A taste of Jamaica, a touch of Belize, and a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea are coming together at one of Belize City’s newest hotspots. It is not just somewhere to grab a meal or enjoy a drink. Funky Kingston wants to become an experience all its own. The new venue officially opened along the Philip Goldson Highway, bringing Caribbean flavors, music and island culture together under one roof. A packed crowd turned out for the grand opening, offering an early glimpse of what could become one of the highway’s newest entertainment destinations. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez
Paul Lopez, Reporting
“Funky Kingston is the newest restaurant and bar on the Phillip Goldson Highway, Mile 4. And today, we are here to check out the location, to find out all about the Jamaican food, the Belizean food, the Belizean drinks, the Jamaican inspired drinks, the music and just all around the wonderful atmosphere and people here at Funky Kingston.”
Rob Begrand
Rob Begrand, Director, Funky Kingston
“This is part of our overall venture as well, which is Isabella Caye and Sandbar Caye. I am Canadian and we have been living in Belize for a period of time and I love your country and all your people that are a part of it.”
Funky Kingston’s Rob Begrand describes the venue as a convenient meeting point for visitors heading to any of the company’s private islands. Guests can enjoy a meal and a drink before boarding at the dock. But as the grand opening made clear, Funky Kingston offers much more than a stop along the way.
Alvin Mangandi
Alvin Mangandi, Bartender, Funky Kingston
“I am not really a drinker right, but I would recommend you drink panty rippa, aka, panty dropper. It is a nice sweet drink, tropical. It has coconut rum in it, pineapple juice and a little bit of grenadine, sweet like the girls.”
It took only two hours for the event to reach its full seating capacity of one hundred and fifty. True to its name, Funky Kingston’s food menu features a variety of Jamaican cuisine. The Jamaican-inspired theme carries over to the drinks menu, giving patrons another taste of the island experience. And while they sipped and dined, we decided to test their knowledge with a little Jamaican trivia.
Paul Lopez
“Where are the owners of Funky Kingston from?”
Karen Vernon
Karen Vernon, Patron, Funky Kingston
“Well you know I asked when I came in, so I know they are from Canada.”
Paul Lopez
“So that was too easy.”
Karen Vernon
“No, it’s not too easy, I did my homework.”
Paul Lopez
“Can you tell me where the owners are from?
Deon Leslie
Deon Leslie, Patron, Funky Kingston
“I would hope Kingston. I think I heard they are from Canada.”
Their correct answers paid off, earning them gift certificates for their meals. The venue draws its appeal from the reggae music that is played around the clock, the iconic portraits on the main wall, and Caribbean Sea breeze that offers relaxation on any occasion.
Rob Begrand
“I have sat at the bar with some tears in my eyes to be truthful with you. I am a pretty passionate guy. I wear my heart on a sleeve and we have been at hard construction for fifteen months. So, to actually sit at the bar, enjoy a nice rum and coke, see the people enjoying food and actually put a tear in my eye.”
Deon Leslie
“The ambience, the music, anything by the sea we love.”
Karen Vernon
“I like the atmosphere. I like the atmosphere from the sea. The music, the vibe is very good.”
Patrons were especially impressed by Funky Kingston’s spacious and refreshing atmosphere. Apart from its main dining area, additional options for dining are available under a gazebo with large tables and under the open skies.
Rob Begrand
“We are outsourcing a lot of our stuff from the local market as well as inland as well. We have been conscious of our dollars. We want to be conscious of your dollars too. We don’t want to price ourselves out. Our margins are a bit tighter on food. We can make up the margins on the alcohol side. So it balances itself out and it means brining in lots of people.”
With great food, reggae rhythms, sea breezes, and a commitment to keeping prices within reach, Funky Kingston is hoping to become a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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