One of my first pursuits, when I arrive in Jamaica, is to have a delicious plate of the national dish, ackee and salt fish. The ackee fruit (that tastes a lot like eggs when cooked) is not found to any great degree on other islands, so it’s a big treat. In fact, ex-pat Jamaicans will go so far as to eat ackee from a can when they can’t get the real thing!

What’s so great about Jamaican food? Just stop at one of those ubiquitous roadside stands and savor the specialty of the ‘house’ for your answer. Admittedly, you are at a disadvantage if you don’t know the range of treats that are in store for you. So let’s pick on one area of this bountiful island, Negril…the ‘Capital of Casual’…and go native on a dine-around adventure.       

At Negril Square, grab a snack at Juici Pattie. This is a chain with stores all around the island, and you'll understand why when you taste one of their patties. Choose from beef, chicken, veggie, lobster, shrimp,  meatloaf, and my new favorite, beef and cheese. These delectables come at bargain prices, and are a staple of the school child’s lunch.

The Negril store tops other locations because its neighbor is Devon House I Scream. Yes, the same as Kingston’s Devon House, selling those creamy delights in cup, cone or sundae. From the 21 flavors, check out Pina Colada and Devon Stout. Tempting baked goods in the display case--rum balls, banana bread, macaroons and gizzadas—set the taste buds to tingling.

Just past Negril Square on the Sav-la-Mar road is Sweet Spice restaurant. We must stop in because ‘rundown’ is on the breakfast menu. Can’t you just picture yourself in this cozy dining spot, digging into that tasty mackerel concoction with the juice running down your arm? At night, return for a generous plate of oxtail and broad beans. This place won’t hurt your wallet either. Prices range from $5.00 to $15.00, and that includes lobster!