KINGSTON, Jamaica — The long-awaited Jamaica Food and Drink Festival kicks off today with Pork Palooza at the Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston.

From 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, patrons will be able to experience a premiere pork event that celebrates all things “swine” — savour the likes of crispy pork belly, ribs smothered in a secret sauce, chops grilled to perfection topped off with the perfect sides and desserts with a twist. Also, Jamaica’s finest pork masters will vie for the acclaimed title of “Top Hog”.

The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, which will run from October 26-30, will boast more than 40 celebrated chefs and culinary personalities representing the gamut of the Jamaican gastronomic experience.

Showcasing seven scrumptious gourmet events at seven venues in Kingston, if you miss today’s event there will be others to choose from

The events include:

• The ‘Crisp Fried Fare and Beer’ at the Gardens at the Pegasus on October 27;

• Vintage: Celebrating Mondavi 50, also on October 27 at a private Kingston 6 address;

• Stix and Stones at The Ruins at Mona Visitors’ Lodge on October 28;

• Meet Street Food Truck Festival on October 28 and 29 at Barbican Beach, East Kings House Road; and

• Picante on October 29 at Kingston Polo Club, Caymanas Estates; and

•Brunch at the Gallery on October 30 at the National Gallery of Jamaica.