LEFT: Hilton Kingston Hotel's owner, Ron Kelly (second right), with bride Bonnie, share ribbon-cutting duties with general manager, Frank Rosheuvel (right), and co-head of Citibank, Raymond McGuire, who had arrived in the island specially for the reopening. The Kellys had exchanged wedding vows in the Prime Minister's Suite of the hotel earlier that day. The bride wore a light grey silk brocade two-piece and matching Stewart Weitzman python shoes, and was dressed by Adrienne, the hotel's boutique. RIGHT: Hilton Kingston's general manager, Frank Rosheuvel, with wife Lorraine Rosheuvel (centre), and Sheila Benjamin-Fernandez at the official reopening of the Palm Court Restaurant, at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston on Tuesday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
ONE OF Kingston's finest restaurants, the Palm Court in the Hilton Kingston Hotel, deprived its clientele of their fine cuisine and five-star service for a whole weekend, as they closed for renovation. The reopening was Tuesday evening, and of course, in true Palm Court style, they sent out intricately crafted invitations that promised an evening of fine dining. The night was expected to be one of high calibre service and culinary creativity. Needless to say, it was.
At 7:00 p.m. the guests trickled in, and all were anxious to enjoy the delights that awaited them - but why make haste? The finer things in life come only with patience; and so they waited. They waited by the poolside to the music of the mento band James Carlton and with the drink of their choice in hand. Oh what sweet torture! Their anxiety was soon soothed as the invitation was made to head up to the mezzanine level of the lobby, where the Palm Court is located. There they found newly laid carpeting and enhanced décor, that only added to the already elegant ambience of the restaurant.
PERSONALISED NAMEPLATES
Hosts and hostesses seated each guest at predesignated places bearing personalised nameplates. The managing director of the Hilton Kingston, Frank Rosheuvelle, spoke briefly before the dining began. He told a story of his worldwide search for the perfect steak and after travelling all over the globe, he finally found what he thought to be the best steak he ever had - it was of the Black Angus beef. As a matter of fact, the essence of the Palm Court's signature dish is the Black Angus beef: two medallions of Black Angus tenderloin served with gratin dauphinoise and seasonal vegetables. Naturally, that was the main course for the evening. Needless to say, each course was absolutely exotic and quite enjoyable.
MADE GOOD ON PROMISE
The Palm Court made good on its promise of a fine dining experience. The entertainment also proved to be world-class and delightfully charming. David Hayle, a very talented guitarist, pleased the ear, as he strummed out contemporary classics like Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World. He won the hearts of many as he played Emotions by the Bee Gees and Neil Diamond's classic, Song Sung Blue and of course the guests could not resist singing along in between mouthfuls.
After the final course - a rich and creamy dark chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream - president of the Chaine des Rottisseurs, Kermit Tucker, commended Frank Rosheuvelle and the food and beverage director Olivier Lavoine, for a well-executed evening. "Tonight reminds me of the good times we had," he said. "It was an evening of elegance, of excellent food, good company and an atmosphere that lends itself to good conversation."
Guests were introduced to the culinary team, and the executive chef in particular; Garfield Victor was commended for his efforts. Also deserving of commendation was the Maitre'D, Leroy Myers, who reaffirmed that excellent customer service is still alive.
Among those in attendance were owner of the Hilton, Ron Kelly and his wife Bonnie, specially invited guest Raymond McGuire who flew in from New York just for the reopening, Joseph M. Matalon, Richard Byles and his wife Jacinth, Maurice Facey and his wife Valerie, Peter Moses, Aubyn and Tamara Hill and Robert Levy and his wife Judy.
