THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED!!By Jane Hudson What do you get when you combine the cuisine of the Caribbean islands with traditional Southern fare?
Montego Bay Jamaican Soul Food, Greenville's newest restaurant.
"Our favorite food is Jamaican. And we're Southern, we love our yams and greens. So ..." said Jamie Alraggad, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Rocky Wiggins.
The restaurant opened this week at 2516 E. Tenth St., the former location of China 10.
The limited opening menu includes shrimp tossed in coconut and bread crumbs, fried and served with honey Dijon dipping sauce; braised and stewed oxtails seasoned with thyme, Scotch Bonnet pepper, scallions and garlic; slow cooked chicken leg quarter cooked with authentic Jamaican Jerk seasoning; chicken slow cooked with Jamaican curry, thyme, onion and garlic; a bed of spring mix lettuces topped with coconut shrimp tossed in Firecracker sauce; and a simple hamburger with lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayo. Entrees range in price from $8.99-$11.99.
Jamie said the restaurant's full menu will be served in a couple of weeks, with additions like Lemon Pepper Chicken, turkey leg in white gravy, wings, and an Island Burger topped with pineapple relish, avocado and maple bacon.
One especially anticipated new menu item is Chero's Chicken Salad, a recipe made popular in Edenton by Jamie's Godmother Lisa Douglas. It's made with white meat chicken, pistachios and Craisins.
Key lime pie and tropical cheesecake will be offered for dessert.
Montego Bay's dining room has an island vibe with seating at booths and bar tables, reggae music playing over the sound system and an elevated stage at one end for DJ B Paiz and other local entertainment. There's also a full bar and a friendly, attentive staff.
Jamie said she grew up in the restaurant business in Edenton. Her husband Rocky, who is from Scotland Neck, has always dreamed of owning a restaurant.
Jamie said she plans to offer a discount for students, as well as a 10 percent discount for people who are in Greenville for doctor's appointments and medical procedures.
"Greenville is the medical hub of eastern North Carolina, and I know so many people travel here for the hospital and doctors," Jamie said. "They should have some good food. If they bring in their doctor's appointment card, they will get a discount."
Montego Bay is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays; and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays.
Call 252-329-0988 or visit them on Facebook at MontegoBayGreenville.Photos from the Montego Bay Facebook page.

Montego Bay restaurant offers island food with a Southern twist