I've emailed little ochie 3 times in the last couple of weeks regarding opening times and as yet they've not had the courtesy to answer my query.I'm now wondering if there's any point in taking my family there for a meal when they can't be bothered to reply.Is this a business or what or have they become so successful that they don't need new custom? There are 8 of us! I wouldn't have thought this was good business sense.

Soon come, soon come!

Don't be discouraged. The food will make up for it!

Ann, with all due respect, either chill out on the demand for having things the way you're accustomed to or consider going to an all inclusive.

I doubt a party of 8 would phase them too much, but you could try giving them a call when you get to TB. The food's great, the service is slow, pop a red stripe and enjoy the waves.

I have to agree with Loose. I am pretty sure that they will be open at whatever time you go. Most places in JA don't close until the last person exits!! You really don't need to worry about them accomodating a party of 8, I have been there many times with over 20 people and yes, you will have to wait a while to get your food since it's all cooked to order, but like Loose said, have a beer and chill!!

Loose,I'll ignore the first part of your advice.Don't forget we live in a global village and I know many people who access this website, not just local jamaicans. Your take it or leave it attitude may just confirm to many, a commonly held stereotype about the business sector on the island which could be very off putting. I'm no stranger to Jamaica or it's culture. My reason for asking about opening times was because we wanted to celebrate a special occasion and there is only one day in the week when all the family can make it.It's called forward planning.I do hope you're not part of the business sector, if so may god help Jamaica.

Hey Ann,
LIGHTEN UP! I deal with people like you on a daily basis and I've learned that the folks that demand the most and whine the loudest have little loyalty and think that 'tipping' is a city in China. If you're going to start insulting Jamaicans about their business sense and practices please go stay at an all inclusive and eat hot dogs.

I'll counter by saying that one could call the "commonly held stereotype about the business sector on the island " a fact of island life rather than a stereotype. Or at least a fact of south coast life.

And as for putting people off, those who don't care to change from their accustomed ways of quick, efficient service might be better served at an all inclusive which tends to cater more towards the 'developed' way of doing things.

As for me, I'll sit back and let the locals do as the locals do, knowing that as a guest in their neck of the woods I need to bend towards their style...lest the global village become a little too homogenous.

My two cents...or is it up to four now?

PS: I don't think Ann was denigrating Jamaican businesses. Its my take that she was saying that one should not consider them to be stereotypically 'backwards', for lack of a better term on my part.

PPS: I've had my fill of giving my opinion on this. Don't want to start a flame war or anything. So Ann I give you the last word.

People please take it easy.Why the fuss.This is not a restaurant that take reservations, just a place on the beach to show up relax and have a good time.If you never have to wait for your food that is a bad sign "means the food is no good" so relax with a nice cold drink enjoy the ocean breeze and wait for that delicious meal.Maybe the reason for not replyiny to an email is not having time to go on a computer because they are too busy cooking-up those wonderful dinners.
Ann go and show up with your friends and try to make a fun day I'm sure you will not regret it.

I have no word on this whole thing, I just wanted to thank 'Loose.' As an English teacher, it pleased me enormously to see "PPS" instead of "PSS" as so many people write! I know that's silly, but I take my pleasure where I can!
GG

Excellent Loose, you would do well working for the Jamaican Tourist Board both there and abroad.I'm sure your visitor numbers would rise overnight.

Loose,
You are kinder than me. I'm sorry but I have little time for such demanding people. Probably why I'd rather be in Treasure Beach than anywhere else...

Peace and Respect,

Stephen

Ann I'm sure the times would be accomodating, Blackie caters to the fisherman, and that's always early, and of course they stay open very late. I don't think they check the website email that often, just something pretty new for them. I know they would really want your business and it would be ashame if you didn't go and treat your family and friends, don't let this get to you, just call once you arrive, but even then I doubt you could make a reservation. Don't get to wrapped up in the detail sometimes it will drive you crazy...I like to plan ahead too, but sometimes it's just not possible and the unplanned times are usally the best anyway. Have a great trip!

So, uh, can we at least agree that Little Ochi has good food and just showing up with 8 people would still get you a great, if slow, meal?

Let's just say yes and move on to the next topic.

GB Shaw: "One has good manners or bad manners, but one has the same manners for all". The lady
has a question. A simple answer would suffice.
Many businesses on island aren't the least e-mail centric, given even 'Jamaican time'. Jamaicans use phones. Call Little Ochie and talk to them about scheduling your special event and timing.
It'll be easy/the place and food are indeed one-of-a-kind -- and well worth whatever patience you can muster.

Little Ochie is open 7 days a week. I do not believe they check their email often, so your best bet would be to try and call them. Their number is 876-965-4449 or 876-965-4450. It is possible for you to reserve a boat or table off to the side for a party of 8.

No need to call far in advance. I would recommend you either call the day before or the same day.

In my experience, the folks at Little Ochie have always been extremely accommodating to any special requests I have had. . . and the food is always worth the wait! I like to sip on a cup of fish tea while I am waiting as my stomach juices are usually churning in anticipation.

I was shocked and horrified by some of the vitriolic diatribe that was dished out to what was a simple enquiry.Thank you to Lynette,Traveller and Rebecca for your reasoned comments and contribution.Rebecca you gave me a full answer to my question -it was all I wanted and thanks again.Finally, just to clear up one important point, my e-mail was never about reserving seats at Little Ochie,it was about OPENING TIMES.At no time did I use the word 'reservation'.Strange how simple facts can become distorted.

Hey Ann have a wonderful time at little Ochie. Wish i was there to enjoy some of that great seafood. I know that after leaving u will be saying "that was a wonderful meal".
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just got back from dining there last week. Here's a lobster plate.

We had to edit MilwaukeeMike's picture for size.

-TBNet

We were there a couple of weeks ago. Go early, pick your fish out and chill. Plan on spending a couple of hours and don't worry about the service because everything "soon come". Leave your watch at home and just enjoy the moment and the food. It is worth the wait.

I have some pictures of the food and suroundings, so if someone can tell me how to post them I would appreciate it. Thanks

You can add pictures by going to the Photo Gallery (button at the top of this page) and clicking on the link there.

Looking forward to seeing what you have.

-TBNet

Gairy Brooks took my wife Kim and I to Little Ochie a few years back and we'll never forget the experience! Picking out our own fish, shrimp and lobsters and then just relaxing in "the boat" with Red Stripes and rum drinks while our meal was cooked up - truly one of the best culinary experiences we've ever had! EVERYONE should go there. Just remember - - patience...

ANN:

I clearly understand your delema and how difficult it is to get the response desired from a simple request. It's probably true that if this restaurant understood the importance of E-Customer Service it would make alot more money. But keep in mind they probably get alot of resevations with no shows, junk emails, etc, that fill up their mail box. For now, a simple phone call or even posting here is a good avenue. When my website goes live, detailed info about each placed advertisment will be enough for E-visitors.

I am glad you posted your "delema", The importance of "E-customer Service" on an island, if siezed upon, could create jobs for those willing. A study was just recently released stating people are more willing to pay a higher price, repeatedly, for services where the "human interaction" was pleasing.

This little restaurant is more than likely a lovely place, with hardworking employees. They are probably just getting up to E-COMMERCE speed and would love to have you.

Check out "Website to promote St Elizabeth or" on this Forum. It's going to be the future E-Place with all the info visitors need.
Process, Process, Process.