My friend and I dined at Yemanja Woodfired Grill last Mon., July 10. Opening night was Sat. the 8th.

Yemanja is located at the old Que Pasa which closed and moved up the block last July. It is owned by Marvin & Eddie, the owners of the Que Pasa and Marandi. Hours are 5:30-10:30 pm or until the bar closes. They are closed on Sundays.

I visited Saunder and George the night before opening and they showed me around. It has taken a year to put Yemanja's together as all the tables in the restaurant are beautifully hand-made. As is the bar which is in stone - taken from the grounds before building of the RIU.

Saunders the Kitchen/Food Manager & Chef is formerly the chef from Marindi's Restaurant and Restaurant Manager George was the manager of Scandals at Renaissance Marketplace.

Since Yemanja's is closed on Sundays, we arrived on their 2nd opening night. At the time we dined around 8:30 pm, everyone was dining outside in the back garden - not inside. My friend had the marinated chicken breast with teriyaki glaze and I had the honey and thymed glazed rack of lamb. As a side, we both ordered the "wood fire garlic mashed potatoes". Lamb is not a dish that I order often as as I remember the "lamb tasting" leg of lamb that I was made to eat in my youth - which I didn't like at all. The rack of lamb at Yemanja's was so good - more than good - it was excellent. I wish I took a picture of it - but I devoured it but before I could get my camera out. My friend also enjoyed her chicken breast. She said the teriyaki glaze made it very tasty. The garlic mashed potatoes where served ontop of our entrees not in a side dish. We didn't have dessert as we were not impressed with the offerings.

The menu is still a work in progress. George will update me with any changes

PICTURES – YEMANJA WOODFIRED GRILL

MENU – YEMANJA WOODFIRED GRILL

Thanks Liz. Will try next time we are "home". I presume the prices were American dollars.

"El Muchacho De Eagle Beach"
Eagle Beach Boy
Ontario, Canada

Yes, U.S. $

What are your thoughts on El Gaucho?

Liz- you are amazing! How you get all these menus is beyond me. Thanks for the new restaurant tip. We're staying downtown in 2 weeks and looking for another place to visit and this may be the one. Love a good rack of lamb and might have to try theirs. The prices look very fair compared to alot of places opening up lately. Thank you for keeping us all updated.

As for ElGaucho, we have gone there probably 10 times and 8 of 10 have been very enjoyable. We do dine by 7pm and haven't had a problem with service. We like that they do have smoking and non smoking sections and you get your choice of 3 side items. Love their chimichurri sauce also which is available for purchase. We always have the "gaucho steak" ~16oz and some have been more tender than others. Completely different than your US prime/aged steaks, but tasty for $28-$30. Other favorites for steaks include LG Smith,LeDome and Chalet Suisse.

Thank you Sheri. I will make sure that we set up a reservation for our trip before we get down there!