MoBay Proper food and ambience par excellence

Equally impressive is MoBay Proper’s roster of cocktail specials. The Blue Hawaiian and Island Secret are among two of the most popular requests, and the J. Wray and Nephew-branded decor of the sports bar further helps to appeal to the rum brand’s knack f

THERE IS nowhere in Montego Bay that prepares local dishes better than MoBay Proper Sports Bar and Grill.

The world-renowned restaurant and sports bar, located on the Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip), is a great place for traditional local cuisines and drink specials from some of the island’s top brands.

A hotspot for local and visitors to the tourist capital, it’s a one-stop spot for entertainment and fine food with the perfect ambiance.

According to Calvin Malcolm, who became the owner of MoBay Proper six years ago, “Growing up, I wanted to own a restaurant and to serve because I know what good service is and to make people feel comfortable.”

And he has done just that, creating some signature dishes that have become customer favourites.

“Our signature soup, corn-pork soup, is known worldwide – in Canada, Europe and all over. People drive from as far as Kingston and Negril to enjoy our escovitch and steam fish. People coming from at the airport come straight here for fish and get it any way they want it.”

SPECIAL COCKTAILS

Equally impressive is MoBay Proper’s roster of cocktail specials. The Blue Hawaiian and Island Secret are among two of the most popular requests, and the J. Wray and Nephew-branded decor of the sports bar further helps to appeal to the rum brand’s knack for customer satisfaction.

“It’s a Wray and Nephew layout bar. We are loyal to them, so every product that they sell, we carry, with our top seller being their White Overproof

Rum. The company is a strong seller anywhere, and its branding of the place has enhanced sales in all areas.”

MoBay Proper is open every day from 11:30 a.m., and each night has a unique offering for its customer base. These include Wray and Nephew Wine Mondays to Rum Cream Ladies Night Tuesdays to Karaoke and two-for-one white rum deals on the weekends.

They also host a pool tournament every Wednesdays, which attracts dozens of players seeking glory as well as coveted cash prizes.

The father of four, Malcolm was a chartered accountant before he got into the restaurant business with an overseas partner. A past student of Rusea’s High School, he was born in St James but grew up in Hanover, where he hopes to open a second branch.

He told Food: “We cater to everyone and we are always on the lookout to expand our horizon here in western Jamaica.”

MoBay Prroperrbarrttenderr Doiilley Murrrray showiing offf some off tthe sporrtt’’s barr siignatturre drriink cockttaiills..

PHOTOS BY OKOYE HENRY Customers enjoying a drink at the lively sports bar.

PHOTOS BY OKOYE HENRY MoBay Proper staff. From left: Doiley Murray, bartender; Calvin Malcolm, owner; Garcia Leslie, waitress; and Eurol Maxwell, chef.

Mouth-watering oxtail with a side of rice and peas, plantain and raw vegetables.

Steamed red snapper is a favourite at MoBay Proper.

Proper Fix – J. Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum, Lillifield peach schnapps, orange juice, and a splash of cranberry Juice.

Island Secret – Lillifield peach schnapps, orange and pineapple juice, Coco Mania Coconut Rum, and strawberry syrup.

Blue Hawaiian – a delicious mix of Lillifield Blue Curaco, Coco Mania Coconut Rum, pineapple juice and a splash of lime juice, garnished with a pineapple slice and served chilled.

MoBay Proper’s spicy pork.