EVITA'S, MAMMA MIA!

In less than a minute we were seated at a table on the balcony with a spectacular view of the city. We all felt a bit underdressed for such a posh venue: white table clothes, full compliment of silverware, candles and centerpieces. The plates were all stamped Evita's and even the salt and pepper shakers carried the eatery's logo.

Karen and I split a half bottle of red wine and Julia and Mike each had a rum punch. Those two were becoming regular rum punch junkies. I was surprised by the wide variety in the menu. Usually, there are very few choices for vegetarians in the islands. In the Bahamas, they even add ham to rice and beans. But

The Rasta influence was evident in many of the dishes on the menu. All of the other dishes that make Italian food one of the most popular cuisines were also featured: ravioli, ziti, lasagna Bolognese, chicken cacciatore, broiled sirloin steak, veal cutlets, prosciutto with ham and even spaghetti with meatballs. Of course, every imaginable seafood was included such as calamari, shrimp, lobster, crab, red snapper and the catch of the day.

For starters, we split a round of bruschetta and Portobello mushroom salad, which was out-of- this- world delicious. As the sun set and the lights of Ocho Rios twinkled below, a guitar player named Gladstone walked over and serenaded us with soulful reggae songs while we awaited our main course. The already romantic setting became enchanting. Dinner arrived and Gladstone moved over to a corner near the bar where we could still hear him strumming and singing softly. The entertainment was worth the tip we left him on our way out.

Karen and I each ordered the Lasagna Rastafarian. Unlike some vegetarian lasagna, the vegetables in it remained crisp and retained their flavor. It also contained Jamaica's national fruit, the Ackee. Mike feasted on the Seafood Viagra Risotto. It included shrimp, scallops and conch, for the Viagra effect. (I never did ask Julia if it worked). Julia had a lobster capelini with mushroom and peppers in a garlic sauce. She declared it to be quite yummy. The portions were filling. But Mike, Julia and I couldn't resist dessert. They each chose a Jamaican Bobsled-ice cream on a cookie crust pie filled with nuts. I succumbed to a hazelnut cake smothered in chocolate and then a flaming Jamaican coffee.

While waiting for desert, I stretched my legs and perused the many photographs of Eva on one of the walls. She stood proudly next to an array of celebrities, such as Anthony Hopkins and Keith Richards. Various other celebrities have frequented her establishment, including Marlo Thomas, Alec Baldwin, Meg Ryan and Princess Margaret. Examining the personalities in the photographs, it was easy for me to decide that I'd rather meet Eva than any of these celebrities.

We devoured our desserts as our waiter carefully prepared my flaming coffee in a large glass goblet. It was a grand production of pouring in the cognac and heating and twirling it until it ignited in a deep blue flame and then adding Tia Maria and coffee. He topped it off with a thick layer of whipped cream and handed it to me wrapped in a napkin to prevent me from burning my fingers.

As I cupped the large warm globe in my hands and brought the creamy treat to my lips, I imagined for an instant the Eva Myers was there next to me. But alas, it was only a brief vision. The resounding punch of the strong Blue Mountain Coffee laden with liquors stirred me back to realty (they don't skimp on the alcohol at Evita's). I mentioned my vision to Karen and she twisted the hairs on my arm until I yelped and then gave me a look that would freeze the heart of the devil. Good thing I didn't bother ordering the Seafood Viagra.

Ahh, but the night was young; the long drive home lay ahead. Yep, nothing like a three-hour bus ride to put a girl in the mood. We did, though, have plenty of rum back at the villa. Hmmmm?

P.S. Although I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Eva, I will share a file photo. Tell me, isn't she worth the drive to Ocho Rios?