Coming Soon: The Havana Club Cigar Lounge In Montego Bay

I took a trip to Cuba today although I traveled in neither plane nor boat. I shared laughter with the late, great singer Polo Montanez and the likes of Ibrahim Ferrer. I engaged in intense political debates with Fidel Castro, Raul Castro and the ghost of Che Guevara. Did it really happen or was it just a dream? It's hard to say because walking through the doors of the new Havana Club Cigar Lounge on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay made me forget my time and place.

The club has not yet been completed but the impression nevertheless is stunning. Portraits of the famous Cuban revolutionaries adorn the walls alongside the images of the musical talent for which that island is renowned. Famous international stars of yesteryear also share space with the icons of Cuba helping to enhance the already pervasive atmosphere of nostalgia in the lounge.

The Havana Club is certain to join the ranks of Mobay's finest entertainment offerings with a main lounge and dance-floor, a piano bar in an adjoining room, a gift shop specializing in cigar paraphernalia and a humidor. Expect Latin themed entertainment as well as activities geared for an upscale lounge of unquestionable quality. If you're not a smoker take note that the club has no less than eighteen air purifiers and two external extractors to make it a comfortable experience for all.

If everything goes according to schedule we can expect an opening sometime in September. You'll either find me chatting with "el comandante" at that special piano designed to accommodate drinkers or singing along with Polo Montanez near the dance floor. When you see me just give me a pinch to wake me from my dreams. (Click the pics to see greater detail especially the one of the cigar box designed to look like a house)

Copacabana Fridayz at Bluebeat in Montego Bay featuring DJ Irie Latino...Friday, August 27th, 2010 (click to enlarge/pulse para agrandar)

Last night was about just letting go and enjoying yourself in the company of long-time friends with some Appleton rum, Red Stripe beer and Bluebeat's unbeatable cocktails. It was good to see a Peruvian amigo back in the house and some friendly new faces. Cubanos, Colombianos, Dominicanos, Peruanos, Jamaiquinos and more partied till steam was coming off the terrace floor. Thanks for a super, electric night as usual!

Lunch at Angela's Italian Restaurant in Montego Bay

Yesterday, I ran into a friend of mine who said he had just come from having a pizza at the new Angela's Italian Restaurant in Montego Bay. I didn't even know Angela's was now in Mobay and being half-Italian and a lover of Italian food since I was knee high I jumped back in my car and headed over to Whitter Village shopping centre in Ironshore. It didn't matter that I had eaten only an hour before. Suddenly I was hungry again.

Well, as I walked into the simple and charming restaurant the first thing I noticed was the brick oven in the open kitchen which allows customers to see some of the food preparation. Now I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to have a pizza baked in an authentic brick oven. I have no regrets. It was absolutely delightful.

Angela's which has been in Negril for quite some time has now brought its offering of Italian pizzas, pasta, seafood and meat dishes to Montego Bay. The word is sure to spread like wildfire around the city which has demanded an Italian restaurant for quite some time. I already noticed a few familiar faces walking through the door while I was there yesterday and I expect to see many more of you, soon.

Coming Soon: The All Wet Beachwear Trunk Show at Norma Webster Salon & Spa

Ladies, you won't want to miss this one. The Miami-based All Wet Beachwear comes to Jamaica with a Trunk Show at the Norma Webster Salon & Spa at the Fairview Shopping Centre in Montego Bay on Thursday, August 26th. The sale which will run from 10am until 6pm will feature designer swimsuits for the Caribbean from Beach Bunny, Cia.Maritima, Despi, Vix, Lady Lux and many more. Board shorts for men will also be available.

Remember that the sun is always hot in Montego Bay and the beaches and swimming pools are always inviting so don't miss this opportunity to treat yourself to the best designer beachwear you will find in Jamaica. Click on the flier below for further details.

Young Men And Women Are Having Quickies In Pier One

Over the past two weeks I have had several Quickies in Pier One. Don't look so shocked. Everybody is trying it since Andre "Pnut" Brown launched Quickies Hot Dogs two weeks ago at Montego Bay's biggest Friday night party, Pier Pressure at Pier One. Since then people at Pier One have been enjoying Quickies by themselves, with their partners and even in groups of three or more.

Quickies Hot Dogs also sells Cheeseburgers and Hamburgers and trust me when I tell you that in the middle of a night of partying and drinking they hit the spot like nothing else. I'm not sure where Pnut gets the hot dogs for this venture but everybody loves the taste. The wieners are not as large as regular ones but perfect for a quick bite at a party. As one young woman explained, "When I am at a party I can't handle anything too big because if I have a Quickie in the middle of the party and it is too much to handle I'm going to feel uncomfortable for the rest of the night. And if I have it at the end of the night, well I am just too tired to take on anything too big."

Ok, the girl is fictitious but the Quickies Hot Dogs and Burgers are very real and the next time you're at Pier One you have got to try these great snacks. Quickies is coming soon to other locations in Montego Bay so look out! Everyone will be having them, soon.

Bluebeat's Guest List Brings In DJ Crazy Neil

Last night, DJ Crazy Neil made his first appearance at Bluebeat in two years with an adrenalin driven performance at the club's regular Saturday night event, the Guest List. DJ Crazy Neil is a favourite DJ and promoter in what he likes to refer to as the Republic of Montego Bay and it was a foregone conclusion that Bluebeat would be packed like a can of sardines to hear him play.

I have two things to say to Bluebeat's management team about last night, "Good call, Bluebeat!" and "How about a Part Two!". It was mad, mad fun and clearly Bluebeat is fast becoming the number one upscale party lounge in Jamaica through its rotation of the best local and international DJs, every Saturday.

Seawind Beach Club Launches Saturday Oldies Night

Saturday, August 21st saw the new Seawind Beach Club launching its Oldies Night with a party enjoyed by both younger and older patrons from across Montego Bay. Jamaicans have a passion for retro music and it is pleasing to see that the second city now has a regular retro event for both residents and tourists. As settings go you won't find another Oldies venue in Jamaica to match this one with its poolside bars, terraces, beach and wide open spaces by the sea. The party featured food and drinks with two bars and a buffet to satisfy your every need between dancing. Music included seventies disco, eighties pop hits, nineties dance music as well as reggae and dancehall spanning the years.

DRUMNDJ Rocks Margaritaville, Montego Bay

By 11:30pm last night, Margaritaville Montego Bay was buzzing with anticipation as scores of tourists and locals packed the north coast club to see Canadian drummer and dj duo, DRUMNDJ. This was something new here and many didn't know what to expect. If there was any doubt about this foreign act winning over the Margaritaville crowd they were put to rest by international sensations, Brett Jones and DJ Kav.

It was exhilarating stuff from start to finish as patrons rocked to high energy remixes and screamed approval of Brett Jones' drumming talent and DJ Kav's turntable scratching skills. But the surprise of the night came when these versatile entertainers did a set of reggae and dancehall mixes which had locals breaking out in smiles all over the club. DRUMNDJ hits Margaritaville Ocho Rios again tonight and returns to Margaritaville Montego Bay on Thursday for what promises to be a final knockout blow. If you missed it last night there's still a second chance! This is definitely Irie Latino recommended.

Copacabana Fridayz at Bluebeat in Montego Bay featuring DJ Irie Latino...Friday, August 13th, 2010 (click to enlarge/pulse para agrandar)