Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Robert Gregory (left), president of Jamaica Trade and Invest, chats with (from left) Marjorie Kennedy, president of the Jamaica Exporters' Association; Cuban Ambassador Gisela Garcia and husband Jorge Crespo. They were attending the 'Taste of Jamaica' culinary showcase held at Caribbean Business House Club, Barbados Avenue, New Kingston, last Wednesday. - - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
The Jamaica Trade and Invest formerly Jampro, rolled out a culinary delight for guests at the Caribbean Business Club, in New Kingston, last Wednesday.
It was called 'A Taste of Jamaica' and delivered just that as the guests enjoyed the dishes of 'czars' of Jamaican cuisine, Walkerswood Caribbean Foods Ltd., Linstead Market Ltd. and Arlene's Catering. The event was arranged to showcase the best of Jamaican cuisine and our export food products. Hopefully, in between the samplings and great music, some deals were also made.
One foreigner who was definitely impressed was Joe Moscowitz, president of Larkin Logistics, a company that specialises in international transport and warehouse services for the speciality food trade. He lauded the Jamaican cuisine, which he had sampled over the last few days, and encouraged those who wanted to export had a willing ally in his company. "We can help to make it happen," he promised.
But the evening was all about the food! The chefs who manned each station were given a 15-minute stint each to prepare one of their signature dishes. Master of ceremonies Fae Ellington went around to the booths talking with the chefs, not just learning how they made their dishes, but also how they got into the business of leaving people full and happy.
Arlene's provided Rasta Pasta and sautd chicken in coconut sauce; Linstead Market produced ackee and saltfish with banana croquette and pepperpot chowder; while Walkerswood presented escoveitched fish fillets and Jamaica rundown shrimps. All delightful dishes for the audience to enjoy.
Guests included chefs Karl Hart, Dennis McIntosh, Ryan Crawford and Benjamin Wallace, Peter Bunting, Grace Cameron of Jamaican Eats magazine, Gari Ferguson of Rib Kage, Tanya Miller, Dr. Andr Gordon, Carole Beckford, Michael Morris and Virginia Burke.
