After over a year in the planning and design, Corner Brook’s first restaurant offering a mixture of authentic Jamaican cuisine and contemporary food – Taste of Jamaica opened it doors to the public as part of its soft launch strategy.  According to the owner, Raymond Thomas, the soft launch is designed to allow the restaurant staff to work the kinks out of their equipment, get a feel for what people like on the menu and streamline operations prior to its official grand opening.  “People were anxious for us to open”, Thomas said.  “Having a soft launch allows us to perfect things on our menu and work out any issues prior to our full launch.  It also gives us an opportunity to finalize a few final details”.  Chef Kirk Myers is excited about the opportunity the soft launch provides.  “The first two weeks gives us an opportunity to show people just how great Taste of Jamaica’s food will be.  Just because we are still adding some decor, dotting some I’s and crossing a few T’s, it does not change the quality of food or change what customers can expect.  Our menu and the food coming out of the kitchen has to meet my high standards,” Myers stated, as he goes about ensuring that his operation is running efficiently.