BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THERE is but one place within the Federation where diversity and quality stand hand-in-hand. It is a one-stop-shop where local and international cuisine are daily available, and a place where the entire family can go and find whatever they need to satisfy their taste buds.
That place is called The Food Court, which forms part of the RAM’S Trading Ltd. and is located next to the RAM’s Cash and Carry outlet in Bird Rock.
Within The Food Court are 30 six-seater tables surrounded by 10 containers within which 10 vendors operate and provide a variety of delectable dishes ranging from breakfast specials to dinner deals.
Be it Jamaican, Mexican, local, Indian, fast food or even dessert, The Food Court caters to whatever needs its patrons require.
Inspiration
The Food Court is the brainchild of RAM’s Trading Ltd. General Manager Hamir Sabnani who, in a recent interview with SKNVibes, shed some light on what inspired him to create such a space.
He said there were three main influences for the establishment of a food court: Firstly, he lives in the Bird Rock area and often reaches home late in the evening and finds it is not expedient for him to cook. So the search was always on to find a variety of food which is easy on the pocket. Secondly, having spent some time in Trinidad, he had observed an area in the Queen’s Park Savannah where people would set up their tents close to the evening and sell a variety of cuisine. And thirdly, he thought it was a good way to promote social interaction among family members and others.
Selection and Construction
With the inspiration fresh in his mind, Sabnani said he then had to embark on a journey which would take him from that point to operation. Between those two points were the selection and construction processes.
In selecting the vendors, Sabnani said care was taken in ensuring that the right mix of quality and variety was achieved. He said it was important to avoid any situation where too many individuals were providing the same product at The Food Court.
As for the layout and construction of the space, the General Manager said a great deal of time was taken in ensuring it was maximised while providing an inviting feel that would prove beneficial for both the vendors and their patrons.
Lending to the mouth-watering and exciting menu are Chef Alex Duggins and his Soup Shack; Spice in India; Chihuahua’s, which specialises in Mexican cuisine; Kay’s Three Meals, which is a breakfast shed; Jam Rock; Reefa’s, which specialises in burgers, roti and other fast foods; Shawarma King; Neville’s Eatery; and OMG Desserts, which provides smoothies, ice cream sundaes and an authentic Jamaican jerk pit.
Public’s response
Opening at about midday from Monday to Saturday, Sabnani said the success of The Food Court has exceeded his expectation thus far, noting that there are plans to open a similar operation in Nevis within the next couple of months.
“The proof is in the pudding. The food is good and people have a nice social experience, and then they come back. The response has been good but I accredit that to the quality of what the vendors supply. The response is what we anticipated and it has surpassed expectations.”
Sabnani suggested that those who have not yet visited The Food Court are depriving themselves of a wonderful social experience which marries authenticity, diversity, cuisine, quality and atmosphere.
Why The Food Court?
“Great atmosphere, great food, excellent prices; variety you can’t get in any other place. And you are guaranteed to find something to satisfy your hunger.”
