F&B Downtown Renewal through gourmet delights and style

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

It was Emily Post that said, “Ideal conversation must be an exchange of thought, and not, as many of those who worry most about their shortcomings believe, an eloquent exhibition of wit or oratory.” My recent interview with Ueli Bangerter, who is the owner of F&B restaurant located on Harbor Street downtown Kingston, was all about delving into his thoughts; my intrigue was spurred by what his thoughts had manifested; a superb restaurant with plenty of style, attention to details, and one of my favorite features; outstanding design elements.

During our conversation it dawned on me; this man is truly a visionary; an entrepreneur with patriotic ideals for the island of Jamaica. He is absolutely in love with the place and interestingly enough he is not even from Jamaica. He is one of a few visionaries who have come to our shores, and saw something for Jamaica that many who are born and reside here could not see; that this place rightly deserves the title “Pearl of the Antilles.”

F&B Restaurant finds its home in the Swiss Stores building in Downtown Kingston. Swiss Stores itself has a strong track record in the area of innovation; it was the first store in Jamaica to offer air conditioning to its patrons. This was at a time when people were saying that it was not a good idea, because closed doors would be perceived as being uninviting. They pressed on with the idea and it worked like a charm; now having air conditioning in retail spaces seems almost mandatory in certain places.

In 2008 when the world economy took a downturn, Jamaica’s economy felt the pinch. Swiss Stores was not doing very well, and it came to the point where they had two options: fold or adapt. Thankfully Ueli Bangerter and his partners chose to adapt, and what they adapted into is outstanding.

The first thing that charmed me when I entered into F&B Restaurant is the rich hue of red which dominates the walls; it actually sets a mood of comfort and relaxation, and I observed that it was having this effect upon the patrons that were in the space with me. People from all walks of life and professional backgrounds were there, and many of them were engaged in what seemed to me to be meaningful conversation. The very atmosphere of the place encourages that kind of interface; it is as trendy as any five-star restaurant that you could find in Soho Manhattan, but it still felt …interestingly enough… like home.

This feeling of home might be a result of the many personal touches that can be found all over the restaurant. I was amazed when Mr. Bangerter told me that he designed the furniture for the restaurant; the sleek finish and the contemporary design of the pieces really arrested my attention. He said he learned woodworking while in high school and I was very impressed by that; it seems that skills training in the Swedish high school system is something to be envied, because the pieces appeared as if a master wood worker made them.

While I was there, the wonderful smell of food permeated the air and the food tasted as good as it smelled. They have an interesting menu with an assortment of meals to choose from, and upon receiving your meal; you can tell that a great deal of care goes into providing an overall fantastic eating experience.

One feature that might seem unusual to some is the fact that jewelry items are on display for sale in the restaurant. It was creatively designed so that the jewelry seamlessly blends into the overall décor and does not stick out like a sore thumb. The interplay of the jewelry displays, and the other items in the décor work well together. I also enjoyed seeing the photography on display which was taken from Mr. Bangerter’s personal collection. He emphasized that the outstanding design could not be attributed to him alone; he is thankful to all his partners for their meaningful contributions in the design process and the overall running of the establishment successful.

This man believes in Kingston’s potential for renewal, and he actually sees Kingston as a viable, urban tourism product. In our discussion, he also outlined that the people who should be leading the way in the renewal of Kingston are Jamaican creative thinkers such as: visual artists, musicians, playwrights and thespians (actors). He mentioned the Harlem renaissance and how it was the creative thinkers that brought life back to Harlem; it was definitely something that could happen in Kingston. Yes! Can you imagine; a Jamaican renaissance.

It is now time for the citizens of Jamaica and political representatives of this great city of Kingston to make a concerted effort to bring Kingston back to its former luster. Let us not continue to approach matters concerning this city with social and political divisiveness, for in reality we are all connected and should see ourselves as stakeholders in our city. This fundamental truth has been lost sight of for way too long, and it is a primary catalyst to many of the social ills, which prevail in the city of Kingston. Downtown Kingston can easily become a creative and cultural hub as many of our major creative and cultural institutions can be found there. Institutions such as: The National Gallery, The Institute of Jamaica, The Ward Theatre structure (which I understand should soon be undergoing repairs) and the Simon Bolivar Center.

I had a wonderful time at the F&B Restaurant; go and check it sometime dear readers. My experience at this outstanding restaurant was also made extra special by its wonderful staff, I would like to extend special thanks to Yvonne Samuels, Vandeen Thomas and Avril Kelly, you all made my visit even more special. When you get a minute, visit them at https://www.fnbdowntown.com/.