Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
Manager of the Paicere French restaurant at Grand Lido Braco, Devon Wilson (left) and acting food and beverage manager, Andrew Cole (left back row in blue shirt), proudly pose with the waiters and waitresses who will make a difference at the Best of Jamaica 2007 to be held at the resort from October 3-7. - Photos by Janet Silvera
WESTERN BUREAU:
SuperClubs Grand Lido Braco is promising a potpourri of Jamaica's rich cultural tradition, vibrant history and eclectic culture at its celebrated fifth annual 'Best of Jamaica' event from October 3 to 7, at Braco in Trelawny.
And, if last Wednesday's sneak preview into the resorts' culinary mastery was anything to go by, it is safe to say that culinary buffs will have their appetites titillated by celebrated chefs who Sam James, the hotels' acting general manager, says, will spill the beans on traditional Indian and Chinese delicacies, coupled with Jamaican dishes.
Uunveiling of the secrets of rum blending
The five-day festival, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, will see chefs not only rolling up their sleeves to join cooking demonstrations, but the unveiling of the secrets of rum blending from the experts.
During the festival, guests are encouraged and invited to walk through the daily marketplace where local artisans will showcase their wares, pay tribute to Bob Marley's influence in nightly music and entertainment, explore the power of herbs with a Jamaican bush doctor and learn island lingo in a patois class taught by the resorts' social directors.
"Our guests will have the opportunity to participate in optional off-property excursion tours including the 18th-century Prospect Plantation, which houses an historic great house, butterfly aviary, camel rides and offers a unique opportunity to feed ostriches," remarked Sam James as he addressed a host of sponsors who have come on board this year.
Seven-course dinner for US$100 per person
Best of Jamaica culminates with a culinary extravaganza in the form of a seven-course dinner in the resort's signature Piacere French restaurant and this will be at a cost of US$100.00 per person.
According to Mr. James, the travel market response has been overwhelming and this was evident in the solid booking and occupancy projections over the period. "It underscores the need for SuperClubs to continue to develop similar events as part of our marketing strategy," he noted.
He said the anticipated success could not have been achieved without sponsors such as Cable and Wireless, Wisynco, Jamaica Public Service, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Tastee, Tent City Rentals, Jamaica Tourist Board, J. Wray & Nephew, Nestle Jamaica, Berger Paints, WalkersWood Caribbean, Kingston Industrial Agencies, T. Geddes Grant, Digicel, Dolphin Cove, Sterling Asset Management, National Meats, Butterfly Dreams, Mayberry Investments, Juici Patties and the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory.
The Culinary team at Grand Lido Braco which plans to create magic and declare their supremacy at the resort's 5th 'Best of Jamaica' event.
From left Cable and Wireless' public relations and events coordinator Ann-Marie Williams-Minott and Sponsorship Manager, Devon Hunter enjoying every moment of the press luncheon to officially launch SuperClubs Grand Lido Braco's 'Best of Jamaica' 2007 at that resort last Wednesday.
SuperClubs' vice-president of public relations Sue McManus (right), greets Sterling Asset Management's chief operating officer (CEO), Mildred Moss (centre) and personal financial planner, David Weir at the launch of 'Best of Jamaica' 2007.
SuperClubs vice-president and acting general manager of Grand Lido Braco, Sam James (right), is the perfect host at the press launch announcing the hotel's 'Best of Jamaica' 2007. He was seen not only welcoming (from left) Kingston Industrial Agencies Ltd., Sharon Hastings, Jamaica Public Service's Kathy Cooke and the Jamaica Tourist Board's Norma Taylor, but he seemed to have had them in stitches.
