Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

The Gleaner's Deputy Managing Director, Christopher Barnes (left), along with from second left: Jean Lowrie-Chin, representing Norge; Stephanie Scott, organiser of Kingston Restaurant Week (KRW); Jackie Lechler of Stewart's Auto and Mark Lineham of Digicel (back) give it 'the to-the-world' at yesterday's KRW launch. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The inaugural world 100-metre beach sprint, is scheduled to take place on the beaches in Negril next November.

Deputy Director of Tourism Zachary Harding made the announcement at the launch of The Gleaner-sponsored Kingston Restaurant Week (KRW), at The Market Place, St Andrew, yesterday. KRW is the brainchild of Stephanie Scott of SSCO event management company.

Harding, who was guest speaker at the launch, said, at the recently held Beijing Olympics in China, the Jamaica Tourist Board was also able to get the International Association of Athletics Federation to commit to building the track on the beach. At that time, the first Negril Restaurant Week will take place.

Sponsors and other participants were on hand to support the four-year-old event. Since 2005, KRW has grown tremendously. Now, every November, patrons look forward to the prestigious discounted dining-out experience.

In the four years, more restaurants and sponsors have also come on board. This year, 35 of Kingston's finest restaurants will cut their prices by 30 per cent on a wide variety of dishes available on the island. Also, five new sponsors have joined in the culinary celebration.

Dynamics

The event is once again endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board and Kingston and St Andrew Corporation. Harding said that Jamaica, as a tourist destination, needs to move away from offering just sun, sand and sea. He said visitors and the dynamics of the world are changing.

"Thus, in order for us to position ourselves as a destination that is different, we have to look at the niche areas that set us apart from everyone else."

Scott announced the establishment of the Derek L. Mahfood Scholarship, in honour of the late businessman, who designed the Market Place food court. One student from HEART/ NTA will be able to study to the executive chef level. Corporate sponsors then donned their chef's regalia and served some delicious treats to guests.

Yummy! Janette Stewart, representing Acropolis and Villagio Gaming Lounge, sure looks good serving up a tasty ham.

Minna Israel of RBTT shows off her culinary skills.

Chief Executive Officer of Digicel, Mark Linehan, serves up a tasty yam salad.

Who would think that you could eat a Suzuki? Try this Suzuki-branded dessert that Jackie Lechler is more than happy to share.