Montego Bay's THE BOATHOUSE GRILL is great (1-21-25)

 We drove the 15 minutes up the road to the Boathouse just outside of downtown on the Blue Lagoon section of the Caribbean and were greeted by the ferry boatman who took us across the 20 foot stretch of water to the anchored restaurant; it was akin to crossing the River Styx, but not as ominous. We were a bit worried when they could not find out reservation, but they rectified it quickly when we realize the mistake was partly mine and partly the hotel's concierge as I had asked for Tuesday the 20th and it was Tuesday the 21st! OOPS! They brought us upstairs to the roof to a table for four overlooking the bay and the twinkling lights of the towns west of Montego Bay. It was really beautiful, and the weather was perfect. The prices here were way lower than the hotels as well as the wines were as low as $30US! Swe ordered an Oyster Bat Sauvignon Blanc and a Chilean Frontiera Chardonnay as the food here is SEAfood. We thanked manager Patricia profusely for fitting us in when the place was full and proceeded to order. Leon was very helpful telling us which dishes were spicier and such and we settled in on a Grilled Calamari with Tomato Concasse and Capers in a Nut Brown Butter which was indeed spicier in some places than Leon explained. Will called it an "explosion of excitement in my mouth." The Panko Crusted Lobster Cake with Dijon Mustard Mayo was huge and while not all lobster, had a goodly amount. My Panko Crusted Grilled Garlic Shrimp came with a kalamata Olive, Tomato & Garlic Mayo to dip them in which was superb. 

Main courses were also delicious and full of flavor and spices. Baked Snapper Fillet was Almond Panko Crusted with Roasted Red Pepper Cream, Parmesan Risotto Cake, Dijon Vinaigrette and Veggie Slaw that everyone raved about. The presentation (check out the FB fotos) was also gorgeous. Spicy Peel and Eat Pepper Shrimp with Scotch Bonnet Beurre Blanc that kicked ass was an appetizer that Will had as a main and loved, while Sauteed Leomon Pepper Garlic Shrimp came with brandied Sauce Homard, Classic Parmesan Risotto and Macedoine of Vegetables. My Live Caribbean Spiny Lobster was Split and Grilled with Brandy & White Wine and fab spices and served with Garlic Baguette(two cute miniatures sized about 3 inches long and 1.2 and inch wide!) and Caesar Salad. The Lobster trap is located under a glass floor on the entrance of the boat below and we saw it, but I just told them a 1 to 1-1/2 pound lobster they chose would be fine. It was one of the best lobsters I have ever had in my life, and definitely the best Spiny Lobster!

Dessert was yummy creamy Devon Stour Ice Cream & Vanilla Ice Cream, Banana Cake and my Creme Brulee that was a tad too thick and rich and too sweet served in a deep coffee-like cup with a gooey top that was not brittle.; no prizes there. We all had a ball and really loved the ambiance and setting as well.