearing the laughter of their conversations.

As things slow down towards the end of the day Boris and Michelle sit with the folks at the bar or pull up a couple of chairs to a dining table where they join a group of friends. This welcoming vibe is the most important part of their menu. MVP Smokehouse is more than just Jamaican food. It is the happy, easy-going way of life Jamaicans enjoy.