Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
THE EFFERVESCENCE of beverages is known to open the palate; and on Tuesday evening, as the Talk of the Town at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, was being prepared for the much-anticipated Gala Seven-Course Gourmet Dinner, guests passed the time with spirited conversation until the announcement was made, inviting all to the dining area in the Talk of the Town.
The hostess, Nancy McLean, O.D., promised the guests an exciting dining experience and an evening of good food rather than rambling speeches. On that note, out marched the waiters and waitresses like culinary soldiers, armed with dozens of plates, each laden with the appetiser.
GREAT FOOD
The tantalising combination of Glazed Chicken with Creole Sauce accompanied by a glass of Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc (what a mouthful!) was the perfect beginning to what would be an exciting carnival of flavours. With each successive course, the 'oohs' and 'aahs' grew more pronounced as persons became more vocal about their amazement at the presentation, and groaned with delight as they savoured each bite. By the end of the seven courses, six glasses of wine and one glass of rum, the mill of chatter grew louder as the wine and rum "loosened the tongues", as Ms. McLean suggested.
MUSICAL FORAYS
The guests found delight in singing along to the musical forays of Anne Trout and Noel Peck, who played on the piano and violin, the melody of several numbers from well-loved musicals like My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and The King and I. One crowd favourite was Get Me To The Church On Time from Mr Fair Lady, and one guest, who perhaps felt a bit more assertive than usual, even insisted on an encore.
As is customary, the guests were introduced to the men and women behind the magic the culinary team which comprised several chefs from all over the Caribbean, including the Pegasus' own Leon Meredith. Also, Ms. McLean presented to Elizabeth Bennett, who was responsible for the selection and pairing of wines, a book on Jamaican culture, just before inviting all to have coffee or tea in the sitting area. Some soon flocked to that section of the room, as there might have been a need to 'detox' after all that wine.
Among those who turned up to enjoy the culinary creations of the different Caribbean chefs were Marie Powell and her husband Al, Barry Bonito, Belinda Williams, Leon Rattray, Robert Stephenson, Sharon Henry, Marilyn Bennett and Mitsuo Seyama.
