The Palm Court
171-16 Hillside Ave., Jamaica
298-6500

Cuisine: Guyanese and Chinese

Hours: Open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 12 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

For the last three years the Palm Court Restaurant has built a reputation for being one of the most elegant Guyanese eateries in Jamaica. After much investigation, this reporter found that claim to be truly deserving.

The restaurant has two sections. The first section is actually found at the entrance, which consists of three large tables and a bar. But patrons who are looking for more privacy should continue past the bar and into the main dining room area. Once you enter the dining room area you will find that the tables are properly set up, adorned with a red table cloth with utensils.

The tables are set up to accommodate dinner parties of two, four, and six. Even larger parties of ten can find readily available accommodations.

The restaurant’s menu is also appealing. Beginning with the appetizers: Palm Court Fried Chicken, Chicken Wings, Roast Duck, Pepper Shrimp, Fried Shark, Lamb Kebab, Beef Slicks, Roast Pork, and the seasonal Wild Meal (to name a few). The appetizers range in price from $4.95 to $11.75.

Fried Rice and Lo-Mein enthusiasts will find a vast selection to choose from. Visitors can choose their Fried Rice and Lo-Mein served with Vegetable, Chicken, Roast Pork, Beef, and Pepper Shrimp. These plates range in price from $6.25 to $14.45.

For those who are not interested in the Fried Rice or Lo-Mein menu, you can find some alternatives on the Seafood, Pork, and Beef menu. These dishes range in price from $8.45 to $16.75 and consist of Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Grilled Fish, Lobster with Garlic Sauce, Roast Pork with Mixed Vegetables, Beef with Broccoli, and Peppered Steak with Onions.

Finally, and probably my favorite part of the menu, was the Guyanese Style Curries Served with Rice or Dal-Puri. These dishes range in price from $7.95 to $10.75 and consist of Curry Chicken, Curry Duck, Curry Shrimp, and Curry Lamb/Goat.

With such a rich selection it was somewhat difficult to decide what to eat. I eagerly indulged in a plate of Curry Lamb/Goat served with white rice, which was utterly satisfying.

So the next time you are stumped in finding a restaurant to take your family or date, try the Palm Court Restaurant.