KINGSTON, Jamaica — Anticipation was high for the start of the annual Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards now underway at Devon House in Kingston.

To kick things off, Jamaica Observer managing director Danville Walker gave opening remarks followed immediately by the presentation of awards. Opa was awarded best Greek Restaurant; Moby Dick copped the award for the best curried goat while the M10 restaurant was awarded the place for the Best Rice and Peas.

Other winners for the evening included Gloria’s Rendezvous for Best Steamed Fish, The Pantry for Best Curried Chicken, Lorna’s Catering for Best Fried Chicken, Miss T’s Kitchen for Best Ox-tail, Island Grill for Best Plantains and Juicy Patties taking two awards so far– Best Place for Fried Johnny Cakes and Best Porridge.

The Chairman’s Award went to Stush in the Bush and Tastee Patty received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Volae Williams was named the Jamaica Yellow Pages Chef on the Rise and Pimora Pimento Briquettes received the award for Best Product of 2016.

Moya Hinds